St Mary’s Church parishioners celebrated 120 years since the church was opened and 70 years since being declared a parish, at the weekend.
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They were joined by Bishop Mark Edwards and Fr. Prasanth who travelled to Finley from Wagga Wagga and joined administrator Fr Paul Lu.
Visitors came from several surrounding parishes to support Fr Paul at the 10.15am Mass which was followed by morning tea/luncheon in the hall.
Two beautiful cakes for the occasion were specially made by Vangie Raqo and Cyntha Vinecombe.
The Bishop gave a brief presentation on the history of the early Catholics, with church services being held wherever possible.
The Murray Hut, private homes and even the original School of Arts were used by travelling priests before the front section of the present church was opened in 1904. In 1919, the western end of the church was extended.
Finley was originally under the Parishes of Corowa, Berrigan and Jerilderie before being declared a parish in its own right in 1954.
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The hard work carried out by the organising committee resulted in a large number of Finley High School ex-students coming together for a reunion at the weekend and having a great catch-up. It appears many have not met since leaving the school 50 years ago.
Some arrived early, getting here on Friday and having a ‘hit and giggle’ of golf at the Finley golf course before meeting up at the Country Club for drinks and dinner.
Saturday saw them take a nostalgic tour of the school and then gathering at the Golf Club for dinner. The club was beautifully decorated for the occasion with Finley High School house banners and colours displayed.
The official procedure for the evening was purposely kept short; however MC Doug Costor kept his audience of 80 people amused with some school memories and incidents with a few jokes thrown in for good measure.
There was farewell brunch with barefoot bowls at the Finley Bowling Club on Sunday morning for those who were up to the challenge completed the weekend celebrations.
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Just a reminder that ‘Unlocking Hope No. 11 – Understanding Dementia’ will take place at the Finley RS Club tomorrow, Thursday, October 10, 10.15am for a 10.30am start.
An invitation is extended to all residents in Finley and surrounding areas to attend.
Together, we can make a difference!
“Those people with a diagnosis of dementia who still remain active, stimulate their minds and are engaged with their community and friends cope best with the diagnosis,” Dr Alam Yoosuff said last month.
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If you are looking for a great morning out, please remember that Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Finley is holding its Parish Fete this Saturday, October 12, beginning at 9am, with this year's theme being ‘Rainbow’.
The organisers are looking forward to seeing those attending dressed in their brightest colours.
There is plenty of entertainment for all ages and a large variety of stalls, as well as a Single Bloom competition.
In the event of bad weather, the fete will move into the church hall.
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With the weather warming up, it is expected that the Finley Swimming Pool will open for the 2024/25 season the second weekend in November.
The management committee will be busy having working bees starting on October 23 to bring the facility up to the usual high standard and would appreciate any help from the public.
Further details of the working bees can be obtained by contacting president Barry Dawe on 0427 099 874.
With projects such as maintaining the vacuum system, replacing lane ropes and many other routine procedures to be done, the committee was delighted to have a very generous donation from the Finley 2nd Hand Shop recently.
Both these groups work hard to give back to our community; one providing an excellent facility for teaching lifesaving skills and the other providing financial support to many organisations in the town and all on a voluntary basis.
New members are most welcome to join at any time and would be very much appreciated.
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The Finley Local Health Advisory Committee is still seeking members of the community to take part in the Blood Bank drive which has been organised to go to Shepparton on Saturday, October 26 with a few spaces still available.
To check if you are eligible to donate blood, go to https://www.lifeblood.com.au.
The group booking has been made for 8.30am until 11am. By donating blood, you give a chance at life to those in need.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Finley LHAC member, Jenny McAllister, on (03) 5882 4229.
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The new columbarium project carried out by the Finley Lions Club and opened at the Finley Cemetery recently saw the first internment of ashes last week, which was very fittingly that of Vietnam Veteran David Attwood.
David’s friend Mick Jacobs travelled with his wife from Deniliquin and spoke of his time served before placing his ashes in the wall.
Lawrence Walsh of Berriquin Funerals also took the opportunity to intern the ashes of Lawrence Jones in the presence of his wife Jan.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
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