Patron’s Run 19/3/2025
Wednesday – 19th March was the long awaited day for the 46 Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge (ACCMB) members and guests in their 13 classic & 7 modern vehicles, to travel to Bowhill Engineering (BHE) as part of the annual ACCMB Patrons run.
Participants assembled at the ACCMB Clubrooms for the usual signing of the “Run: book, and to be given last minute instructions by the run organizers, which in this case was ACCMB Patron Graham Edwards and wife Maureen, “his financial money collector” for the day. Graham proceeded to welcome all members, old & new, along with guests Rob, Kathy, Yvonne, Bruno, Colin & Peter, and also outlined the route to be taken and distributed the “Patrons Quiz” sheets for the day, to be answered throughout the day.
With all business aside, it was time to “Start your engines” and depart to Bowhill, picking up the Courtney’s, Jackson’s, Burbidge’s and Pete Sellick, vehicles along the way. As the convoy arrived in the BHE car park, participants made their way to the front office, where they were greeted and welcomed to BHE, by HR Manager, Samantha Krollig, as the signing in of participants were carried out.
Because of the large group attending, the group was split into two tours of 23 to view the establishment. Before the group moved out into the factory, Samantha outlined the early history of BHE being a multi – generation family owned and operated business, that has been giving Australian businesses the edge since the 1970’s. it started as a small rural machinery maintenance , repair and modification workshop run by Brendon & Avril Hawkes that built its reputation by putting its clients first and always saying “yes” no matter what the challenge. This approach was instilled in their 2 sons, Jeremy & Simon who continued to build the business into steel fabrication and construction in the early 1990’s. Today BHE continues to expand their business into the Mining, Water, Defense and Commercial projects from an impressive modern facility in Bowhill.
Following the explanation of BHE, Project Draughtsman- Ethan Klemm joined the 1st group, before moving them out into the works area to view what buildings and projects were under construction. One of the first projects viewed was the construction of a replacement rail bridge over the Light River, weighing in at around 80 tonne. A massive and amazing structure.
Then it was off to see what the ACCMB group really came to see, building B5 Fabrication Hall. This building is enormous to say the least, being 23 mtrs (7 stories) high x 70 mtrs long x 20 mtrs wide, which also includes a 16 mtr crane, capable of lifting 100 tonnes. The projects underway in this building were, the new Kangaroo Island ferry ramps, and once assembled would be 10 mtrs x 15 mtrs long ramps. Wow, what a massive project & building, with ACCMB members and guests standing, looking & discussing it in awe.
Then it was onto the industrial paint shop where Patron Graham, you know the song, “Go to Graham Edwards – Go to Graham Edwards”, viewed this with interest.
Now with both ACCMB groups having completed the tour of the factory, it was time to move on down the road to the Bowhill Community Complex for tea/coffee, followed by a scrumptious lunch of chicken & salads, followed by cake and a can of soft drink, all served to perfection by a magnificent group of community volunteers, where nothing was too much trouble.
During lunch, HR Manager Samantha & Project Draftsman Ethan talked and showed by way of a photo production of some of the massive productions that BHE had manufactured in the little river town of Bowhill S.A. – truly a credit to the vision of the Hawkes family and its employees.
At the conclusion of the amazing presentation of BHE products completed for distribution throughout Australia and wider, ACCMB Patron, Graham Edwards, sincerely thanked BHE & Staff, all the Bowhill Community Complex volunteers for their catering effort, before presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to BHE, accepted by Samantha and Ethan for the days event.
This was immediately followed up by the ACCMB President, Brian Rainey, who expressed his and the ACCMB sincere appreciation to Graham and Maureen for their organization of the days outing, with all present applauding Graham, Maureen and BHE in the usual manner.
Prior to everyone leaving for home, all Patron Run Quiz sheets were collected, with Patron Graham reading out the answers to the quiz. During the reading there were many “Ooohs & Aahs” from ACCMB members. The winner of the Patron Run trophy will be announced at the ACCMB Presentation Dinner in June.
Another great day out for members and quests.
