By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE memory of some of the Gippsland district’s earliest settlers will soon be commemorated at a service in Drouin.
At 11am on Saturday 17 October, descendants of the Walton family are invited to come together for a commemorative event at the Anglican Church Hall, on Princes Way in Drouin.
Thomas and Henry Walton and their sister Mary Ann originated from Buckinghamshire in England and went on to become pioneers of the Gippsland district.
Thomas Walton had a family of eight children, with surnames including Robinson, Young, Vinnicombe and Chambers.
Henry had 13 children from two marriages, with surnames including Walton, Goble, Heather and McWatt.
Their sister Mary Ann Higgs has extended family from 12 children with connections to Peters, Grace, Flanagan, Wilkins, Mason, Chambers and North surnames.
Today extended family members are spread throughout Australia and New Zealand with several still residing in the Gippsland area.
Attendees are asked to bring photos of family members or memoriabila for display on the day.
An extensive family tree for each branch of the Walton family will be on display for relatives to find where they fit into the Walton family and also to add any missing descendant.
Tea and coffee will be available but please bring your lunch and a small plate of cakes to share.
