One local resident received a delightful surprise upon returning home after a dinner engagement on Saturday night to find she had been ‘elfed’ by pesky little elves with the help of Finley Public School P&C members.
What a lovely way to start the festive season.
The P&C members, who have reportedly been working very hard this year, saw the opportunity to raise funds to assist with the many maintenance and updating projects they have been carrying out over the past 12 months.
So, if by chance you happen to find some pesky little elves, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus on your front lawn, please join in the festive spirit and give a donation to the cause.
Size doesn’t matter, as every little bit helps.
And make sure to read the ‘Elf Mail - it’s quite a lovely poem.
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Family and friends gathered at the Finley Bowling Club from as far afield as Austria at the weekend to help Hubert (Bert) Wulz celebrate his 80th birthday.
Bert’s brother Michael Wulz and sister Josephine Roseman travelled from Austria for the occasion and to spend some time with the family.
His son Steve and daughter-in-law Kaz, together with their sons Max and Ben, came from Sydney while daughter Emily, son-in-law Nathan and granddaughters Chelsie and Alana travelled from Mulwala.
As well as local friends, other guests travelled from Sydney, Canberra and Victoria, and many ex-Finley people who were delighted to catch up, having not seen each other for several years.
Bert and his wife Helena were thrilled to host about 50 people at the club and would like to express their thanks to everyone who made the evening so memorable.
They were particularly impressed with the friendliness and service of the Bowling Club staff.
Bert has become involved in the Finley community, including holding secretary of Finley Rotary Club, since moving to Australia from Austria, spending time in Canberra and Sydney and eventually purchasing property in Finley.
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CanAssist Finley Branch is entering into the festive spirit with the street stall to be held this Friday.
There will be lots of items suitable for Christmas presents on sale, as well as the wonderful cooking and craft items for which these volunteers are so well known.
The support given to the raffle being conducted in the lead up to the street stall with ticket sellers outside IGA so far has been incredible.
All funds raised locally stay locally to help those doing the journey with cancer and their families.
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Please remember, Finley RSL Sub-branch members will be stationed outside Finley IGA selling tickets in the Christmas raffle on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week from now until December 20, when the draw will take place.
Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.
The first prize consists of a 45 litre Techni ice box (valued at $450) as well as a basket, both of which will be filled with Christmas goodies.
There are also two more baskets similarly stocked for second and third prizes so make sure you stop, have a chat to the volunteers and take the opportunity to win one of these great prizes.
Finley RSL Sub-branch provides opportunities for veterans to connect, provide welfare services and advocacy, and is involved in facilitating veteran commemoration services. New members are welcome.
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The Finley Show Society Committee gathered for a meal at the Country Club last Wednesday.
As well as holding the AGM, they celebrated another successful year.
President Kevin Sexton thanked the committee for its support and commitment during the past year.
The executive for the next year was elected: President Kevin Sexton, vice presidents Gordon Close and Scott Watkins, secretary Breanne Cleve, assistant secretary Carol Kennedy, treasurer Matt Mueller.
The committee thanks the community and businesses for all the support this year - whether you attended one or all of the events, sponsored the Dog Trials or Show, donated your time to help set up or pack-up, or bought a ticket or cake at a street stall, you've helped make 2024 a successful year.
Plans for 2025 are already in hand.
The Poultry Auction will be held on Saturday, March 22, the Sheep Dog Trials June 6 to 8 and the Finley Show is Sunday, September 7.
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The Finley Hospital Auxiliary members would like to advise the Op Shop will be closed for the festive season from the end of trading on Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
It is urgently requested that members of the public refrain from leaving contributions outside the shop during this period, as the Op Shop will not be attended.
The volunteers would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and express their appreciation for the wonderful support they continue to receive from the community.
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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.