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Donington is ready to welcome international visitors - and Capt Matthew Flinders




Australian flags are adorning homes and businesses in Donington as the village gears up to welcome international visitors - along with witnessing the return of its most famous son.

Explorer Matthew Flinders, who was the first to circumnavigate Australia, is going to be making his final journey home to Donington tomorrow (Saturday) and will be re-buried within the village’s St Mary and the Holy Rood Church during a historic ceremony.

Commemorations have already begun with 300 children from schools in Donington, Partney, Quadring, Horbling and Gosberton Clough and Risegate attending a service conducted by the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Rev Stephen Conway. Among the guests at this service was John Hood, chancellor of Matthew Flinders University near Adelaide.

The ledger stone which will mark the new grave of Capt Matthew Flinders
The ledger stone which will mark the new grave of Capt Matthew Flinders

This is one of three services which have been organised by Jane Pearson and the Matthew Flinders Bring Him Home group.

Jane said: “The service this morning was grand and went really nicely.

“I am looking forward to tomorrow and I think it is going to be fantastic to have so many people with so many good wishes. It is wonderful to think that this is the culmination of five years of planning.”

Bunting is decorating businesses in Donington
Bunting is decorating businesses in Donington

Five years after his remains were discovered during excavation works in London for HS2, Capt Flinders homecoming is expected to attract hundreds of visitors to the village - many from Australia - so residents have entered into the spirit of the occasion.

Not only is bunting adorning businesses and homes in Church Street and High Street but a kangaroo sculpture now stands in the colourful Market Place where villagers have pulled out all the stops to ensure Donington is looking its best.

A stunning display to commemorate the life of Capt Flinders - including a yellow canoe - has been created at Antoinette’s Vintage in Market Place.

Antoinette Young in front of her display to celebrate the homecoming of Capt Matthew Flinders
Antoinette Young in front of her display to celebrate the homecoming of Capt Matthew Flinders

Owner Antoinette Young said she has been collecting items for the display for sometime and has already welcomed Australian customers into her store.

She said: “This is a big thing for Donington and it is amazing to think that he was born here and will be coming back.

“We have had Australian visitors in already buying memorobilia and that sort of thing.

Antoinette Young with her Capt Matthew Flinders inspired display at her Donington Shop
Antoinette Young with her Capt Matthew Flinders inspired display at her Donington Shop

“It will put Donington on the map and while it is a village we hope that it will become a town now that Matthew Flinders is here.”

Australians have also been to the Black Bull in Donington where they have admired the High Tea - or afternoon tea - created by publicans Julie and Lee Loach.

Decorative bunting to celebrate the hero’s homecoming has also been hung in the pub.

Julie Loach, who runs the Black Bull pub with husband Lee, with some of the decorations
Julie Loach, who runs the Black Bull pub with husband Lee, with some of the decorations

Julie said: “It would be nice for the village to have more tourists.

“Aside from this weekend, there are often people who are interested in the statue of Matthew Flinders (in Market Place). There has always been interest and we hope that this will build on that and be good for the village.”

Bunting is decorating businesses in Donington
Bunting is decorating businesses in Donington
The kangaroo which will be welcoming visitors to Donington
The kangaroo which will be welcoming visitors to Donington
A sculpture to celebrate the achievements of Capt Matthew Flinders. It stands in the grounds of St Mary and the Holy Rood Church
A sculpture to celebrate the achievements of Capt Matthew Flinders. It stands in the grounds of St Mary and the Holy Rood Church
A sculpture to celebrate the achievements of Capt Matthew Flinders. It stands in the grounds of St Mary and the Holy Rood Church
A sculpture to celebrate the achievements of Capt Matthew Flinders. It stands in the grounds of St Mary and the Holy Rood Church
Allotment holders in Donington have flags on their plot
Allotment holders in Donington have flags on their plot
A Kangaroo sculpture in Donington's Market Place
A Kangaroo sculpture in Donington's Market Place
Donington homeowners and businesses have got into the spirit of the occasion
Donington homeowners and businesses have got into the spirit of the occasion
The display at Holts in Donington
The display at Holts in Donington
Bunting is decorating homes and businesses in Donington
Bunting is decorating homes and businesses in Donington
A display at St Mary and the Holy Rood Church in Donington
A display at St Mary and the Holy Rood Church in Donington
The original breast plate which once adorned the coffin of Capt Matthew Flinders
The original breast plate which once adorned the coffin of Capt Matthew Flinders

Will you be going to tomorrow’s homecoming? Post a comment below…



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