A Jolly Boat project

At long last, the houseboat has attained a tender boat with the unofficial, ominous name THE BLACK PIG. She was previously kept by a gentleman at Potter Heigham. The aged sixteen foot open launch was designed originally as a sea worthy ship's jolly boat. She was built of glass reinforced plastic over thirty years ago.

Much of her styling is hidden under decades of additions and thick black tar varnish, applied when used by an eel catcher on the River Thurne. When renovated she will be put into service towing, ferrying and other activities.

Jolly boats or ships' long boats are one type of ship's boat, developed from the middle ages. They would be used under oar or sail and later were fitted with engines. The origin of the name 'jolly' is uncertain, although it is has been recorded through the centuries. Mark Twain wrote about 'yawl boats' on the Mississippi and they appear in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, Treasure Island.

Andrew and Chris

Refreshing social media

Heather has joined Pinterest ~ a new, stylish social media site with a difference. It is a continuous notice pin board composed of people's personal images from around the globe. After joining, you can contribute images you like and create your own boards, which can be anything imaginable. All aspects of life are catered for. Over time, we will upload and share images that are special to us.

It is a perfect resource to record and highlight special features, wildlife, art and curiosities we love in Broadland and further afield. Traditional boat houses, for example are mostly overlooked. They are more often simple structures with sometimes decaying woodwork and rusty tin roofs. Boat houses, as well as wind pumps, cottages and the wealth of traditional water craft are considered part of the native character of the Broads area. However, even today, in the largest protected wetland in the UK, genuine, low impact features are not always valued and are fast disappearing. Many are threatened by redevelopment, changing values in society or simply local apathy. 

You can join and follow Heather's Pinterest page here.

Andrew, Chris

Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan

The annual coffee morning in aid of Macmillan was held on Saturday at the Granary Staithe exhibition berth. Sara Royall very kindly made some delicious looking and tasty iced cupcakes for the occasion and we brewed coffee and tea for several visitors.

Nigel and Chris took the houseboat round to Granary Staithe with the Royall's PERFECT LADY 2. This cleverly modified wooden yacht is one of a class built in the nineteen thirties by Herbert Woods at Potter Heigham. Herbert was a master boat builder, entrepreneur and Broadsman. His uncle was Ernest Woods, Heather's conversion builder ~ who shared the same talents as his nephew. We dodged the numerous boats in the congested dyke which leads onto the river. The extreme weight of Heather means she doesn't move well until steadily under way. We are now looking for a suitable motor launch to tow her in the future.

The coffee morning was the final public event of Heather's season. Due to the unusual weather conditions this summer, we had to change or cancel some activities, including sadly not joining the Fairhaven Green Show at South Walsham Inner Broad in June. We look forward to the 2013 season ~ only a few months away.

The crew

Flying the flag

The finishing touches have been made to the little display flagstaff on the house roof; affixed forward, where the nineteen twenties cabin began. The reclaimed oak ensign staff was cleaned up and oiled. This is held in place by a small steel tabernacle or bracket, enabling it to be scandalised ~ lowered to a horizontal position, especially when going through some of the notoriously low old Broadland bridges. To complete the arrangement, Robert Paul of Ludham Bridge Services, made up some stainless steel stays to hold the staff in place.

Eli Chamberlain stitched neatly together pieces of red, white and blue woven fabric with flat fell seams to replicate a Turner's pennant, based on the original 1950's design. Eli is a retired designer/stylist, with a career including design of stage and television costumes and latterly the owner of a bridal fashion shop.

A hoist line (length of rope) with a toggle and eye at either end was spliced Jerry Canham, a retired tug boat skipper. This was stitched into the cloth heading (sleeve) edge of the pennant flag. The pennant can be attached to a cane and this will be flown aloft on special occasions.

Both Eli and Jerry are available for textile work or rope splicing, please contact us.

Andrew, Chris

River excursion...... to Hardley Mill

We made a journey aboard Motor Cat DIPLOCAT to the northern rivers. After dropping Heather off at Hoveton, following the Cultural Heritage Day at Salhouse, we headed back through Yarmouth, over the grey, wild expanse of Breydon Water and up the River Yare, stopping off at Hardley with Langley.

We moored at a smart pontoon, perfectly placed next to the imposing brick tower with a white cap and sails of Hardley wind pump. The wind pump or mill is situated a short distance from Cantley sugar beet factory on the southern bank of the river. The 1874 structure and it's works have been comprehensively restored to virtually working order.

On arrival, we were greeted by Michael Stephenson, who guided us around the site. Climbing up through the four floor levels of the mill, we reached the dizzying heights of the cap and sails. We learned of the mechanical wizardry which powers this landmark building and how the broads landscape has been harnessed by mankind. In addition to the mill, a carefully designed visitor centre, with a natural 'living' floral roof of sedum turf has been built next door. Thanks to a group of knowledgeable and labourious enthusiasts, the mill continues to serve a useful purpose.

For details on the mill, opening times and special events please see their website: www.hardley-windmill.org.uk

David and Chris