In the middle years of the last century Bridge Broad Wroxham turned from a big overgrown pond, land locked from the River Bure into a multi faceted amenity by the Chamberlin clan, headed by soulful Cecil.
Cecil was one of very first to let small boats to ordinary people, particularly youngsters. Before, day boats were rarely available to everyone. It was the norm for luxury yachts, motor launches and cruisers to be chartered in advance at a very high cost for several days or weeks. John from Hoveton explains ~ "A canoe or rowing boat could be hired for a shiny half a crown." Boat bookings could be made at Chamberlins shop by the bridge and Granary Staithe on the parallel Hoveton side of the river.
A channel was cut through to the river opposite the Free Moorings enabling passage and Swallows and Amazons adventures around Broadland.
Photograph ~ Cecil paddling one of the customary timber dinghies available to hire. (Rita Massingham née Chamberlin.)
Chris
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