I am so pleased that I got to know Eric . I spotted his name and entry in the visitor’s book at the Church in Slaley about 25 years or so ago. I recognised his rather unusual surname ( and his forename Eric) from the Rowell Family Tree that my father had constructed in c 1976. Soon thereafter Phyllis Scott entered my life ( c 2009) and together we started “Rowelling”.Somehow, we tracked Eric down…..and Eric and Doris were really helpful and introduced us to his cousin Gordon Rowell, then resident in Cyprus. Through Gordon we met his son, Keith Rowell. A wonderful rewarding and very interesting relationship was established with that branch of the family and Phyllis and I learned such a lot from Eric and Gordon…. And the much younger Keith. We were indebted to them and it was always a joy to see them. Phyllis and I were delighted that we got to know them and feel indebted to them for their knowledge, insights and personal histories of the two farms, Todburn Steel near Riding Mill and Townfoot Farm where my own Great Grandfather grew up. ( born in the former.)
I’m sad to learn that Doris has also died and wish to send my heartfelt condolences to Geoff and Julie. They were a lovely couple!
Alas, I couldn’t make the funeral today but would like to meet Geoff and Julie in person one day. It seems that the funeral has been well crafted as a tribute to his parents. God bless them!
Virginia Gatherer
05/06/2025
