MEDIA RELEASE
3rd October 2016
ALL STEAMED UP EVENT TO LAUNCH
MAYFLOWER’S NEW CRUISING ERA
History will be made at the biennial All Steamed Up event in Mannum, with the re-commissioning of
the historic vessel Mayflower built in 1884.
Returning to her 1913 fishing boat era then owned by the Creager family in Renmark, the Mayflower
has undergone a two year restoration programme by the volunteers at the Mannum Dock Museum.
The Mayflower’s beginnings were quite checkered with original owner ‘Black Alexander’, a six foot
negro operating the boat as a ‘Bottle O’ was literally chased up the river by the banks, the vessel then
passed through many owners, including ‘Pirate Billie Wilson’ and in the mid 50’s onto a showboat
revival with the late Captain Alby Pointon in Mildura.
Volunteers have worked tirelessly every week to bring the Mayflower back to life and are now working
daily to ensure we make the November 19 deadline said Rob Bowring OAM, Chairman of the
Mannum Dock Museum.
“The 1913 era was one of change for the vessel as she became two storey to accommodate the
expanding Creager family”.
“We are extremely grateful to Pam O’Donnell and Robert O’Callagahan for their ongoing support of
this restoration programme and initial purchase of the Mayflower”.
“A new cruising era will commence for the Mayflower after the re-commissioning as we will be
offering weekly short cruises from the Mannum Dock Museum”.
“The Mayflower is one of the oldest paddle boats in South Australia however her steam power was
replaced with a diesel plant in the showboat era and although it would have been wonderful to return to
steam, we have retained the existing engine to make it quick to fire up with the turn of a key”.
The Band of the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment will also be joining the official recommissioning celebrations on Sunday 20th November appearing for the first time in Mannum. The
10th/27th is the oldest serving Military Band in Australia, quite fitting for this milestone event with the
oldest paddle steamer in South Australia.
The band’s heritage began with the formation of ‘The Adelaide Rifles’ circa 1860, and draws it’s
lineage from the Bands that have served with all South Australian Infantry Battalions, including those
which served in both World Wars. Those Battalions were among the first ashore at Gallipoli on 25
April 1915.
Today, the Band performs at Regal, Vice-Regal, Ceremonial and Civic functions and provides support
to South Australian based units of the Australian Defence Force.
The Band’s repertoire encompasses many musical styles including military music, classical, modern
popular, jazz and vocal arrangements and Pipes and Drums. It is this versatility that enables the Band
to serve both the military and the public of South Australia with quality and entertaining music.
To add to the history line-up, the Shearer Steam Carriage built in 1897 at Mannum by David and John
Shearer will be on loan from the National Motor Museum at Birdwood and on show to head the
extensive exhibition of operating engines and vehicles including the 1908 John Fowler single cylinder
steam traction engine, a 1922 Sentinel Steam Wagon and a 12 tonne Blackstone 150hp flywheel
engine.
Mayor Dave Burgess of the Mid Murray Council said as Mannum is known for many world recognised
iconic attractions including the PS Marion and the Randell Dry Dock, I am sure we will see widespread
interest on a national and international basis when the Mayflower cruises again.
“To have the Mayflower, the 10th/27th Regiment Band and Australia’s first steam car together at this
milestone celebration will be a combination of our nation’s history on show for all to enjoy”.
“A action packed two-day programme has been formulated by the Mannum Dock Museum which will
include the largest congregation of blacksmiths seen in SA at one time”.
“Our river friends will also be offering cruises with the PS Industry from Renmark and the PS Oscar W
from Goolwa along with many other paddle wheelers and classic boats”.
The Mayflower will be re-commissioned at the biennial All Steamed Up – Boats, Engines and
Blacksmiths Festival on the 19th and 20th November 2016. For further details visit
www.allsteamedupfestival.com or the Mannum Visitor Information Centre on 0414857738 or
www.mannum.org.au.
[End]
For media enquiries contact Deb Alexander, Executive Officer Mannum Dock Museum, 0414857738
or [email protected]
EVENT AT A GLANCE:
Event:
Date:
Times:
Place:
Events:
Cruise Bookings:
All Steamed Up Festival – Boats, Blacksmiths & Engines
19th and 20th November 2016
e9.00 am to 4.00 p.m.
Arnold Park near the ferry, Mannum Dock Museum and Mary Ann Reserve
at Mannum
Re-commissioning of the PB Mayflower – 20th November 1.00 p.m. Mary
Ann Reserve
Mannum Freshwater Classic & Concours D’Elegance
Paddleboat Challenge
One Hour Cruises
Boats/Engines and Blacksmiths on Display
Live entertainment with the Backwater Band and the 10th/27th’ Battalion
South Australia Regiment Band.
www.psmarion.com or phone 85691303
Cost:
$5.00 entry adults and children under 12 free.
One House cruises - $20.00 Adults and $10.00 children
More info:
www.allsteamedupfestival.com or www.mannum.org.au