BUTT REECE

Started in 1956 and worked at the Winery until 1981.

Recollections from Butt

Butt recalled the street parade in Berri, in the 1960's, when the winery entered a float named the "Xmas Pudding". The exhibit was placed on one of the grape marc trailers and as well as the "Pudding", there was a mono pump and hoses at the rear of the trailer to add some engineering effect. It had taken the staff some weeks to design and the critical part was a gas supply to simulate a flaming pudding. A small gas flame inside would ignite the brandy spirit that was thrown in at intervals. All went well until the float was halfway along Denny Street approaching the Eudunda Farmers Corner to Vaughan Terrace, when a gust of wind took control and engulfed the "Xmas Pudding". Butt Reece shouldered through the crowd with a fire extinguisher he had been carrying (just in case) and extinguished the small cauldron of flame. The exhibit arrived at Vaughan Terrace a blackened object, and later, one of the winery employees inquired if the winery had been awarded first prize. It was far the most spectacular item.

Butt had two stories to tell of the quirky humour of Jim Mullins.

Doug Collett was developing Section 256 on the east of Battams road.
He decided to use 'Stag" jointing paste to seal the screwed pipe joints and often used the winery workshop staff to help with the pipelaying in the after-hours time. Jim, in his laid back English humour, made up a large banner which he strung up on the southern hillside naming it :Stag Paste Hill". Naturally this caused a more than irate reaction from Doug. I do not know the result.

Jim Mullin's other caper was to build a neanderthal mobile pram complete with wooden wheels for the Colletts' expected child.

Tom Colbert was known as the "Compo Kid" because he consistently kept injuring various fingers during his workshop tasks.

Also Tom discovered a supply of peppermint essence, probably downstairs in the old Freestore, and ventured into the production of "Creme de Menthe".

Corio whisky barrels were a regular supplier of drainings, particularly if the casks had been exposed to some warm sunshine.

Bob Schell was always Father Xmas at the Social Xmas Events.

Karl Nieding, at some stage, had a thriving bartering trade in fish and wine!!! I knew nothing about that!

The Plane that made possible the aerial photo of the winery in 1930-31.
Built by Wilhelm Gunther Wittber in Adelaide.
Wittber and Harry Butler taught each other to fly.

From Les Kassebaum, the Russian timber was referred to as Malmo, which was the port of its despatch. Russia was unpopular in those times.

Max, brother to Don was BCPU foreman; deceased and never worked at winery. Max married Hazel Norman. Flew Catalinas in 43 Squadron, won DFC, flew with

Bluey Costello. Don Schulz, 84 Squadron, flew Boomerangs. Father Charlie was Officer in AIF World War 1

Lions Club, Lake Boga, Catalina model by Butt Reece.

Butt remembers Bert Berriman taking a sample of 3 Roses Sherry with a wine glass from a 2 inch stream without spilling a drop.

Butt Reece seen here in 2002.