How Trevor works out a wonderful balance in his volunteering and life after retirement
FOR Trevor Finniss, mixing golf and volunteering is possibly the perfect way to live life after retirement.
Rouse Hill
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FOR Trevor Finniss, mixing golf and volunteering is possibly the perfect way to live life after retirement.
The former Baulkham Hills Rural Fire Service volunteer gives his time and energy to the Lynwood Country Club at Pitt Town, where he repairs divots on the tees and practice areas to ensure the greens are ready for players.
Mr Finnis is one of the many volunteers at the club using their skills to help with spraying and weeding gardens, hedging native grasses, planting new gardens, mulching and marshalling. He is one of our heroes for DoSomething Day project.
The volunteer crew includes Robert Lynn, Chris Lynn, Ray Abe, Arthur Graham, Bob Gibson, Brenda Williamson and George Williamson.
Mr Finnis, a grandfather of four, lived in the Hills for several decades before moving to Pitt Town with his wife of 44 years, Fay, and says he keeps himself busy throughout the week.
“I get personal satisfaction by giving my time to Lynwood Country Club which I thoroughly love,” Mr Finnis said.
“To me it’s a big family and I know so many people.
“I look after the 18 tee-offs and use the shovel and a ton-and-a-half of sand to refill the divots.
“I used to volunteer for around 15 hours a week but have now cut it down to around eight on Thursdays.
“On three days a week I play golf and my wife also plays bowls, though I must say my golf is lousy.”
The cheerful 70-year-old is using his spare time to pick up the paint brushes again, having won several awards in the past for his artwork.
“I did landscaping artwork and won prizes, including at the Orange Blossom Festival in the Hills many years ago and I am getting back into painting again,” Mr Finnis said.
“People ask me what do you do when you retire and I tell them I too busy to work.”
■ Do Something Day is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals. Check our gallery about everyday heroes: http://bit.ly/2uEGAb6