Yesterday was a day of great significance for local firefighter Ken Bevan.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
On the same date in 1968 he began serving his community as a member of Station 293 Finley.
Little did he think he would still be holding that position 55 years later.
It is understood this makes him the longest standing member of the Finley Station.
At the tender age of 18, Ken was approached by the then Captain Ainsley (Unc) Adams to join the team. He did not hesitate to start training.
Ken advises he has never regretted this decision, as it has been a huge learning curve and has given him many hours of both sadness and enjoyment.
Ken was active in the era when NSW Fire Brigades, as they were known then, became very competitive and held demonstrations on a regular basis at various locations around the state.
Ken won seven state titles, while the Finley group took out several zone competitions.
While there was always friendly rivalry between Finley and Tocumwal at these demonstrations, many strong friendships were formed.
Ken has seen the firefighting facilities in Finley grow from a small old brick building to the current modern resources and would encourage anyone to become involved with the outstanding team.
Young men and women can gain knowledge and satisfaction by joining Station 293.
•••
CanAssist Finley branch was fortunate to have Maria Erasmus, a palliative care nurse, visit thanks to Susan Carmichael.
She spoke at the recent meeting to members and guests about her role, which is largely community based.
This was an interesting talk with Maria speaking of the importance of living, quality of life and making moments count.
Question time proved very informative with Maria’s answers delivered in a frank and caring manner.
•••
Movie Morning is on again tomorrow, Thursday, at the Finley Uniting Church Hall in Coree St from 10am.
An invitation is extended to all members of the community to attend and enjoy the company of good friends while viewing a great movie.
•••
Just a reminder that the Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemoration and celebration of 100 years of the Finley War Memorial Obelisk will take place at the park commencing at 11am this Saturday, August 19.
An invitation is extended to members of the community to attend the service, which will be followed by light refreshments at the Finley RS Club.
John Braybon and John Hand were busy with soapy spray broom and hose, cleaning the obelisk on Sunday morning to show it is possible to be sparkling clean even after 100 years.
Luncheon bookings can still be made until this evening, but the sooner the better. Contacting treasurer John Hand on 0428 831 317. Cost is $40 per person.
•••
Finley Show Society will be holding a street stall this Friday from 8am.
A load of firewood will be raffled, and a large assortment of home baked goods will be for sale.
With only 18 days until show day, it is time to prepare your entries.
Check the closing dates as they do vary.
Online entries are preferred, however you can go to the show office which will be open from 10am Tuesday, August 29.
•••
Have you ever thought of how that trailer load of wood raffled by the Finley Lions Club each Saturday morning gets gathered and presented so nicely?
Well, the wonderful members don’t just sit there in the sun chatting as they sell tickets.
They work very hard holding a large working bee at the beginning of each winter to compile the wood, which is supplied by a generous property owner.
They then spend time each week filling the trailer and delivering it to the lucky winner.
However, the support given by the community - including Glen who was last Saturday’s winner - makes the hard work well worthwhile.
•••
There is a feathered little female who greets those playing competition at the Finley Golf Club on a regular basis.
Lucy, as the friendly chook is fondly called, can be seen hitching a ride in golf carts, looking for any stray crumbs or perching on a tree branch to make sure all strokes are counted correctly.
Lucy was happy to greet Sue Simpson last Wednesday morning when she arrived with some leftover cooked rice.
•••
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.
Columnist