A cruise in the 1960's

Eagle eyed archivist Carol Gingell has found a colour film of a Broadland cruise dating from the early 1960's. The Ramsay family made the film while on holiday aboard CLOVER OF LIGHT; a smart Herbert Woods centre cockpit motor cruiser. Note the ingenious retracting 'gullotine' type wheelhouse ~ one of Broadland 's many innovative contributions to the marine sector.

Most of the film can be seen from the continuous perspective of just above deck level. Beginning near North Quay in Great Yarmouth, the family cruise up the Bure or North River past the village of Horning. At around 6 minutes, Horning Ferry Reach comes into view. Soon after, there is a fleeting glimpse of Heather, laying at Turner's Boatyard. The houseboat is seen nestled amongst sister craft. The regular appearance of neatly white washed quay capping and bollards mark the high standards during the era. A few seconds later, a row of cream houseboats at the old Chumley and Hawkes boatyard come into view. Weather boarded versions still serve as holiday accommodation here. It tails off at the former HT Percival's yacht station, further up river. The recent success of the first Horning Boat Show highlights the village as one of Broadland's great ports of call.

Suddenly the film cuts to show the once charming Broads Tours and the restaurant pavilion (now Riverside Park) at Hoveton St John. This long established tour boat company was mercilessly asset stripped, then completely pulled down in the late 1980's. Looking downstream to King's Staithe in the distance ~ Heather's occasional mooring base. Here the lofty industrial Barclay and Pallett flour mill can be seen. Today, the site is more hospitable and composes the Old Mill Restaurant building and a range of other shops. The footage ends on Breydon Water and the Lower River Waveney. Looking at the film, it is quite startling how over a half century, riverside properties have developed from rather muted, rusticated architecture to more intense urbanised structures. Whether people will record on camera these new additions for posterity, remains to be seen.

 

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1Y5I7E4qTKw

The photograph above, looking up to Wroxham Bridge was taken in 1964 by the Hooton family of Lower Brampton, Derbyshire. It captures a lost world of low key boathouses and grassed moorings. On the extreme left, J Loynes yard's famous pennant flag of a white star on a blue field can just be seen flying atop their gaff rigged flagstaff. The Barclay and Pallett owned mill and large black granary Store on the Staithe is seen right of centre. Courtesy of Maureen Hooton (nee Foster.)

Chris

Grateful thanks to Carol for embedding the film.

Ludham Bridge ~ a Broadland oasis

Spanning the River Ant, Ludham Bridge is located centrally on the popular northern rivers. On either side, the A 1062 road stretches out like a causeway across the fens. Next to the bridge is the family run Ludham Bridge Services and Boatyard. Working farms lay just beyond the cluster of traditional buildings and yards. It could be said that this area resembles the rural appearance of nearby Hoveton and Wroxham waterside of a hundred years ago.

Paths link two famous Broads landmarks. How Hill lies only 2 miles upstream. Crowned by a large Edwardian country house, lush gardens sweep down to the river and marshes. A short distance down river are the curious remains of the Abbey of St Benet's at Holme, sitting in beautiful isolation.

Beside the road is the well known black and white building of Bridge Stores and the Wayfarers Cafe. A general provisions and gift shop for holiday makers. The cafe serves hot and cold food. Further along is the artist Linda H Matthew's Broad Skies Gallery, with individual Norfolk made gifts and art. Next door is AJB Fishing Tackle stocks a broad range of gear and bait. Advice is freely available.

Tucked away, behind the Stores is Chandlers' Yard and a range of recently improved cabins. The Trading Post and Norfolk Dinghy Centre has a large selection of books, general goods and boat related items. Cycling hire and some gas is also available here. The Boathouse is run by Robert Paul, Marine Engineer and Boat Safety Examiner. Helpful advice, servicing and sales of outboard engines and boats is also available. Bridge Cave Curios is packed with something for all with preloved and new objects. Kay K Crafts completes the selection. Kay makes a range of handmade fabric and wooden items, including colourful lengths of bunting ~ perfect for your home, boat or special occasions. Boats and trailers for sale are on display and storage is available. There are few shopping outlets in Broadland located in such an attractive environment. A few steps lead up to the Staithe, where boats can moor to replenish with fresh water and hook up to the electricity point. (Please note no cards purchased anywhere else can be used.)

On the immediate downstream side is Bridge Boatyard. Full services are available here, including pumpout. Smart day and picnic cruisers are available for hire. There are comprehensive repair facilities. The central and scenic location of this boatyard in the Broads district is almost exceptional. Various moorings are available on both sides of the bridge.

Find out information about Broadland, including the Museum of the Broads and more at the yards.
Individual cabins may not be open everyday of the week.

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