2015 – Balchin Family Gathering – Alfold Village Hall, Surrey

The 2015 gathering and AGM of the Balchin family Society were held on Sunday 13th September, a beautiful sunny day, in the village of Alfold in the village hall.  This well-maintained hall is spacious and well-it with a super kitchen.  Committee members Tina and Rob organised the catering and put on a marvellous lunch, with the apple pie being particularly enjoyed.

The Gathering and AGM went well, with Derek Collett’s talk on his new book on Nigel Marlin Balchin being very well received.  He sold nineteen copies of his book there and then!

Jenny Dixon presented an update on family news, including the new “Dad’s Army” film, a mourning brooch, research on the origin of the Marlin name and Alfold Balchins.  Diana Beamish’s account of her trip to Siebeldingen in Germany, where the Rebholz family live, was read out.

Lord Lingfield gave us an update on the Victory and a very interesting talk on the history of New Place, his residence in Lingfield, Surrey.

Having the family tree spread out for all to examine was a bonus, but, as ever, time ran out and St. Nicholas Church in Alford was not after all visited!

Diana Beamish

For more on Alford Village click here.