PIRIE HEADMASTER

Earlier this year, I took Keith and the Postcards crew on a tour of my hometown of Port Pirie. This northern city takes its name from the schooner the "John Pirie" skippered by Captain Thomson who sailed into this part of the Spencer Gulf looking for a port to take wool from the nearby Crystal Brook run. That was back in 1845.

Now the Pasminco smelter provides much of the economic lifeblood for this city of 16,000 people. The 250-metre high smokestack dominates the skyline. I used to work here, and for the locals who still do, I know the nearby mangroves provide the ideal getaway for those who want to do a bit of fishing or are on the lookout for the tasty blue swimmer crab.

From here you can't help but be impressed by the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Over those peaks and you're into some of the most beautiful parts of the Southern Flinders like the township of Melrose and Mt Remarkable and the old settler's cottages hidden away in these spectacular gullies.

If you're thinking of making a trip to this part of the Gulf or the Southern Flinders Ranges then Port Pirie is an ideal base, and the Old Schoolmaster's Residence is the perfect retreat. It was built in 1914 for the Principal of the Solomontown Primary School, and now offers self-contained Bed and Breakfast accommodation. But back in the early days, it may have also been used for classes.

"And there are various other things like hat hooks in the porch, and hat hooks on what was the back verandah, and various other things. They used to believe that at some stage part of it was used for school".

My dad was a pupil at the Solomontown School. I don't know if he was dragged before the headmaster in one of these rooms - at least he's never let on to me anyway!

If you want to re-live those early school days and catch up with my hometown and its nearby attractions, then contact The Old Schoolmaster's residence at Port Pirie on 8632-2272. It's on the corner of Three Chain Road and Jeffrey Street at Solomontown just minutes from the city centre. $105.00 per double per night including breakfast. For more information email info@postcards.sa.com.au