On 7th April 2001 a unique (we believe) event occurred in family history-a gathering of people whose common interest was the fact that they all had ancestors who lived at some time in the village of Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire.

Here is my photo diary of the event...

We met at the church of St Peter and St Paul-as you can see, the sun was shining, and it was a glorious spring morning.

A larger version of this photo, and others inside and outside the Church can be seen on my

Aston Rowant family page

9.30am onwards-Ron Crowdy meets and greets at the entrance, and we apply a sticky label bearing our name.  Well, how else will we know who's who?!

Di Eaton and Jan Gooders, authors of "At the Foot of the Chilterns" provided a display of photos and maps which was set up in the Chancel.  They were arranged in themes, e.g. Public Houses, Leisure, Military, Education, Manors.

The Lady Chapel was always busy, as here was located the Parish Register Transcripts, Census Transcripts and School Log Books.

Family trees were laid out in the South Chapel for viewing.

Mingling in the nave

10.30am The bellringers began their display, but it didn't stop the flow of conversation in the Church, as the floors in the tower muted the sound inside.  It was interesting to observe the different techniques employed to create differing sounds.  Some of us went outside to fully appreciate the bells.

11.00am Reverend Charles Draper gave us a short history of the position of the Aston Rowant parish within the Diocese of Oxford.

He then played the organ while we sang "Morning Has Broken"

11.15am Ron Crowdy, the organiser of the event, addressed the gathering, and acknowledged those who had helped.  Also mentioned were those who had travelled from Australia and Canada, along with some who were unable to attend.

Ron then read an extract from the poem "Forefathers" by Edmund Blunden.

11.30am Those of us who wished to go on the tour of the village divided into 2 groups, to be led by Di Eaton and Jan Gooders.

Here are some of us in Di's group outside the school, which was established in 1844 and currently has 80 pupils.

These are amongst the oldest cottages in the village, situated in Church Lane

After the tour, some went to visit the churches at Lewknor and Crowell, whereas some of us headed straight for the Shepherd's Crook pub for lunch!

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