Country Houseboat Rescue

Andrew tapping nails to hold the refurbished 

cedar panel boards into place

The refitting out of the saloon, as part of the second phase of Heather's restoration is almost completed. Renewing the woodwork has been a very slow process and there are many more finishing details on board ahead. The houseboat has been described as presentable or 'shabby chic.' Although, we are also mindful not to over restore Heather. 

Having removed most of the sections of ceiling panelling on both sides of the saloon, we discovered the timbers behind them were worn in places. Previously, there was little air flow behind this space, which lead to corrosion. The nineteen twenties horizontal soft wood battens, most of the ends of the oak roof beams and some of the cedar panels had suffered wear. 

Firstly, the decayed timbers were removed. The woodwork was then cleaned and thoroughly soaked by brushing and spraying Advanced Chemical Specialities water based wood treatment, to stop any potential rot.

The complex and labour intensive process of renewal has been just like piecing together a large jigsaw puzzle. New tanalised battens, running horizontally, were fixed with strong mastic ~ as opposed to dozens of steel screws and nails. The upper portion of the bilges (behind the bottom section of the panelling) has been coated with best black anti foul, after a suggestion by Nigel Royall Esq. This replicates the thick coats of bitumen tar, which has mostly disappeared with the passage of time. The paint reinvigorates and protects the inside of the hull against bugs and rot.

The neat cedar panel boards, with planed edges, were originally attached to the battens with galvanised iron cut clasp nails. We numbered the panels and found them easy to split and dent. After enquiring at nearby Tim Collin Timber Yard, on the Rhond at Hoveton; the crew discovered that the cedar used on board Heather was probably North American in origin. It is virtually irreplaceable today, as modern forested timber is often fast grown and is usually green or 'wet', as opposed to being seasoned.

With some difficulty, the damaged panel boards were individually repaired and cleaned. We decided to reuse panelling from the wardrobe to repair damaged sections in the saloon. (The inside of the wardrobe will be left bare, so the various types of wood used in Heather's original construction can be seen.) This was one of the most labour intensive and fiddly parts of the on board restoration. The crew pieced the panel boards together, placed them in a frame and glued them with mastic.

Over fifty years of thick paint and varnish, daubed on the panels has been tidied. We rehung the panels with new stainless steel nails and screws. Any blemishes like holes were filled and the boards were sanded. We then painted both the roof head lining and panelling in a smart ivory finish. It is strange that most of the hard graft, undertaken over weeks, will be hidden beneath the sections of panelling!

Heather's costly maintenance is funded by her part owners and some donations. Curiously, unlike larger craft (UK historic ships over 33 foot in length), charitable trusts and local statutory organisations, we receive no external funding. Hopefully, a buoyant future lays ahead for the unique and diverse fleet of historic craft, surviving in Broadland.

Come and see the houseboat and our small shop at our events this season. (The shop may only be open at certain events.)

Andrew, Chris

New Dinghy Centre launched at Ludham Bridge

The Norfolk Dinghy Centre is a new venture at a long established boatyard, at leafy Ludham Bridge. The small, friendly Centre is operated by Timothy Hallam and specialises in both sail~driven and powered small craft, for sale and hire. There is always a good mix of boats available to view on the shingled yard or elsewhere. A vast range of cycles ~ including tandems are available for hire to explore the wonderful Norfolk & Suffolk Broads area.

Tim can offer lots of specialist advice concerning environmentally friendly power systems. A selection of batteries and solar charging equipment, including several second hand engines are usually in stock. 

For those in the market for second hand boating equipment, spares and books, why not visit and ask to see ‘Bridge Bargains?’ 

Secure, year~round storage for boats of up to 25 feet in length is available at very reasonable rates. Whether you need storage for long or short periods, please call for a quote.

There will be a black board in the yard displaying forthcoming events and activities of Heather. 

The centre is open Monday to Sunday from 8.00am to 6.00pm. 

For further details please see the Centre website (in development) at: 


www.norfolkdinghycentre.co.uk

Telephone: 01692 631 120

Email: info@norfolkdinghycentre.co.uk

Norfolk Dinghy Centre, Chandlers Yard, Johnson Street, Ludham Bridge NR29 5NX

Directions: Ludham Bridge is accessible by water on the River Ant, on foot or cycle along public paths, or by road on the A1062.

Timothy Hallam

Norfolk Dinghy Centre

Ludham Bridge

Water Cavalcade

Prior to the Hoveton Jubilee celebrations, Heather's team spent many weeks doing repairs on board.  It was touch and go whether we would be ready in time, however despite periods of chaos, the houseboat appeared surprising presentable. We decided to lay beside the oak tree at the King's Head Hotel ancient moorings. Heather flew the Red Ensign on the roof for the festivities, for what turned out to be a memorable few days. 

It was an opportunity to enjoy water life whilst using Heather. Thomas Coulby exhibited his art during part of the celebrations ~ the first official public opening of the boat for many years. On Monday, the crew and guests watched the Water Procession journey through the centuries old road bridge at Wroxham. Built of limestone, red brick and steel, this worn monument has witnessed many changes since 1952; although it remains, a symbol of continuity.

We discovered 2012 is also a special anniversary for the houseboat ~ it is now sixty years since she was officially hired as a holiday boat. Follow our special anniversary events later this year.

MC JUDITH WINDMILL, making way up Bridge Reach, with the Bailey family on board. Launched in the nineteen fifties, she is now a Broadland flagship of the Vintage Wooden Boat Association, which actively protects and promotes custom craft. 

Join as an informal friend of Heather on Facebook at Houseboat-Heather.

The Crew

Hoveton St John

Juibilee Wherry Day at Wroxham Broad

Day one of the Jubilee celebrations saw a spectacular gathering of local Broads sailing wherries at Wroxham Broad ~ the first time this has occurred since 2005. The Norfolk Wherry Trust organised the occasion to mark the centenary of the building of Ella, the last known trading wherry. We were privileged to crew aboard Wherry MAUD, as part of the flotilla.

The wherries had their first sail around the broad lake in the morning, under glorious sunshine. The five available wherries then anchored in front of the yacht club house for lunch. A second informal sail took place in the afternoon, under sullen clouds.

Due to the nature of the Broads area, sadly, the public did not have a grand view of this rare occasion. Happily, some people watched from the shore and on board pleasure boats.

Wherries were often used as houseboats. I recently learnt that Richard Dimbleby, Commentator for the BBC television broadcast of the Coronation in 1953, resided on his barge, near the Palace of Westminster, during preparations for the Coronation day itself.

Chris