During 1929, a valorous community group was formed with idealistic aims and ambition to improve things on the waterside. The Wroxham (and Hoveton St John) Advancement Association lasted only a few years, yet it's achievements can still be seen today, albeit often overlooked.
A small slightly battered black bound minute book is primary surviving evidence of the work, passion and indeed humility of a group of people with a vision for the famed boating hub ~ which by the 1920s was flourishing around Wroxham Bridge.
The association comprised principally of local business owners and followed on from the phenomenal success of previous village water carnivals. These fun days were major charitable regattas staged below the bridge and managed between Arnold Roy and Cecil Chamberlin ~ two leading maverick gentleman entrepreneurs in Hoveton during much of the 20th century.
The first pages of the book shows a press cutting of the associations foundation at the King's Head Hotel. Arnold Roy was elected Chairman and Cecil Chamberlin voted as Secretary, while the venerated Broadland boating pioneer John Loynes was nominated President. Cecil succinctly describes the first steps of the group's activities in fine copper plate hand writing. Doubtless the notebook (cost 1/ shilling) was obtained from the stock of Cecil's own landmark newsagent and gift shop, located by the side of the bridge and Granary Staithe, facing the High Street.
Clearly the right to access the waterways was of prime concern to members of the association. John Loynes in particular was dedicated to the cause of maintaining local maritime customs. No 5 states plainly and pragmatically: "Mr John Loynes emphasised the value of Hoveton Gt Broad and expressed the hope that the Association would endeavour by negotiation to get the broad open."
The minute book is in the possession of Mrs Rita Massingham (Cecil Chamberlin's daughter) and copied orginally for the Celebrate Hoveton community events, which Andrew and Chris helped organise previously, while members of Hoveton Parish Council.
Stuart
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