Broads Society AGM

Chris joined Jill Wickens, the Society's Harnser magazine editor for the Annual General Meeting of the Broads Society, the original conservation and campaigning group of the Broads. The meeting took place at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, on the shore of Wroxham Broad on Saturday 26th November.

'The Broads Society was founded in 1956 by Len Ramuz to promote the future well-being of the Broads area and provide a focus for all who are interested in the region – navigators, naturalists, farmers, residents and visitors alike'.

After a splendid luncheon, official business from a set agenda was followed by a lively discussion on important topical Broads issues, including water quality and possible threats from flooding. Suggestions of changing the name of the Society to 'Friends of the Broads' was highly popular as it is may appear more attractive to potential new members.

The Founder, Len Ramuz at one time owned the renowned Motor Houseboat DORIS ~ one of the largest and most stately vessels afloat on the Broads. Built by the prestigious shipyard of  JW Brooke & Co Ltd at Lake Lothing, she was launched in 1931. Doris was in poor condition for decades and is presently being renovated. Soon Doris will once more gracefully ply both inland and coastal waters. More information on MHB Doris in the future.

Look online: www.broads-society.org.uk

Broads Tourism

 

Heather's crew went along to the Tourism Forum meeting on the afternoon of Wednesday 16th November, held at the delightful Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham. Items that were discussed included the upcoming Outdoors Festival of 2012, the benefits of Green Tourism and talks by organisations like Visit East Anglia.

The purpose of Broads Tourism is to positively promote the Broads as a leading destination, working alongside a wide range of partners to ensure the Broads is an excellent place to visit, work and live. The Forum is made up of paid members and three members' meetings take place each year.

People chose to come to Broadland from all over the world to see what is a unique tapestry of fen, water craft, wildlife, wind mills and quaint villages interwoven with over 200 miles of rivers.

All examples of classic boats and objects of historic interest like wind pumps; as mainstay cultural assets of the Broads would benefit from being collectively involved in Broads Tourism.

Online celebration of Broads cultural heritage

The Broadland Memories blog, administered by Carol Gingell, has produced an article about Heather, which looks at the houseboat's history, layout and features.

Broadland Memories is a wonderful and comprehensive online archive laced with personality which offers countless pictures, film and narrative gleaned from a host of sources. The website is an ideal tool when discovering the history of a boat or building; or if you wish to rekindle memories of a magical holiday on the Broads. This vast resource, rather tellingly looks predominantly at the original navigation and boating aspects of the Broads.

Hopefully a resurgance of interest in the true cultural heritage of the Rivers & Broads through online resources like Broadland Memories will help maintain the special character of Broads area for today and tomorrow.

Chris and Andrew, as the custodians of Houseboat Heather are committed to safeguarding and promoting all aspects of native Broads culture and forging links with like minded organisations.

Visit this fascinating and free website at: 
www.broadlandmemories.co.uk

Restoration works

Heather has undergone her primary stage of restoration at Royall's Boatyard in Hoveton St John, carried out by Steven & Nigel. Concentrating on the outboard, new rubbing strakes of African utile (similar to mahogany) were completely replaced, as was her forward stem. The very worn decks of the After Well have been reinstated, creating a new open space which fits Heather's original appearance, after she was converted into a houseboat in the 1920's.

This was followed by fresh coats of ivory enamel paint and black antifouling on her hull. She was then launched back in the water to 'settle down'. Heather's Cabin sides and Focscle were then rubbed down and stained whilst she was laying in the wet boathouse.

Our next task is to renew all the worn timber and complete a full redecoration on board for the second stage of the restoration, which should be completed by Summer 2012.

Further pictures and information coming soon.