Once more the Eardleys did us proud! They rolled into Audley from
far and wide to support the Stitch day in Audley in Honour of our family hero,Sir
George Yeardley, three times Royal Governor of Virginia and dubbed 'Father of
Representative Government in North America.' Oldest Eardley on show was 88 year
old Charles Eardley from Solihull. Spry as when we met him some years ago, he
executed his stitch with some aplomb. Most distant traveller was Les Eardley
who hails from Capetown, South Africa. Les broke his journey to Brazil to be
with us' on the spur of the moment.' He really enjoyed himself.His ancestor
is Alfred Eardley who figured frequently in earlier letters from around the
world. It was a good turn out with Eardleys attending from far and wide. The
Audley History Society put on their now customary excellent display of geneaological
documents which I am sure was of help to Eardleys checking out their roots.
The festivities had got off to a flying start the previous day when Chairman
of Staffordshire County Council, Eddie Boden together with his wife had welcomed
the party at County Buildings, Stafford, with a 4th July 2003 lunch which was
greatly appreciated by our American visitors including Keith Eardley, Rober
Jack Eardley's brother who had come over from Florida for the occasion. Mr Boden,
who is an Audley man himself, pledged to help our mission to invest Sir George
with the international status he so richly deserves. At Robert Jack Eardley's
invitation Chairman Boden will be present at the Flowerdew Descendants
Gathering on Saturday, the 23rd August 2003. I will also be in attendance. We
were also delighted to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Newcastle Cllr Slater
and Mrs Slater. They showed great interest in the event and were most gracious.
The Flowerdew representatives, Dennis Pickerall and Debbie Miller performed
their ambassadorial roles admirably. We were truly sad to see them return to
Virginia---but are heartened by the knowledge that a bridge across the Atlantic
is now firmly set in place. The next step is to attempt to arrange a student
exchange between Keele University and University of Virginia which will focus
on Archaeology and History. Other links may follow as the relationship evolves.
Visits to Plymouth and London followed and we all enjoyed meeting the Lord Mayor
of London at The Mansion House, and watching Jack Straw (and Dennis Skinner)
weave their magic in parliament. Our thanks are due to Paul Farrelly, MP for
Newcastle Under Lyme and his secretary Liz, for arranging the visit. We were
also honoured to be escorted around the delightful Apothecaries Hall which was
built with money donated by Ralph Yeardley---one of the richest men in London
at that time. It was a wonderful occasion and a special thank you is due to
Frank Eardley and family, who carefully arranged the whole trip. Wayne, drove
us around London and eventually to the Thistle Tower Hotel for our stay. But
back to the day itself. Tom Mor, Creator of the New World Tapestry, had part
of the tapestry on view and delivered his lecture on its history with the assurance
of the practiced performer. The new stitches were executed without a hitch,
the congregation had sung with gusto, the prayers recited with the usual gravity,
Rev Peter Davies had welcomed his extended Eardley parishoners with his customary
good humour and courtesy. Frank Eardley who had done so much to bring about
the the Stitch Day gave us a detailed insight into his research which had taken
him all around the country to discover the true Yeardley Story. As mentioned
before, we are on a journey of discovery. Certain details may be amended as
new facts come to light. However, what is certain is that Sir George Yeardley
is one of ours. Moreover, it now becomes ever more certain that his brother
Ralph was the founder of Yardley of London. Recently, we contacted A.G.Lafley,
CEO of Proctor and Gamble to share our findings with him. They will soon be
the owners of the brand names of Yardley of London. The year 2007 will mark
the quadcentenary of the English Colonisation of Virginia and much will be given
over on both sides of the Atlantic to celebrate the occasion. What a thrill
it would be if P and G were to launch new product lines featuring the Yardley
name and linking the Virginia connection which they can now rightfully claim.
It will be interesting to see how this story develops! A. G. Lafley responded
with genuine interest and enthusiasm and we thank him most sincerely for his
interest.
The Eardley Group will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of the month.
All are welcome. It may be that we as a group will endeavour to go transatlantic
next year and visit Flowerdew in force. I may have saved the best almost till
last. Our thanks are due to Mavis, Thelma, Kay, Anne and Kay's mum and the Ladies
of the Parish for putting on a really wonderful spread. Everyone had only praise
for the feast they produced. Thanks are due to David Eardley and Cyril Eardley
who chair and record our deliberations at our monthly meetings. David puts up
with our little foibles with amazing patience and humour. Cyril writes the
neatest notes in the Universe. Thanks to Ron and son, Wayne Eardley, who invariably
look after all things photographic. Thanks to all the Eardleys, including my
'best man' Dennis Poole (who is now an 'honourary Eardley') and all the committee
who turned up without fail and spent many hours working at the fine detail to
ensure that the day went according to plan. It did. What more can one say! If
I've forgotten anyone its my age. Honest.
Sincere Regards
Robert Francis Eardley
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