Outgoing Finley Lions Club president Nellie Johnson welcomed members and guests to the club’s 56th changeover dinner recently.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
MC was Greg Blunt, with Norm Purtill taking on the role of officer installing the new board.
Bill Judd is the president for the coming year.
Nellie gave an extensive report on the activities of the club during her term as president.
“Together as a team, we have contributed 1,725 hours of volunteer service, working on our various projects in and around the town, and providing assistance at events held in the community” she said.
“Our end of year monetary donations have been distributed throughout the community and Lions Foundation projects.”
Nellie went on to explain that in January, after recent bush fires, a request was received from the Benalla Lions Club for help to cater for BlazeAid volunteers, based at Goomalibee Fire Station.
“It was most gratifying to be able to offer help to our wider communities,” she continued.
Another important part of her role was the induction of two new members into the club, and she was pleased to see them take on positions and grow in the group.
Mention was also made of the contribution of Chris and Joanne Horne. Chris resigned from the club following a move to Yarrawonga.
She went on to thank all who have assisted her during her term as president, and all members who have contributed to such a successful year.
She also offered her best wishes to the incoming president before presenting him with the Finley Lions Club Charter, gong and gavel.
•••
Members of the Finley community are reminded that A Cuppa and a Chat, Finley’s welcoming weekly coffee morning, are held weekly and open to anyone.
Held every Thursday from 10.30am at the Finley RS Club, the Murray Hut CWA and Finley RS Club initiative aims to reduce social isolation and provide a relaxed environment for conversation over coffee or tea.
Members of Murray Hut CWA are present each week and supply some very special morning tea options, while the club provides tea and coffee.
A gold coin donation is appreciated to help sustain the initiative.
Local businesses continue to play an important role in supporting the program.
Finley IGA supplies the coffee beans, while Tuppal Dairy provides fresh milk, helping keep the mornings affordable and enjoyable for all.
Organisers say the ongoing success of A Cuppa and a Chat highlights the importance of simple opportunities to connect within the community.
“Sometimes a cup of coffee and a friendly conversation can make all the difference,” Murray Hut vice president Nola Pinnuck said.
“We encourage anyone looking for a welcoming place to come along and join us.”
•••
Finley High School would like to sincerely thank the Finley Community Help Group Inc for their generous donation of $3000 towards school excursions.
“The ongoing support of community organisations such as this makes a real difference to our school and families, and we are most grateful for your kindness and commitment to our students,” principal Jeff Ward said.
“Thank you for helping us create opportunities that enrich learning beyond the classroom.”
•••
Margaret Nisbet, representing St Vincent de Paul Society’s Finley branch, was delighted to receive a generous donation presented by Warwick Douglas and Stella Brasier on behalf of Finley Community Help Group Inc.
Branch president Greg McNamara stressed the importance of such financial assistance for the welfare initiative carried out by St Vinnies.
He said even though the second-hand clothing depot has been closed, and the blue bins removed, assistance for those in need is still an important consideration for the group.
Financial contributions will always be much appreciated.
•••
Members of Finley Lions Club are to be congratulated for continuing to brave the cold, wet and windy weather each Saturday to sell wood raffle tickets.
Bernadette Gray was the lucky winner of last Saturday’s draw. She is just another one of the great number of volunteers Finley can be proud of.
•••
Another successful Finley Art Network exhibition was held last Saturday.
Each member displayed two or three of their favourite art pieces, and supplied morning and afternoon tea.
As a result of the exhibition, one new member has joined the network and others are interested. The group welcomes anyone, and meets Saturdays from 10am to 1pm or Tuesdays from 1pm to 5pm.
A watercolour starter package of paints, brushes and books was raffled, and no doubt the winner, Koen McCullough, won’t waste much time before giving it a try.
The next exhibition will be held in about six weeks.
•••
Finley Garden Club’s June meeting at the Finley RS Club was well attended by 23 members.
The floral competition had some interesting entries, and Bernadette Gray was the champion with her hanging Begonia.
Di Krasowski gave a demonstration on displaying flowers for judging, and Julie Stava gave an informative talk on ‘sport’ - a naturally occurring genetic mutation in which a single branch, leaf, flower or fruit is distinctly different from the rest of the plant.
The group’s July meeting will be held at ‘Wood N That’ Barooga, with Rob and Sandi Hamilton. Rob has to relocate his business by November if he can, or he will have to close. Member support would be really appreciated.
•••
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.