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Published: September 11th 2007
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Over the past few years Dad has done some extensive genealogical research of the Astle family tree. He has traced it back to what ship the Astles arrived into NZ and then even further back to a town in Derbyshire called Draycott. Mum, Dad and Todd visited the town a few years ago and made some contacts who lent us a key to the local church, St Chad’s.
Before going in we had a feed by the nearby lake. The recent flooding in the area could be seen with water lines well back and the park benches still half under water. Make sure you check out the video of Mum being attacked by the killer swans.
The church has a scattering of Astle headstones, some hidden deep amongst trees and shrubs, others covered with giant slugs and toads (sounds like a pub).
Rumour has it that the Church is haunted by the ghost of Marcus Astle. We didn’t manage to spot him, but we did see the Astle window and the Astle pew.
Other things we saw were the baptising font in the church which is apparently the second oldest in England. And while looking through one
of the rooms I spotted a small door leading to the tower, it was hidden behind a bunch of candle holders and tables. We searched the church high and low for matches to light a candle, before realizing there was a light switch (a candle would have been cooler though). We ascended the cobweb ridden tight spiral staircase to the bell tower and then shimmied up a ladder, unlatched a hatch and found ourselves out on the roof. Just as I had hopped out onto the roof my phone rang, it was rather bizarre explaining to my friend Trish from London what I was up to, it felt like something out of the Da Vinci code.
After a good look around, we had to leave surprise, surprise because of a sudden downpour.
* I forgot to mention that earlier in the day while collecting the key to the church, Dad and I were sitting in the car with the windows down when an old lady walked passed with her bike. She gasped a loud sigh, getting Dad and I’s attention and then said “F*ck me it’s hot”. Dad and I were stunned for a few seconds then cracked
up laughing. I wonder if she is part of the Astle clan?
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Nellie Astle-Hulsman
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William Astle
Wondering if your from Williams line, came over in the 1800s with the Parkhurst boys...My grandfather is Tukarawa Astle son of Thomas who is Williams son..have been trying to trace back on Williams side but have had heaps of unanswered emails. Anyway pls get back to me even if it isnt just so i know to move on lol.Thanks