There was lots of laughter and memories shared - and maybe the odd exaggeration - when the reunion of the Finley Football 1971 Premiership first and seconds teams was held at the Finley Golf Club on Friday.
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Many returned for the occasion, including the wife of then captain Wally Mumford.
Jill and her sons Max and Thomas, were delighted to hold the banner for this very popular coach.
One member of the firsts, John ‘Jack’ Hawkins went on to play for Geelong Football Club from 1973 until 1984.
Jack’s brother, Michael, also played in the 1971 winning team against Deniliquin.
Team members of the seconds were also included in the celebrations, as they managed to make it to the semi-finals that year - a great achievement.
It was lovely to see several of the team members’ wives and daughters in attendance, still supporting their favourite footballers even after all these years.
Well done, everyone.
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Just a reminder that the National Recovery and Resilience Agency, in conjunction with Rotary Australia Community Outreach Events, will be in Finley tomorrow.
You can find the team at the School of Arts Hall between noon and 4pm, to provide support and advice on drought and other challenges.
This is an opportunity for all levels of government, charities, not-for-profit and agricultural organisations to support farmers and rural and regional communities living through the immediate and longer-term effects of drought.
Please feel free to drop in any time to have a chat and take advantage of the free Rotary barbecue and $500 Rotary vouchers available.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Sam Star on 0408 305 055 or Sam.Star@recovery.gov.au.
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The Finley RSL Sub-branch would like to encourage anyone interested in starting up the local band once again, taking part in Anzac Day services and other community events, to contact president Jeff Ward on 5883 1344 or the secretary Don McKellar on 0467 774 516.
The former band members played such an important part on many occasions in the past and the band is well recorded in the history of memorable events.
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The Finley Lions Club wood raffle once again proved very successful last Saturday.
The trailer load was won and passed on to a very deserving family.
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The Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop is once again doing its best to keep everyone warm during the current cold weather.
During July, the Op Shop is having a ‘keep warm in winter’ sale.
There are some items that have marked prices; however, all the rest of the clothing is just $5 for a bag full.
The volunteers would be delighted to see as much of the clothing stock as possible go out the door.
There is an abundant supply of high-quality items which could be very helpful, given the current high cost of living.
All funds raised by the Auxiliary are used to supply extra equipment and facilities at the local hospital.
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Members of the Finley Garden Lovers Club are looking forward to celebrating 60 years on September 28, when one of the presentations will be by Gardening Clubs of Australia president Lorraine Emerson.
She will be visiting Finley for the occasion and is bound to have many stories to tell of her overseas gardening adventures and travels as club president.
The venue will be the Finley RS Club and there will be other presentations and sales, including a well stocked plant trading table and continuous raffle.
Keep watching this column for more information leading up to the event.
The July meeting will be held at the home of club member, Bernadette Gray, for a demonstration of rose pruning.
The usual monthly meeting, competitions, swap table and freebies table will be included.
Members are asked to bring a plate to share, and the table judges will be Anne Hawkins and Heather Ricketts.
The three special themes for the July meeting are mixed foliage arrangement in water; bromeliads in a pot; and hellebore flowers (three, any colour in water).
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Principal Jeff Ward, teachers and students of Finley High school were very grateful to receive the annual donation of $2000 from members of the Finley Community Second Hand Shop recently.
This annual donation is very much appreciated and is used to benefit the students.
The second hand shop is run entirely by volunteers and new members are most welcome.
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Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922 or email anne.freestone@bigpond.com.
They may also be left at the Southern Riverina News office.
Please include a contact name and phone number.
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