South East residents with the surname Skeer have distinguished themselves in sport, farming and other pursuits over successive generations.


Hatherleigh farmer Chris Skeer is descended from the pioneering Skeers who arrived in the colony of South Australia in 1839 and just three years after its proclamation.


Mr Skeer is a member of the Millicent-based South East Family History Group and he spoke about his research to a gathering of 35 at their latest meeting.


His research reveals his forebears John and Sarah Skeer had left a small village of Pluckley in the English county of Kent to make a new home in Australia.


“It is said that in the county of Kent, your family has had to have lived there for 500 years to be considered a local,” Mr Skeer said.


“I have been to Pluckley and it is said to be the most haunted village in England.


“John and Sarah Skeer were among the 512 passengers on the Buckinghamshire which came to SA in 1839.


“There were several deaths on board including one of their infant children.”


Mr Skeer then went on to provide a detailed account of their descendants.


Photographs accompanied Mr Skeer’s talk including 17 male Skeers who met in Millicent at the opening of a new stock and station agency in the 1960s.


The guest speaker is the only one still alive.


The powerpoint presentation included a map of Hatherleigh pointing out the numerous places where the Skeers had farms and houses.


“Hatherleigh should have been called Skeersville!” he said.


The next meeting of the SEFHG on March 27 will be its annual general meeting.


Long-serving president Noel Boyle and newsletter editor/membership secretary Lucy Thompson have both said they will be stepping down from office.