A volunteer crew member of the Star of India has travelled from San Diego to visit the Isle of Man and the town where the vessel was built in 1863.
Carl Scragg and his wife Pat were welcomed to Ramsey town hall by chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners Captain Nigel Malpass, where they had an opportunity to view a selection of paintings and memorabilia relating to the ship, the subject of a photography and art competition organised by the Commissioners to mark the Star of India’s150th anniversary.
On leaving the town hall Mr and Mrs Scragg visited Ramsey shipyard from where the ship, originally named Euterpe then re-named Star of India in 1906, was launched on November 14th 1863.
Captain Malpass said: ‘It was a pleasure to meet Carl and his wife and to learn of the great affection he and his fellow volunteers have for this magnificent vessel, still seaworthy a century and a half on.
‘I have had the pleasure to visit the San Diego maritime museum, now home to the Star of India. To see her there, lovingly maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, is a source of great pride that such a landmark attraction should be a lasting tribute to the ship-building craftsmen of the Isle of Man and Ramsey in particular.’
Full details and entry forms for the Star of India art and photography competition are available on the Commissioners’ website, ramsey.gov.im, from Ramsey town hall and from selected retail outlets in the town.
Closing date for art entries October 9th, photography November 6th.
Photo - Ramsey Town Commissioners chairman Captain Nigel Malpass and library assistant Heather Ruffino with Pat and Carl Scragg at Ramsey Town Hall. Picture Andrew Barton.