Don't give up on Reunion 2007 in England.

Blencowe Hall our ancestral home

After many successful reunions on a biannual basis it appears that the reunion for England for 2007 may not go ahead. A time frame has been suggested between Friday 22 June and Monday 15 July — thus allowing two weekends for English Blencowes to travel to functions. The problem it seems is that no one is prepared to organise the reunion. The active British members are getting on in years and have more than given their dues to the Association. It is now time for some younger people to step up.

If this does not happen, may I suggest a substitute?

For the many members who do not live in Britain, this is not merely ANY reunion. It is a pilgrimage back to the land of our forebears — a return to the family's origins. In my experience this can be a special and very emotional experience. What makes us the Blencowes we are to day began in Britain generations ago with a history that went a long way in shaping the people that we have become.

Several Australians and I am sure others from New Zealand, Canada & USA, have expressed a wish to attend a reunion in England. I suggest you still go. Plan your trip to fit into the time frame, advertise the fact on Roger Blinko's site so every one else knows your intentions. You can access it via http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blencowe-and-variations_family_history/. If you have problems signing in, contact Roger directly at rogerblinko @ xtra.co.nz

Since I placed this same article on Roger's website, I have had no replies via the site which is understandable—why tell the world when you will be away from home! I have however, been contacted by five couples interested in going to England and communicating with others. I have put them in contact with one another. This list will NOT appear on any website so if you wish to get in contact with others planning to go to England in mid July next year contact me on anneburton @ yahoo.com.au

We all have slightly different priorities, my family migrated from Brackley, other groups have come from Bicester, Banbury, and London etc. You can factor in your own touring to these places as the Northamptonshire villages are only a few miles apart and share your itinerary so others can follow. Maybe then everyone can gather in a focal point such as the Marston St Lawrence hotel on a certain day/time. Perhaps everyone could turn up at the Sunday church service at The Marston St Lawrence church — you won't find another more “Blencowe”. Those who have time to include the magnificent trip north to Cumbria and Blencow could also try and co-ordinate with others.

Marston House — viewed from the Church of St Lawrence in 2004

In other words, Kinfolk, - make your own pilgrimage, share your plans and maybe a reunion will still happen. Let your intentions be known to your extended family and you might find your cousins will take the chance to travel there knowing that they won't be alone. Driving around the country roads in Northamptonshire is very easy. Oxford provides a challenge but you park your car at Park & Ride centres outside the city and catch the bus in.

If one of the British members could specify a date and place for just one get-together and be prepared to book a venue, I am sure others would use this as a starting point around which to base their holiday.

For people travelling from overseas it is important that something is put in place soon.

Anne

Joy and Glenn Johnson are planning a reunion for the descendants of George Blinkco who migrated from Swaffam Prior in Cambridgeshire. It will be held on the 30 September—1 October in the Wonoon/Bulli area where the family settled on arriving in New South Wales.

We hope it goes well and look forward to a report next newsletter.

Anne