Direct descendants of Matthew Flinders and the Agent General for the Government of South Australia area are among those backing the bid to bringing the former explorer’s remains back to Donington.
Around 50 people attended the Ruby Hunt Centre for the Matthew Flinders Bring Him Home group meeting which is looking to have his remains brought back to the village he was born in after they were accidentally dug up during construction work at Euston Station in London earlier this year.
Attendees were presented with new information leaflets funded by the group and designed by local resident Peter Lorimer of Pig Hill Archaeological Illustrations.
They will be available to pick up from several locations in the village and explain the history behind the man who first identified Australia as its own land mass as well as locations in the village he’s associated with.
Among the speakers on the night were South Holland and The Deepings MP Sir John Hayes and South Holland District Council’s heritage champion Elizabeth Sneath.
Eddie Finch, speaking on behalf of Matthew Flinders Bring Him Home, said: “The public heard how the group has the support of various people including several direct descendants of Flinders, The Bishop of Lincoln, Sir John Hayes and also Bill Muirhead who is the Agent General for the Government of South Australia.
“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.”
Dr Gillian Dooley, of Flinders University Adelaide Australia, will be talking about Matthew Flinders and his friends at a meeting on July 3 at 7pm in the church hall, Church Street in Donington.
Entry is £2.50 with proceeds going towards the campaign.
