Australian tourists flock to Donington, boosting local church and businesses after Captain Flinders’ return.
Matthew Flinders rests in the corner of the church under a lovely gravestone. People travel far to see his final resting place. He was the first to sail all around Australia. Last year, thousands watched his journey home.
Police estimated about 7,000 people attended, with many Australians present. One journalist predicted more Aussie tourists, and that prediction seems to have become true.
Jane Pearson helped bring Flinders home and noticed more church visitors. She mentioned that Australians visit every week. A company donated lighting for Flinders’ grave. She said people see Flinders as Australia’s Churchill.
Jane King volunteers at the library and has seen more people looking for the church. People now walk through Flinders Park more often. She’s happy with the village coming together.
The event brought rugby players and politicians. Flinders was found near Euston Station in 2019 during HS2 line work. The pandemic delayed his return, which helped the funeral planning.
Jane Pearson feels they did everything right because Covid gave them time to organize it all. Jane King said it was frantic work; she remembers the empty street becoming crowded. Someone said they were making history.
Flinders helps the village by drawing visitors. A museum could honor his achievements and house items given since his return. A service will honor Flinders in July.
Amy Carney wants an annual festival for him. Her cafe served 950 coffees for his event. She thinks more people will visit the village now.
Antoinette Young owns a vintage shop and saw “the Flinders effect” too. Many people came last July and bought Flinders books until Christmas, which were popular with Australians. She is glad that the village brought him back.