LOCAL boating and history enthusiasts have been invited to attend the launch of a new book examining an iconic river vessel.
Renmark historian and author Jackson Wickham will hold a Riverland launch for his book A Renmarkable Vessel – focusing on the history of the PS Renmark – at Olivewood Historic Homestead later this month.
Mr Wickham said an initial book launch held on the Goolwa Wharf – near the boat’s final resting place – last month was attended by approximately 100 people.
“We reckon we sold about 70 copies of the book.”
Mr Wickham said encouragement from Olivewood committee president Ann Ryan to write the book – and a display of paddle steamer artifacts at the museum – meant it was an appropriate location for the event.
“It was Ann who suggested I turn the story I put on Facebook five years ago into a book,” he said.
“I thought about it for a while and then write the book to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the burning of the boat on February 2, 1951.
“I have a slideshow and will talk a bit about how I wrote the book and the finer details of my research including photo analysis. A question and answer session is also welcomed.”
Mr Wickham said the book launch would include a talk from former PS Renmark crew member Trevor Reed, whose father Bob was the boat’s last owner.
The Riverland launch of Jackson Wickham’s book A Renmarkable Vessel will be held at Olivewood Historic Homestead, on Sunday March 21, from 2pm.
For further information regarding the event, to RSVP, or to order a book via post contact 0415 914 675, or majac04@bigpond.com
Copies of A Renmarkable Vessel will be on sale after the event from the Renmark Visitor Information Centre, and TH Books on Murray Avenue.