Thomas Coulby ~ On Board Open Art Studio

We are delighted to report that Heather will be used to exhibit the works of Thomas Coulby as part of the 2012 Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios. Thomas's exhibition will include abstract landscapes taking inspiration from the Norfolk coastline and the Broads.

The houseboat will open on 26th & 27th May and 2nd & 3rd June at the King's Head Hotel Moorings, off Station Road, Hoveton St John ~ also accessible along the Riverside Walk.

View Thomas Coulby's website
http://www.stenniktest.co.uk/T-Coulby/index.html

Wintertime repairs & reflections

All but the essential contents were removed from the houseboat. Heather was then towed to Horning by MV Mishtari, skippered by Timothy Hallam. Heather's crew will continue her scheduled repairs, concentrating with carpentry and re~furnishing on board.

The winter period allows the crew time to delve into the history of Heather. We also aim to research the wealth of lost and surviving types of houseboats and their locations throughout the Broads landscape.

Both pictures appeared in the January 2012 issue of Harnser, the Broads Society magazine.

Above: A series of Broads houseboats drawn by naturalist, historian and conservationist, Arthur H Patterson (John Knowlittle), from 'Through Broadland by Sail & Motor', published in 1930. Arthur Patterson was a great advocate of 'life afloat' and all aspects of Broads culture. Many of the houseboats appear simply moored to posts in the Venetian fashion. A chimney poking out of the roof is a notable feature of some houseboats ~ smoke swirling from a blackened chimney across the low fen lands can be a wondrous sight.

Below: This sketch depicts the vast, timeless, muddy waters of Breydon, near Great Yarmouth. The boat on the right is an interpretation of a Breydon houseboat ~ houseboats were features of Breydon until a few decades ago. These characteristic vessels were often converted from old ship's boats. The houseboat illustrated was modelled on Heather and lays beside a pollarded willow. A 'Breydoner' is pulling in his nets, whilst a heron or 'harnser' in Norfolk tongue looks on ~ the harnser is the apt emblem of the Broads Society. Image: Courtesy of the Broads Society. Copyright 2012.

The crew would like to discover details of historic Broadland houseboats. Please share your memories for future generations and keep this important custom of the Broads alive.

Andrew & Chris

Granary Staithe, Hoveton

Heather has bid farewell to Royall & Sons Boatyard. The crew are indebted to Nigel and his team for their boundless expertise associated with the maintenance of boats. Their careful consideration of the houseboat and her crew has been marvellous.

The houseboat berthed overnight in the shallow dyke at the historic Granary Staithe, below Wroxham Bridge. The Staithe, located at the very heart of the 'Gateway of the Broads', was beloved of artists and writers including Arthur Ransome, author of the Swallows & Amazons stories. The gravelled Staithe is frequented by locals & visitors alike throughout the year. In January the crew went along to a special public meeting at the Village Hall, which was organised by Hoveton Parish Council to look at the future of this landmark site.

A sailing barge, ' floating monument' laying at the ancient Granary Staithe, pictured from the Wroxham side of the River Bure.

For further information concerning Granary Staithe, please contact Hoveton Parish Council through their website at
www.hoveton-pc.org.uk