Olympic theme for Probus birthday meeting

Finley Probus ‘Olympics Gold Medalists’ Myra Cowell, Jacci Benjamin, Cath Williams, Denis Hams and Peter Steele.

The recent meeting of Finley Probus Club, held in the Uniting Church Hall, earmarked several special occasions.

Firstly, the members celebrated 23 years since the group came together for the first time in Finley.

Probus is an association of active retirees who join together in clubs, the basic purpose of which is to provide regular opportunities to keep their minds active, expand their interests and enjoy the fellowship of new friends.

Numbers have been growing over the years and new members are always welcome.

Secondly, the meeting was privileged to have Carol Doherty from Cobram Riding for the Disabled as guest speaker.

Carol gave a very knowledgeable talk on the advantages of providing this exercise to people with special needs.

“It gives them a feeling of freedom and being in control in a very comforting way,” Carol said. She gave a very interesting PowerPoint presentation to show just how much their clients enjoy these sessions.

Thirdly, the members held their own version of the ‘Olympics’ with some very interesting events organised by Maree Matheson.

Myra Cowell was declared the Gold Medal winner of the ‘Swimming’ event; Peter Steele proved too strong, taking out the ‘Boxing’ event; Denis Hams the ‘Weight Lifting’; Cath Williams was too good for the other contestants in the ‘Basketball’ and Jacci Benjamin showed how agile she is by winning the ‘Javelin’.

To conclude the fun and enjoyment of the morning, a delicious luncheon was held. No doubt the contestants in the ‘Olympics’ well deserved the lovely spread of food.

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Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance presentation, ‘Unlocking Hope – No. 9’, will take place at the Finley RS Club on Thursday, July 18 at 10.15am for a 10.30am start.

The speakers on this occasion are from all walks of life and will talk about what has happened to them on their journeys with dementia.

An RSVP to 5883 9600 would be appreciated but is not essential.

Remember – together, we can make a difference!

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Ian and Inari Fox from Berrigan Lions Club presented CanAssist Finley president Pat Radford (center) with a cheque for $1000.

CanAssist Finley Branch was delighted to receive a very generous donation of $1000 from the Berrigan Lions Club recently, following a visit to the group by representatives of the Finley branch.

CanAssist provides assistance for country NSW, through financial help, practical support and raising awareness of this prominent condition. All money raised locally stays locally, to assist Finley and surrounding communities, including Berrigan.

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Garry Maher was the lucky winner of last Saturday’s Finley Lions Club wood raffle. The members of this group are to be congratulated on the time and effort, especially in this cold weather, they put in to raising funds to assist the local community.

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There are many ways in which residents can get together with friends and make new ones and this includes the events run by the Finley Uniting Church.

Crazy Whist will again be held this Saturday, at the Coree Street Hall, from 1.30pm.

Then, on Thursday, July 18, the movie morning will be held at the hall at 10am.

Everyone is invited to attend, particularly newcomers to the area. All are most welcome.

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Plans are coming together for the Finley School of Arts 120 years celebrations to take place over the weekend of August 23/24/25.

On Friday, August 23, the Finley Dance Group will be hosting a Masquerade Ball from 7.30pm to 11.30pm in the School of Arts Hall.

Then, on Saturday, August 24, there will be an Open Day in the SOA hall between 10am and 4pm with a display of memorabilia. Free morning and afternoon tea will be available.

A call is being put out to any local residents who would like to share memories of family and social events held at the SOA hall, especially in the early years. Further information can be obtained by calling 0428 293 922.

Then, to conclude the events, on Sunday, August 25 Finley Regional Care Auxiliary will be conducting an Artisan and Creativity Expo in the War Memorial Hall with morning and afternoon tea available in the SOA hall between 10am and 3pm.

Arrangements have been made for the Finley Museum, the Finley Railway Museum and Close’s Foundry Museum to be open on the Saturday, for which the organising committee is most grateful.

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Jacci Benjamin and Denis Hams walking their goats Ernie and Elmo.

Goats on Patrol? It is not unusual to see members of the Finley community walking their dogs for exercise; however, the sight of two goats being walked could be regarded as unusual!

Jacci Benjamin and Denis Hams were seen walking two very sociable goats, named Ernie and Elmo, in Denison St on their way to the Finley Showgrounds recently.

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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.