Pub Run 19/7/2026

Palmer is not that far from Murray Bridge, so this was the shortest “Pub Run” that I have organised, done deliberately so that any fuel uncertainties would have minimum impact on us. While that did not turn out to be an issue, it did mean that we had an unusually late departure time, allowing us longer in bed and a not so cold gathering near the Murray Bridge Railway Station awaiting departure. I heard no complaints, as gee, haven’t the mornings been cold of late.

The Palmer Hotel, our destination, was established in 1868 to service the miners and teamsters involved with the nearby Reedy Creek copper mines. I am sure most of us have passed by this pub over the years, but many commented that they had never called in to experience the hospitality available there. Well, we soon fixed that. A dozen vehicles travelled from Murray Bridge but another five found it more convenient to meet us there, where we found the occupants waiting for us outside in the brilliant, warm sunshine. In fact, so pleasant was that sunshine, some elected to use the tables and chairs set up in the garden, the remainder using the dining room.

The food turned out pretty good, although I think our numbers over stretched the kitchen’s ability to deliver in a timely manner. The “child labour” learnt how to serve the meals and eventually got pretty good at it. Eventually everyone had been fed and watered, so wandered off home, although some decided a final coffee in Mannum was warranted. In all, another good day, I think.

John & Vicki Courtney