Vindicatrix Boy

Port Adelaide schools are getting involved in our ANZAC Eve commemoration and the media are beginning to take notice. Here’s the coverage from The Advertiser, Adelaide’s daily newspaper.

Tribute of candles in the wind

Miniature Navy: North Haven Schools students Meghan and, clockwise from front, David, Thomas, Cheyanne and Chloe with their boats.

Picture: Sarah Reed

Story: Callie Watson

His great-grandfather fought in World War I and North Haven Schools student Chris plans to remember him in spectacular style.

The 12-year-old is one of hundreds of students in the Port Adelaide area constructing paper boats to commemorate the merchant navy’s role at Gallipoli.

A fleet of 1000 paper boats holding candles to represent Australians involved in the famous battle will be launched into the Port River on April 24. It is part of the Light on the Water event at the biennial Port Festival.

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Two Presidents: Tony Iles and Norm Anderson at the launch of the programme for Port Festival 2007 at the Port Dock Brewery Hotel.

After a few ginger beers, brewed at the hotel where Vindi Boys used to hold their meetings, the atmosphere relaxed. Tony took this photo of Norm with a most attractive Port Dock Brewery Hotel staff member.

Festival Director Teresa Crea praised the Vindicatrix Association SA and Merchant Navy Association SA for the Merchant Navy events Tales of the Sea and Light on the Water. “We encourage all members to get involved in these two important events. Keith Withey has already made 12 paper lifeboats.

“You all have the simple instructions so bring along paper lifeboats on ANZAC Eve.

“The Adelaide Advertiser gave us excellent coverage on April 11.”

Here’s a superbly decorated coffee from Macgowans Coffee Lounge Cafe in Semaphore Road.

Roger Macgowan is giving financial support to our Tales of The Sea event on April 21 and making some of the performers from his Tuesday night live show available.

Next time you’re in Semaphore drop into Macgowan’s for a really fine coffee and thank Roger for his support.

And here’s the timetable:

Saturday April 21 2007

Seafarers Continental Breakfast

Seafarers Centre at 10 am

Merchant Navy Association Meeting

Seafarers Centre at 11.30 am

Tales of the Sea

between 1pm and 3pm

Supported by Macgowan’s Café Semaphore

A presentation of sea stories, poetry, songs and music on the opening day of the Port Festival 2007 – Saturday April 21– in Black Diamond Square near the old lighthouse

Seafarers from the Vindicatrix Association SA, including Winston and his band, Merchant Navy Association SA and Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL join with performers including Katie Jo from the regular Tuesday night Macgowan’s Café shows to bring you some of the drama and humour from their time at sea and in port.

Tuesday April 24 2007

7pm till 8pm

Light on the Water – Gallipoli Lifeboats

A special tribute to the Merchant Navy at Queens Wharf pontoon behind Seafarers Centre

Launching on Port River by school students, veterans and families of a fleet of paper lifeboats with lit candles

Blessing and Prayers

Final Lament by a lone piper from the Caledonian Society Semaphore