ROBERT
JACK EARDLEY, M.D.
3366 Commodore Drive
Lexington, Kentucky 40502-3602
(606) 269-3686
Fax #: (606) 266-7317
E MAIL: robertjack@eardley.org
Web Site: http://www.eardley.org
June 2000
Dear Eardley Family Member,
The date of our Eardley Family Get-Together - 15th July 2000 is fast approaching. We are, as we say in America, on countdown. If your name is, or was, Eardley, you are invited. A personal 'one to one' invitation is not required - just pencil in to your diary, noon Saturday, 15th July 2000 in the Audley Parish Church of St. James, located in North Staffordshire near Stoke-on-Trent, England. Bring yourself and your family for what promises to be the greatest gathering of Eardleys there has ever been and the likes of which may never be seen again. Your name is your invitation.
Very many Eardleys worldwide have been receiving letters from me personally for the past several years. The purpose of these letters has been to make Eardleys everywhere be conversant with our fascinating family story. All the letters (14 in all) are on this website. Should you be a new reader all is revealed in the section entitled 'Eardley Family Letters'. The other sections are self explanatory and a short while exploring the various titles will soon make you too an 'expert' on Eardley Genealogy! These last three letters have been computer generated. This serves a twofold purpose. Firstly, this method is fast, modern and cost effective. Secondly, the computer is able to reach Eardleys who may have relocated. My thinking is that every Eardley Family Grouping will include at least one member who currently uses a computer and e-mail. It logically follows that we have to rely on computer-literate Eardleys to spread the 'gospel' of the Eardley Story - especially to inform relatives who may as yet be unaware of the 15th July 2000 get-together in Audley, England. It would be a great shame if someone out there were to miss the opportunity of attending for the want of a phone call.
The media appear to be planning to cover the event. The 'Daily Mail' and a local paper, the 'Sentinel' have been given the opportunity to cover the story - as has BBC TV. David Hart of Birmingham, BBC Television along with a camera crew is planning on interviewing David Eardley, Margaret Eardley Beaumont, Church officials, and myself at St. James Church in Audley during the afternoon of the 14th July, 2000 for the 6:30 evening news. Sam Plank of BBC Radio, Stoke is set to interview me, possibly on Monday 10th July. During the interview it is planned to give listeners the most up-to-date news concerning the Reunion and the additional social events which will by then have become almost certain to take place. Other individuals are set to organize some of these events. Currently, it is somewhat too early to set some of them in concrete. However, by the beginning of the week before the 15th July all should be clear. Events which seem certain to take place are as follows:
Friday 14th July - Golf at Wolstanton Golf Course. The 'round' is free - but bring your own clubs if at all possible. There may be a few sets available to 'borrow', but don't be disappointed if clubs are not available. You might want to call the golf club for a starting time.
On the evenings of Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th in the Hilton Hotel (formerly the Stokes Hotel) in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent a special carvery is being made available to us at a most reasonable price. This will be the Chatterley Room which is situated across from the ground floor bar/lounge which is available for our use those evenings. On the 16th Sunday at 6 p.m. a farewell get together with buffet and music (some might call it a high noon tea) will be available.
Saturday 15th July at 10 a.m. the day will commence in the old school rooms (opposite the church) where a comprehensive display of Parish Records from Audley and adjoining parishes will be available for your perusal.
The focal event will of course be the mass gathering of worldwide Eardleys in and around St. James Church. Vicar Peter Davies and Curate Roger Woods have arranged the service and to some extent we are in their capable hands. Well known hymns will be sung and Eardleys will no doubt exercise their lungs and vocal chords with the gusto appropriate to a family which has spread to every continent.
Here let me make a very serious point! The church capacity is controlled by local fire regulations. The maximum number allowed at any one time is about 400. All the signs are that our Reunion is set to attract considerably more than this. We have no idea whatsoever how many of us are coming. Please understand that this 'unknown number' is something which has given us all pause for thought. After taking advice from every conceivable quarter, the consensus is as follows:
a) Elderly and infirmed Eardleys should as far as possible be seated. Part of the church will be 'roped off' for those who fit the above criteria.
b) The remainder of the church may be occupied by the rest of us on a 'first come - first served' basis. Many people have been canvassed on this issue and nobody has been able to come up with a better idea. A public address system is set to be in place on the right side of the grounds for those of us who cannot find space. Remember this may be the majority of us. Please be understanding of our situation. If only St. James Church were St. Paul's Cathedral!
c) Following the church service one will be able to stay at the church and savor the atmosphere - take pictures and so on. Several 'signing in' books will be available. Please sign these as they will be a permanent record at the church for all to see for the rest of eternity. The 'Guinness Book of Records' people have been informed and we have an opportunity of winning an entry in this prestigious publication for a World Record for a family gathering. We can't let the Scottish Clans have everything their own way.
d) Audley Cricket Club is set to host the day. Cricket is England's summer national sport and Audley will play local rivals Leek. Don't worry if you are from overseas and don't know the rules. It will all be pretty informal and we can all converse and socialize during the game. We may have a marquee set up by local Boy Scouts in which refreshments may be available - but this can only be confirmed during my interview on Radio Stoke. As far as clothing, wear what is comfortable.
e) Nearby Woodlane Village holds their Annual Festival on that day and we are all invited to take part in this typical English Summer Event.
Eardleys from the United Kingdom may wish to stay over in one of the local hotels or B & B's for the weekend - but again obviously make your own arrangements. There are a number of suggested contacts for accommodations on the website. Obviously Eardleys travelling from overseas will be making the Reunion part of a wider tour and by now will have the 'big picture' all arranged and set in place. It's not too late if you are a first time 'browser'. Just turn up on the day and join in this unique and one off family gathering. Just because I might not have talked or written to you personally, please come, you are invited.
So far we have Eardleys coming from 20 of the 50 states of the Union and from several of the 10 provinces of Canada. We have an Eardley from China and possibly Eardleys from Iceland, Switzerland, Germany, and South Africa. Certain to come are Eardleys from Australia and of course numerous family members from the United Kingdom itself.
This is about to happen because each and every one of you responded to the call. Without you this would not be about to take place. Our family name has spread worldwide from just a handful of Eardley Families located in Audley England. Some Eardleys have invested time and resources into presenting additional activities. Should you not yet be aware there will be a very limited number of Eardley T-Shirts - hand made by an Arkansas Eardley. Some will feature the Eardley Crest. A local brewery has produced an Eardley Beer featuring a specially designed Eardley label. A local jeweler has created some pieces specifically with Eardleys in mind. Should you express an interest they will be available from these contributors rather than me.
There is one issue though with which my personal support would seem to be appropriate. Since this gathering is almost certain to be unique and non-repeatable, in the lifetime of most of us and certainly in mine - many Eardleys over a considerable period of time have strongly suggested that we do something significant and permanent for the Church of St. James. Vicar Peter Davies and Curate Roger Woods have suggested that the restoration of the prestigious stained glass East Window would leave a fitting commemorative of our presence here on 15th July 2000. Our sign in logs will attest to our presence. As many of you are already aware a fund is in existence to which contributions have been received. Details of how to participate can be found on this website. Ongoing opportunities to play your part in this endeavor will continue before - during - and after the 15th July 2000 get together. In decades - possibly centuries to come, our coming together at Audley will have been marked by our restoration of a magnificent work of art - on display to all as a central feature of 'Our Audley Church' which has stood since Norman Times. Please give this one project some serious consideration. For your information my family at the beginning of the service will be presenting a church bible to the vicar for lasting memory in commemoration of this day.
The village of Audley is excited at the prospect of our coming. Please keep in mind, Audley is a very small village and traffic may be an issue. Try not to wait until the last minute. Let us make it a day to remember. I myself will have my digital camera and camcorder so that I can place on this website these memories so those who could not attend at least will have the opportunity to view it on the website. I can not thank you enough for your total support for this get together. Without you it wouldn't have happened. I am hopeful by being early at the church and near the front door I will have the opportunity to thank everyone personally. Remember to check BBC Radio Stoke, the Sam Plank program at the start of the final week. Please check the website message bulletin board for ongoing information.
See you at noon 15th July 2000, St. James' Church, Audley, England.
God Bless You All.
Robert Jack Eardley
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