Despite the inclement weather scene, those of you who were fortunate enough to be here for the reunion, I am sure, took it off in their stride. Of course the UK members who joined in are well used to the variances in our English climate.

The first IMFA Reunion to be held in the UK was, to say the least, a great success. The time went by so quickly, it seems that the 12 months planning ahead had worked perfectly, despite one or two minor hitches, everything went off well.

We had 105 for the Grand Banquet held at Croxteth Hall on Saturday 9th July, and about 120 at the Buffet Lunch, also held at Croxteth Hall, on Sunday lOth July. I think that maybe we had a few 'gatecrashers' at this one, there were certainly more people than we anticipated, but all were Molyneuxs so it did not really matter.

Everyone agreed that the atmosphere when we were all assembled together was terrific. The staff at Croxteth Hall were very eager to help thoughout the entire week-end, and some ladies even came back early from holiday to assist with the house tours. Mr. J. J. Baggley, Reader in History at Liverpool University gave an excellent talk on the Molyneuxs at the Library in Liverpool on Saturday morning and Janet Smith, Archivist, put on a very good show of documents etc.

Saturday evening speaker Mr. J. Gordon Read gave an interesting account of ancient families and had taken the trouble to bring items and documents of interest from the Museum at Liverpool over to Croxteth Hall especially for the Molyneuxs to view them in private.

Mr. Ted Jackson, Acting Director of Croxteth Hall & County Park was more than helpful and he and his staff put a lot of work in behind the scenes to make our Reunion a successful one. It was marvelous to dine in the old oak-paneled Queen Anne dining room which once must have seen regular banquets take place in the Earl & Countess of Sefton's days. It was indeed an honour for our association to be able to use the hall as a venue.

Some of the stories exchanged by our overseas visitors were fascinating and I quote one or two here £or the benefit of our members who for some reason or another were unable to join us at the Reunion.

Bill Molyneux from Canada (wife Jean) told me about his g.g.g./f was living in Liverpool and had become very friendly with the Earl of Sefton's son- the young men attending races, etc., etc.,- this situation became too costly for Bill's young ancestor whose father packed him off to Canada and that is how Bill's Molyneux line began out there. For the two youths to be friendly indicates that Bill's ancestors must have had close links in relationship with the Molyneux of Sefton.

Another interesting story came from Fred Molyneux (wife Dianne) of Canada. Fred's ancestors lived in a house which had once stood on the site of the old New Brighton tower in Wallasey. His wife Dianne was wearing a lovely old family heirloom, handed down through the generations- this was a gold signet ring bearing the 'cross moline'. Fred also had documents and miniature paintings which belonged to his ancestors. They are obviously 'twiglets' from the main Molyneux of Sefton stem. Fred and Dianne also went by car to Newsham House and managed to get a glimpse inside. Their family had ties with the Molyneux who once lived there.

Robert Molyneux, a farmer from Lydiate, had his family tree with him. Robert is aware that his ancestors came over to England to escape the French Revolution in approx. 1789. Was this indeed a French aristocratic family fleeing from persecution in those far off days?

Mrs. Ruth Daly from Victoria, Australia, had a romantic story to relate (to Barbara Jenkins). Ruth's g.g.g. mother was a daughter of one of the Earls (I'm not sure which one). She married a Colonel in the army and went out to India with him. From there the couple went to Australia and settled - hence Ruth's Molyneux connection.

A lovely story told to my husband Gordon by Mrs. Eileen Molyneux-Trawinski and Mrs. Carol Tomkins - Florida/Texas USA - Their g.g. father originated from Warrington, UK. He had 2 children and a wife who was pregnant and lived in Warrington. One day he went out to buy items for his business when he was ‘pressganged’ and put on a ship bound for America. His family were totally unaware of his whereabouts. On arrival in America he jumped ship and escaped. After 10 years or so, he returned home to Warrington to find his wife and baby dead, the children cared for by relatives. He took these children back to America with him, and that is how Eileen and Carol's Molyneux roots grew in USA. While these two ladies were in the Liverpool area just now, they contacted relatives still living in Warrington and they met up with them - a very happy reunion indeed.

So many had wondrous tales to tell and many IMFA members found cousins and relations at the reunion. Many local Molyneuxs came along at the last minute and enjoyed the get together.

All this of course, would never have happened if Wesley Mullenneix hadn't founded the Association, and we were pleased to meet Wesley, his wife Claire, daughter Marie, son­in-law Theodore and their daughter Simone.

Arrangements I'm sure, would have never got off the ground but for our loyal U.K. Representative, David L. Molyneux, to whom we owe our greatest thanks. His son Richard was indispensible throughout the entire Reunion. It was a joy to meet David's mother, Lily Molyneux. David's wife Elizabeth who we thank for being a support to him these last 12 months did not come to Liverpool 'happening', nor did their daughter Julia, but we wish them well.

It was a pleasure to meet up with so many members and we must admire Margaret St. Claire's courage, who, despite her disability in walking, managed to get around and never complained. The Rev. William Molyneux also persevered bravely to get about and Jessie Crossen, came from Ireland. She too managed to see a lot of things with great determination.

Best wishes to Alan Molyneaux at Nottingham for his part in the arrangements, and we wish Dorothy his wife a speedy recovery from her recent operation. Thanks and best wishes too are extended to Major James More-Molyneux and his wife Susan for their grand organisation at Loseley (which we, in the N. West, have heard all about now!) This First IMFA Reunion was such a huge success - our overseas members are already making suggestions as to where the next venue should be. Perhaps in 2 or 3 years time? No matter where, I'm sure the time and place will be chosen wisely.

Best wishes to all our IMFA members, and a big welcome to our newcomers, who, we hope, will enjoy the Newsletters for many years to come.

Yours fraternally
Betty Molyneux Brown
IMFA President