At the St Vincent de Paul function were (back, from left) Robyn Beazley, Bernadette Agosta, Marg Lacy, Pam Edwards, Judy Rourke, Greg McNamara and Gwen James; (front) Jane Middlebrook, Gill Taylor and Ann Beazley.
Ann Beasley hosted a morning tea at her home on Saturday to thank Gillian Taylor for the time and effort extended to Finley’s St Vincent de Paul Society over three years, and has now found it necessary to retire due to ill health.
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Greg McNamara, president of the Finley branch, presented Gill with a certificate of service and a card containing well wishes from other members of the local society.
Gill’s late husband, Colin, came out from England as a ‘Little Brother’ and worked milking cows in Sydney. It was there the couple met at a local church.
Gill and Colin moved to Logie Brae in 1963; a city girl who had never had any experience in the outback country. Colin obtained a position milking cows for Keith Alexander.
Many stories were told at Saturday’s gathering of how life became a real challenge for Gill, having only a wood stove which she had never used before. She did the washing in a tub on the stove which she kept going with small pieces of wood.
As for cooking, Gill was reluctant to say if there was very much of that done on the stove!
Furniture was very basic for the newlyweds. As she didn’t have a driver’s licence, Gill would walk to the neighbours for a visit and the local church where she would cadge a lift home with the Bennets. Eventually she obtained a licence which made travel a little easier.
After 15 years of working for other people, the couple were able to purchase their own farm at Finley.
Following the passing of Colin, Gill has continued to contribute to the local community in any way she can.
A prayer of thanks, composed and read by Margaret Lacy, acknowledged the work Gill has done for St Vincent de Paul and that she has strength, peace and support in the future concluded the official part of the gathering.
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Members of CanAssist Finley branch advise they will be holding a street stall on Friday, May 3 and would appreciate donation of cakes, garden items and other saleable goods.
All funds raised by the Finley branch stay in the local community to help those going through their journey with cancer, and their carers and families.
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Rumour has it that the recent meeting of Finley Regional Care Auxiliary was a fairly lively affair!
It was greatly appreciated to have some younger members join the group who came up with some very good ideas.
One function put forward for consideration could prove to be quite interesting. Stay tuned!
The auxiliary will be holding a street stall on May 10 with the Mother’s Day raffle for a pamper pack.
These ladies are known for their great cooking so be sure to get in early for the delicious array of cakes, slices, jams and other delicacies.
(From left) Finley RSL Sub-branch members Paul Sugden and Pat Radford were happy to help Max Lewis choose from the great array of cakes at the recent street stall.
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Members of Finley RSL Sub-branch would like to sincerely thank all those who supported the successful street stall and the sale of Anzac Day memorabilia, which has been taking place over the last few weeks. All memorabilia was sold out!
Thanks also to IGA management and staff for allowing the sub-branch to use their facilities for the sale of badges.
An invitation is extended to all members of the community to take part in the march and services.
Service times can be found on page 3 of this edition.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Finley RSL Sub-branch secretary on 0428 293 922.
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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.
