After some time working overseas, Ronald Eustice, the USA "Eustace Families Association" representative, has picked up the ball and started running with it to resurrect and re-establish the Association throughout the world. He is the editor of the "Eustace Families Post" and has representatives in the UK and Australia. The on-going success of the re-establishment of the "Eustace Families Association" has led to us planning this international pre millennium event at which Ronald will be flying in with his two sons to attend.
Provisional itinerary:
From 10:30 arrival at village hall - coffee and welcome
Until 12:00 displays/presentations
12:00 - 14:00 picnic lunch or local pub meal
14:00 - 13:30 Village visits eg: Pyrton Church, Watlington Church
13:30 - 1600 Church Service (multi denominational ?) - blessing
End
Why Watlington?
Partly because the Oxfordshire branch of the family had its roots here. In the 16th and 17th century the Eustaces were well-to-do yeomen farmers in this, and adjoining parishes, and some were Lords of the Manor. In the parish church is a memorial brass to ‘Jerem Ewstes' who died in 1587. The church also has the bell which he gave to the church. Watlington is also a pleasant place for the day out in the country, is centrally situated and easily reached by car from all directions.
Why September?
The 21 September is the Feast of St. Eustace, an appropriate date for a family muster. The 11 September is the closest booking for the church hall that could be arranged.
Where is Watlington?
11 miles south east of the City of Oxford. The meeting point and base for the day will be the Parish Church Hall which is adjacent to the Parish Church of St. Leonards.
Nearby Pyrton Parish Church
The Parish Church of St. Mary is about 1 1/2 miles from Watlington which has the black marble gravestone of Thomas Eustace (died 1713) and his wife Mary (died 1701) in the porch. The church also contains a bell-stand, that was presented to the church in 1979 by the "Eustace Families Association", which holds the 16th century bell.
For those members of the "Eustace Families Association" who may have attended previous musters, this is a re-run of the last muster held at Watlington in 1983.
Join us at the Muster
All namesakes and researchers of the family name are welcome.
Please e-mail from link on the home page if you would like to join us.
