Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day

This year, Burdekin Machinery Preservationists hosted their Open Day and Inter-club rally where neighbouring machinery clubs were invited to participate.

Towing engines and tractors from Mackay and Townsville is a big ask, but our visiting friends have supported us during this event.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlan, together with her councillors and staff, enjoyed the day.

The Club is very grateful for the support of catering and front of office staff.

Worthy Park Estate, Jamaica, is a long way from the Burdekin and yet we are linked through the sugar industry.

Back in 1655, when the British eased the Spanish out of Jamaica, Worthy Park was gifted to Francis Price, a lieutenant in the British Army.

Worthy Park first produced sugar in about 1720.

The property has only changed hands three times over the centuries.

In 1904, Frank Clark, grandfather of the present manager, ordered a 3’ -0” mill from Mirrlees Watson, Glasgow.

It was in the 1960’s that Inkerman Mill purchased this small mill which was to be used as an experimental mill for other plant trials.

BMP are grateful that Wilmar International trusted the Club to preserve and display the mill for public interest.

While the mill was not installed in the Burdekin, it serves as a reminder of the global reaches of the sugar industry.

Worthy Park Estate still operates today and is famous for its rum.

Now BMP’s Walkers Engine No.1, the air blast fuel injection diesel engine, was built under licence by Walkers Ltd. Maryborough, to the very same Mirrlees Watson, Glasgow.

Anyone familiar with sugar mill machinery will appreciate the connection.

Contributed by Lex Kelly

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The Mirrlees Watson Mill. Photo supplied

John Hanson

Alf Shand

Foxy and Peter

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists hosted their Open Day last weekend. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie