S. S. Australis reunion.

What a weekend it was!
Plymouth was invaded on the weekend of the 12-14th of April 2003, by some intrepid S. S. Australis ex-crew members. There was Grandpa Bernie Carvell (shopboy) and....not necessary in age order Jimmy Galloway (Master-at-Arms\Inventory Officer), vibrant Vicky Penrice (Stewardess), a foreigner from up north Ron Hall (Printer) and myself Ken Ironside (Gym Instructor\Masseur).

The first day we went down to the Hoe and ended up having lunch in a cafe along the harbourside followed by a brisk walk back to the boats for a ride across the harbour. After lifeboat drill!! Vicky handed me her video camera for me to try out. By the time I had worked out how to turn it on we had docked at an area called "Mountbatten". Luckily enough we only had to walk a couple of steps to find the first bar. After several hours and too many beers it was time to head back to the Hotel.

That evening we all went out for a Thai meal just across the road. One look at us and the owners decided to put us down in the cellar. I'm not a fan of spicey food so I ended up just eating a spoonful of rice. Everyone was very thoughtful and kindly gave me their chocolate mint sweets that were dished out at the end of the night....and that monotonous music is still going through my head!!

The pictures below don't show us swinging from the Chandeliers, but I think that the "Malaka Taverna" in Vicki's garden was put to good use-despite rain meaning the B.B.Q being called off. Great company-it felt like we hadn't ever gone our seperate ways. Seeing some lovely people for the first time in 30 years was quite emotional-but a lot of fun. Back at the hotel the owner had to chuck us out of the bar in the wee small hours of our final eveing!

left to right: Ken Ironside, Vicky Penrice and Ron Hall.
		Jimmy Galloway and Bernie Carvell.
Left to right: Jimmy Galloway, Vicky Penrice and Bernie Carvell.
		Left to right: Bernie Carvell, Ken Ironside, Jim Galloway, Ron Hall and Vicky Penrice.
Jimmy Galloway and Vicky Penrice.
		Jimmy Galloway and Bernie Carvell.

Welcome all visitors to the S.S. Australis Website, which has now been online since 1998!

I will continue to update the site if I receive a new story, or if you have interesting photos taken on the ship during your voyage on either the southbound, northbound, or on one of the South Pacific cruises. We used to do those trips several times a year from Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland (New Zealand).

I am deeply moved by the interest and wonderful contributions from the numerous passengers and crew over many years.

You can send an e-mail to me on the link below:

A HUGE THANK YOU

Warm Regards

Ken