75 years of love and family

Pat remembers there were some who thought at the time they were too young and that the marriage would not last.

However, the happy couple are delighted to prove the doubters wrong.

Pat and Bill continued to live in Melbourne and went on to add five children to the family, William (Bill), Ken, Cheryl, Gail and Peter.

Over the years, this grew to include 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and five great, great-grandchildren.

After visiting Tocumwal on several occasions and enjoying the country lifestyle, they decided to move to the town where they spent 34 years.

Ill health and age later convinced them it would be more appropriate to purchase a home at Alumina in Finley, to be closer to family.

Pat and Bill are extremely proud of their children and extended family and, after attending a family wedding some time ago, it was decided to have a reunion and celebrate the wonderful milestone together.

Their granddaughter Jodie and her husband Paul Cicolini very generously made their home the venue for the occasion, which took the form of a luncheon last Saturday, for which Pat and Bill would like to express their appreciation.

“Jodie always has been an amazing organiser,” Pat said.

The couple were thrilled to have Pat’s sister Jan travel from Melbourne for the event. Another sister, Lorraine, was too unwell to travel from Myrtleford.

Bill’s brother Robert was also in attendance and has always supported them whenever needed.

Pat and Bill were extremely proud to have five generations of the family with them on such a joyful occasion and would like to thank everyone who contributed to making their anniversary so special.

It should be noted that fewer than 0.1 per cent of all marriages last for 75 years, and Pat and Bill have now joined this elite group.

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At the invitation of Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, Bishop of Wagga Wagga, parishioners from the Catholic communities of Tocumwal, Jerilderie, Berrigan, and Finley came together recently for a joyful celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).

The gathering included a combined Holy Mass, Eucharistic Procession, and a shared morning tea.

As the first combined Corpus Christi celebration involving the four parishes, the occasion was a powerful sign of faith, unity and fellowship.

Fr Prasanth Mary Das expressed his gratitude to all who participated and contributed to the success of the day, describing the celebration as “a beautiful witness of our shared faith and the unity we find in Christ through the Holy Eucharist”.

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The Finley Uniting Church monthly movie will be held at the hall tomorrow morning from 10am.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxed morning while catching up with friends and making new ones.

Also, a way for newcomers to the town to get to know local residents, all are most welcome.

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Just a reminder to the community of Finley and surrounds, that the Blue Bins at St Vincent de Paul Depot, Finley have been removed. The depot has now been closed.

Any donations of clothing can be taken to the Finley Rotary Op Shop or the Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop.

St Vincent de Paul Society apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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Colin Drury was the lucky winner of last Saturday’s Finley Lions Club wood raffle.

Well done, Colin, for supporting this great organisation.

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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.

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