Finley High School students who started Form 1 in 1970 and finished in 1975 will be returning to town for a reunion beginning Friday, with some teachers from that time also in attendance.
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Confirmation of attendance has been received by popular teachers Geoff McNeil and John and Di Marshall.
The celebrations will begin with meet and greet drinks at the Tuppal Hotel on Friday night.
At noon on Saturday there will be a walk through the school followed by a dinner at the Finley Golf Club in the evening.
Sunday will begin with brunch and barefoot bowls at the Finley Bowling Club.
For those who still want to relive memories, there will be a dinner at 6pm at Hong Loch Chinese Restaurant to close off the weekend.
More than 60 classmates have indicated they will be attending, some travelling from Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Gympie as well as country and local areas.
The organisers are still trying to locate some ex-students, including Lesleigh Baker, Kevin Radford, and Wayne Picken. If you can help, please advise Andrew Richardson on 0407 503 978 or Malcolm McLelland on 0404 019 207.
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An enthusiastic reunion was held last weekend for students from the 1964 5th and 6th class students of St Joseph’s School, Finley.
They travelled from a wide area that stretched from Brisbane to Ulverstone (Tasmania) and Warrnambool to Moruya.
Some had not seen one another for more than 60 years.
There were plenty of stories (most of them true). Mentions of Sister Wenceslaus and Father Josko featured prominently.
Several get togethers at the Tuppal, Country Club and RS club were held and an inspection of the new school drew many observations and comparisons.
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The Finley Horse and Harness Trail Riding Club held a special celebration at the Finley Lions Club pavilion on Sunday.
This small trail riding club had its first ride in June 1985, 40 years ago, and is still ‘riding’ strong.
Ray James is still with the club, having started riding one month later, in July 1985.
The club rides on the second Sunday of each month, regardless of the weather, along the Mighty Murray and creeks and stations, both on the NSW side or Victorian side of the river.
Two campouts ate held each year, sometimes more, all around the country.
Members’ ages range from 12 years to the ‘OBE’ club.
The day was attended by past and present members and families.
Photos were viewed, both slideshow and albums, which brought back many memories and laughs.
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Attendees at the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance’s Unlocking Hope presentation last Thursday were treated to an engrossing and comprehensive talk by Dr Alam Yoosuff, his third presentation for the alliance.
Dr Yoosuff exposed many of the myths about dementia and provided statistics about the number of people with the diagnosis, and the much larger number of people in the community who are affected as a consequence.
He provided encouraging information about new drugs which will be used in future to prevent, treat and slow the progression of dementia.
The alliance hopes to provide a more comprehensive summary of what Dr Yoosuff said on its Facebook page shortly.
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Some of the Murray Hut CWA members have been busy knitting Trauma Teddies.
These special teddies are given to children who need a little extra comfort and are distributed through ambulance stations, hospitals, ICU units, and women’s refuges.
According to the Red Cross, more than 600 volunteer knitters and knitting groups across Australia lovingly handcraft around 50,000 Trauma Teddies every year.
That’s a huge number of children receiving the comfort of a teddy bear each year.
If you’d like to have a go at knitting some yourself, the pattern is available. Finished teddies can then be passed on through Murray Hut CWA branch.
Further information can be obtained by emailing murrayhutcwa@gmail.com.
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The new Anglican Parish of The Newell Banner, which was blessed during the centenary celebrations of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity on Sunday, is the result of hard work carried out by the Craft Group which meets in the hall every Wednesday between 10am and 2pm.
This group made and donated the banner and thanks, must go to Jill Braybon and Fay Williams, as well as the local business who carried out and donated the printing.
They all did an amazing job of bringing Fr Frederik’s design to fruition.
The Craft Group is a group of fun-loving people and an invitation is extended to anyone who would like to join them.
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Men and women in Finley and surrounding areas are invited to dress in their best pink outfits this Sunday, and join in an afternoon of fundraising for Can Assist, which has been providing aid and comfort to those affected by cancer for 70 years.
The event is being held at the Lions Pavilion, Finley showgrounds from 2pm. Cost is $20 per person, which includes afternoon tea and bubbles on arrival. BYO alcohol.
As there are limited seats available. Read more on page 5 of this edition.
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An invitation is extended to residents of Finley and surrounding areas to attend the Finley Uniting Church movie morning, to be held in the hall tomorrow at 10am. All are most welcome to attend, and a fun morning is assured.
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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. Please include a contact name and phone number.