Donington Flinders' campaign as new publicity leaflet is launched
The Matthew Flinders Bring Him Home (MFBHH) group launched a new leaflet on Donington’s most famous son at a public meeting on Monday.
MP Sir John Hayes - an ardent supporter of the group’s aim to give Matthew a final resting place inside Donington parish church - was among speakers.
The remains of the explorer - who mapped the coast of Australia and gave that country its name - were discovered in January by archaeologists working on the HS2 project at Euston in London.
Thousands of bodies from that site are due to be reburied in London but it is hoped Matthew will have a final resting place in the same place as his family.
Sir John told the Spalding Guardian: “I have been in correspondence with HS2 and they have made it clear that in the end this is a matter for the Church.”
Sir John believes if the Bishop of London is prepared to accept Matthew’s removal to Lincolnshire - and Church authorities in Lincolnshire are prepared to receive him - the aims of the MFBHH group can be achieved.
Monday’s meeting was attended by more than 50 people.
Group member Edward Finch said chairman Jane Pearson outlined the group’s steps so far and introduced members, including the parish council, St Mary and The Holy Rood Church, Flinders Founders, IDEA and The Britain Australia Society’s Lincolnshire branch.
The group is supported by people including several direct descendants of Flinders, The Bishop of Lincoln, and Bill Muirhead, Agent General for the Government of South Australia.
Everyone attending was presented with the new Matthew Flinders Donington information leaflet and map that is going to be available in local tourist information centres and numerous other outlets across Lincolnshire.
This new guide was funded by the group and designed by local resident and group member Peter Lorimer who, runs Pig Hill Archaeological Illustration from his offices in Donington.
Coun Elizabeth Sneath, who is passionate about local heritage, pledged support and future help to the group.
There was then an audience question and answer session with some very interesting points that were all answered by members of the group.
The Facebook group Matthew Flinders Bring Him Home will continue to have updates and another meeting will be held as the campaign progresses to keep everyone well informed.
A special guest speaker, Dr Gillian Dooley of Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia will be visiting Donington to talk about Matthew Flinders, his friends Sir Joseph Banks and George Bass, and also Trim his cat who accompanied him on his exploration.
The talk takes place on Wednesday, July 3 at 7pm in the Church hall, Church Street in Donington.
A small fundraising fee of £2.50 per head will go towards the costs of continuing the efforts to bring Matthew home.
Donations totalling nearly £100 were received on Monday to help fund the ongoing MFBHH campaign.
Among previous stories on Flinders:
Our story on Flinders prompts contact from Mauritius resident
'Bring Matthew home' calls gather pace in Donington
MP wants a Donington homecoming for Matthew Flinders
UPDATE AND VIDEO OF EXCAVATION SITE: Remains of Donington-born Matthew Flinders discovered
