On Sunday, 12th July 2026, members of the Spalding Royal Naval Association (RNA) had the distinct privilege and honour of attending a beautiful anniversary service at St Mary & The Holy Rood in Donington. The service marked the 2nd anniversary of the reinterment of one of Lincolnshire’s – and the Royal Navy’s- most legendary sons: Captain Matthew Flinders.
For those who may need a quick refresher on our local history, Captain Matthew Flinders (1774–1814) was a pioneering English navigator and cartographer. Born in Donington on 16th March 1774, he went on to lead the first charting expedition to circumnavigate Australia, mapping its rugged coastline with incredible precision. In fact, we have Flinders to thank for popularising the name “Australia” and officially recognising it as a continent. Though he passed away in London on 19th July 1814, he finally returned home to Donington Church recently after his remains were discovered during the HS2 excavations at Euston. Today, he and his faithful ship’s cat, Trim, are immortalised in bronze in the Donington Market Place.
A Service of Remembrance and Song
The commemorative service was a magnificent occasion, greatly supported by the wonderful voices of the Boston Choral Society. The preacher for the day was Fr David Stephenson, the Rector of Boston, who delivered a moving sermon fitting for such a grand maritime legacy.
The service opened powerfully with the traditional hymn “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven,” followed by the bidding prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. Next came the ultimate naval anthem, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”- a hymn that always resonates deeply with everyone in the RNA family.
The choir then treated the congregation to a beautiful rendition of the “Te Deum”, a traditional hymn of praise to creation. Following a Bible reading, the congregation stood unified for the Creed, which was followed by a poignant reading of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s famous poem, “Crossing the Bar” (featuring the immortal lines, “Sunset and evening star, / And one clear call for me!”).
Standing Guard for a Legend
Following the sermon, the service moved into a deeply emotional phase of prayers and floral tributes. The congregation sang “Be Still My Soul,” which led into a historic prayer used at sea during Flinders’ own time: “O eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea…”
As the formal wreaths were prepared, members of the Spalding Royal Naval Association took up their positions to form a solemn Guard of Honour around Captain Flinders’ final resting place inside the church. It was a proud moment for our branch to stand watch over a fellow navigator who contributed so vastly to the maritime history of the world.
To conclude the service, the church rang out with the national anthems of both nations tied to Flinders’ legacy: “God Save Our Gracious King,” followed immediately by “Advance Australia Fair” (Australians All Let Us Rejoice).
Looking Forward: Supporting the Legacy
The bond between the Royal Navy, our local history, and Captain Flinders remains as strong as ever. It is vital that future generations understand the sheer grit, determination, and skill it took for a young man from the Lincolnshire fens to go out and map the other side of the globe. We are thrilled to play our part in keeping his memory alive.
Yours in Comradeship,
Rodney Grocock
Vice-Chairman
The Spalding Royal Naval Association
Email: rodney@rodneygrocock.co.uk