The winners of Ramsey Town Commissioners’ Star of India painting competition for pupils from Scoill Ree Gorree and Auldyn School have been announced.

Presenting the awards Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Captain Nigel Malpass congratulated the pupils on their efforts in the competition that formed part of the town’s celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the Star of India, launched as Euterpe from Ramsey shipyard on November 14th 1863.

Captain Malpass went on to say that he hoped the children, their parents and teachers might be able to assist him in his search for relatives of those who had worked in the shipyard at the time of the ship’s construction and of those who had emigrated on her to New Zealand or Australia.

Competition winners were presented with a certificate, laminated copy of their painting and a voucher to be redeemed in Ramsey stores.

At Auldyn School first prize went to Wilma Dalugdugan, second prize to Corey Cassidy and third prize to Hope Goldie, all aged seven.

At Scoill Ree Gorree Natasha Noble, 11, won first prize, Arabella Ayen, nine, second prize and Amber Black, also nine, third prize.

In a surprise move at the conclusion of the awards administration officer John Donnelly announced that on the ship’s 150th anniversary on November 14th this year the winners would be presented with certificates signed by the president of the San Diego Maritime Museum and present captain of the ship and receive souvenirs from the museum.

Photo - Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Captain Nigel Malpass and deputy chairman Sylvia Beattie with Star of India painting competition winners Natasha Noble 11, Arabella Ayen nine and Corey Cassidy, Wilma Dalugdugan and Hope Goldie, all aged seven. (Amber Black not available for photo).