RiverWaveney
Postcards from the Norfolk Broads.net
St Olaves
The first (or last, if travelling downstream) good moorings on the River Waveney are to be found here at St. Olaves; overlooked by the suspension bridge which carries the A143 Yarmouth to Bury St. Edmonds road. 
Looking downstream from Johnson’s Yacht Station, in the 1950’s. Over the river is the “Bell Inn” one of the oldest and most charming pubs on the Broads and an ideal spot to spend the
night when you need an early start to time your arrival in Yarmouth for
slack water. The yard in the foreground was earlier known as W.G. Johnson & Son and probably began as a business in the 1920’s; although I do not have a precise record of this. The firm had a small fleet of cabin cruisers and yachts which remained little changed until the early 1970’s. In this decade the firm changed the fleet for modern GRP designs and the craft names changed to adopt a Mediterranean theme. Of course that may mean that there was a change of management but, in any event Johnson’s Yacht Station continued to trade under that name until the early 1990’s.
In the foreground we can see “Cirrus” a 20ft two berth, of which there were three boats in the class, all built in the 1930’s . These boats were pretty much identical to the “Arrow” class built by Fred Miller at Oulton Broad and it may well be that they were also built at that yard?
In the foreground we can see “Cirrus” a 20ft two berth, of which there were three boats in the class, all built in the 1930’s . These boats were pretty much identical to the “Arrow” class built by Fred Miller at Oulton Broad and it may well be that they were also built at that yard?
Cirrus had two larger sisters ‘Nebula’ and ‘Orion’ which were also similar in style to Miller designs. Their distinctive appearance is not particularly common amongst pre-war types. The boats were built in the popular ‘launch’ style with forward steerage but rather than have a covered [forward] cockpit they had a small cabin with a raised foredeck to give headroom. This cabin was unfurnished and described as for additional storage or dressing space. These two boats disappeared from the hire list during the 1950’s but the 'Cirrus' class remained in hire until around 1970.
Ahead of Cirrus is a yacht with her mast removed; which may indicate that the picture was taken early or late in the season? The yard had two 21ft 6in. Gaff yachts: “Nimbus” 1 & 2. ‘Nimbus 2’ was described as being ‘in varnish’ and given that ‘Nimbus 1’ had a white painted hull I expect that this is most likely to be Nimbus 2.
The cabin cruiser ahead of Nimbus has not been identified, she is not of the other Johnson classes (described above) and looks more like a Woods’ Delight class?
The last boat on the moorings appears to be “Crescent” a 34ft double ended clinker craft, which resembled a converted ship’s lifeboat and was relegated to use as a Houseboat after the 2nd World War. Inside the jetty is what appears to be a Wherry yacht but I have been unable to identify her. It may be that she was also used as a houseboat, at this time, but she is not mentioned in any of my hire lists.
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1965Ahead of Cirrus is a yacht with her mast removed; which may indicate that the picture was taken early or late in the season? The yard had two 21ft 6in. Gaff yachts: “Nimbus” 1 & 2. ‘Nimbus 2’ was described as being ‘in varnish’ and given that ‘Nimbus 1’ had a white painted hull I expect that this is most likely to be Nimbus 2.
The cabin cruiser ahead of Nimbus has not been identified, she is not of the other Johnson classes (described above) and looks more like a Woods’ Delight class?
The last boat on the moorings appears to be “Crescent” a 34ft double ended clinker craft, which resembled a converted ship’s lifeboat and was relegated to use as a Houseboat after the 2nd World War. Inside the jetty is what appears to be a Wherry yacht but I have been unable to identify her. It may be that she was also used as a houseboat, at this time, but she is not mentioned in any of my hire lists.
Oulton Broad
Two similar (unattributed) views of the Yacht Station at Oulton Broad with the landmark Wherry Hotel in the background. The card above was posted in 1968 and the latter ten years later, in 1978, although I suspect that they were both photographed rather closer together than their postmarks might suggest.
Oulton Broad is the only ‘major’ navigable broad in the Southern Broadland region and is also rather unique in its atmosphere - for the Broads. It is linked to, and not difficult to reach from the rest of the region; which means the area has always played its part as a centre for boat building and Broadland holidays. However, its location is rather removed from the popular northern centres and Oulton has consequently developed its own special character. The surrounding shores are more built-up than any of those of the Northern Broads and this broad provides rather more of a publicly accessible local amenity. For me, it’s more like a little Lake Windermere really and, I should say, I’m not suggesting that’s in any way a bad thing.
Dinghy and One-design racing is organised by the Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club and this is also the only Broadland location where power boat racing is allowed. Such high speed events are organised by the Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club and take place here every week throughout the season.
The fresh water broad has access to the sea through Mutford Lock, which is just out of picture to our right, and via Lake Lothing and Lowestoft Harbour. Interestingly, the lock here is subject to different tidal rise and fall on either side. The outer gates see tidal movement directly from the North Sea whereas the inner gates are subject to the tides in the River Waveney which flow from Yarmouth. That means that water levels [either side of the lock] are only equal three hours or so after high water at Lowestoft. This is compensated for by the unusual use of double lock gates which are designed to keep the fresh water level above that on the salt water side. Originally, Lake Lothing and Oulton Broad were one large salt water inlet and in order to allow navigation to Norwich, via Lowestoft from the North Sea, Oulton Dyke was cut to allow access to the River Waveney. This was followed by the construction of the ‘New Cut’ at Haddiscoe which further shortened the route to Norwich.
All this was in competition with the Port of Great Yarmouth which had previously controlled the sea born traffic to Norwich; but ultimately resulted in the enforced construction of the locks due to concerns that tidal flows would be changed to the extent that Yarmouth would silt up and become un-navigable. It should probably go without saying that the lock and area beyond is out of bounds to hire craft?
There is an interesting collection of holiday maker’s boats at the moorings so let’s remember why we’re here and discuss them. The large varnished cruiser which dominates the picture is believed to be of the ‘Coral Mist’ class; although this cannot be proven due to the lack of distinguishing marks. The class originates from the early 1960’s at Dawn Craft of Horning. They were very similar to the F. B. Wilds’ cruiser: Wild Adventurer, which was also built at Horning and they were 40ft cruisers with accommodation for seven. Later this class became part of the [Ladbroke] Herbert Woods fleet.
‘Braemore’ © R. Moore & Sons 1959
The cruiser moored alongside and sporting a most unusual moulded cabin roof is B546 the 33ft, four berth ‘Braemore’ from R. Moore and Sons at Hoveton. Amazingly (because of the cost and complexity) this roof was constructed in the same way as the hull. That is: with longitudinal mahogany planks, butted together, running fore and aft and steam bent to form the curvature at the stern! Opposite we can see another of Moore's smart varnished craft of the 30ft ‘Rossmore’ class which featured their trademark (for this era) forward viewing [flying] cockpit.
Ahead of Rossmore are two boats of Bradbeer’s Red Whale Fleet (a smaller rival to Blakes and Hoseasons which ceased trading in 1973) the nearer to the camera is ‘Whispering Prince’ a 22ft. two berth from Mistralcraft at Loddon. I am unable to identify the boat she is alongside. Also here on this busy day are two cruisers from R. Richardson (Pleasure Craft) Ltd. of Stalham; who had their original yard here at Oulton Broad. On the extreme left we can just see a 36 ft. ‘Swiftway’ or possibly a ‘Broadway’ and behind Kerrymore is a 32ft. ‘Crusader’ type probably of the similar ‘Tranquil’ class.
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1975 © Blakes Holiday Boating 1975
Our second view of the Yacht Station seems to have been photographed on a quieter and not a very warm-looking day but I am interested in a couple of the boats; although, because there is very little detail, I have not attempted to identify the craft on the far pontoon; not even the one with the rather suspect yellow hull!
We cannot see enough of the nearest boat, with the bobble hatted skipper, but she is obviously one of the older step decked cruisers like the ‘Star’ classes from Jack Powles at Wroxham. By the way, bobble hats were compulsory in the 1960’s; it was the law - okay?
I suspect a little more colour re-touching in the adjacent group but these boats did actually have a blue painted ‘boot top’ so we are not confused by this example. Well: I say that but I have been unable to decipher her name as it is partially obscured by her mooring rope. She is of the ‘Broadland Snipe’ type-class from Ripplecraft of Somerleyton; on the Waveney. There were various examples of these uniquely designed craft. All similar in appearance, all named after bird species and ranging in size from 23 to 35 feet. The name in this case looks like Goosander or Gosling to me. However, I can find no record of any craft with these names. The nearest I can find is ‘Broadland Goldeneye’ a 24ft, four berth version of the Broadland Widgeon class; which were all named after ducks. These cruisers had all been sold off by the early 1970’s but, in any event, she is not of that class and appears more similar to the ‘Snipe’ class of 32 foot, four berths.
(2nd September 2009) I am grateful to another helpful visitor, Mr Graham Noble, for clarification of this question. The boat is in fact W615 ‘Broadland Goosander’ and Graham tells me she was built in 1961 and that her name was changed to ‘Broadland Snipe’ in 1968 when her interior layout was re-designated as a four berth. I imagine this may be because her sister craft in this class all had bird names, in the usual style of Ripplecraft, but were not named after ducks? Could it be that Goosander was the first of this type which became well known as the Broadland Snipe class?
Graham’s information also helps to narrow down the vintage of this postcard since we now know that it must have been pictured between 1961 and 1968. Brilliant! Thanks again, Graham.
Finally, a favourite type: a Broom ‘Commander’ a class of beautifully built 37ft, six berth cruisers from the famous C. J. Broom and Sons of Brundall. Possibly, in this case, on hire to a group of boy scouts and their leaders. This firm is discussed elsewhere but here are the brochure details from ‘Holidays Afloat’ -1959. What do you think, could that be a young Martin Broom at the helm?
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1959 © Blakes Holiday Boating 1975
Consideration
of the input from Graham Noble (and speaking as one who has cruised from St. Olaves to Acle on the ebb tide - just the once, honestly Mr. Royall!) has made me aware that these uniquely
designed craft are even more interesting than I had realised. Browsing
Blake’s catalogues you find yourself referred to one Ripplecraft class
for a description of all their boat’s special features. You can see
this in the details of Broadland Snipe above and so I have also
included the details of Broadland Swan from 1975.
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1975 Beccles
Copyright J. Salmon Ltd., Sevenoaks, Kent ©The card, from my collection, was posted in 1969 but was probably pictured a little earlier than that? The cabin cruiser is clearly one of the larger Herbert Woods’ “Light” classes of six or eight berth cruisers but from this angle and due to the low definition it is not possible to be more precise. Clearly, this card is another example (please see my comments on the Yarmouth Yacht Station card) where there has been a degree of artificial colour enhancement; in this case, quite a high degree! To be fair though, this does lift and enhance the picture, helping to sharpen the detail to a helpful degree for a postcard. Of course: that’s just my opinion but maybe that’s because I like it anyway?
Reproduced with permission from Jarrold & Sons Ltd
From the previous viewpoint: should one turn around and face downstream, this is the view they would enjoy. At least, it would be around1960 when this picture was probably taken? Actually (for once) the post mark on this card is very clearly 1962. Often a post mark is not a very good indication of the picture’s provenance because many examples remained in print or on sale for quite considerable periods. In this case I think that we are not likely to be far out.
In the foreground is the “Caravan Harbour” which provided holiday let facilities by the riverside and the “Yacht Station” which can be seen beyond. I have no personal recollection of the Caravan Harbour although it would have still been there when I first visited in the early sixties. Perhaps that is because we did not stay at the Yacht Station?
The cabin cruiser, in the foreground, appears to be of the “Lazy Days” class from the yard of H.E. Hipperson at the nearby, quaintly named, Puddingmoor. I do remember Hipperson’s and these boats (which I always referred to as “Halcyon Days”) probably because I tended to be a bit biased toward Hoseason’s in the early days? The only other craft that is identifiable (due to her distinctive appearance) is a “Sea Heron” at the staithe.
The Somam - Wherry Press Ltd.
Another view past the Caravan Harbour at Beccles but the primary interest here is the large cruiser with her skull and crossbones pennant! I don’t think that we have said much about this famous firm, up to now, but that is a little remiss as this is ‘Broadlander’ from R. Richardson (Pleasure Craft) Ltd of Stalham; probably the largest [one name] fleet on the Broads from the 1960’s & 70’s onwards?
Richardson’s started out at Oulton Broad towards the end of the Second World War with the purchase of ‘Mac Nab’, a cruiser which does feature on this web-site, in several pictures by Edmund Nägele, (See the River Yare - Coldham Hall) The fleet increased rapidly and by the end of the 1950’s had re-located to its present situation, at Stalham. A site that is slightly off centre of the Broadland hot spots, but which allowed for continued expansion into what is certainly the largest boatyard site in the Broads region.
As we can see ‘Broadlander’ displays rakish good looks and a style that is typical of this firm’s designs from the 1960’s era. ‘Broadlander’ belongs to, what I would call, the second phase of Richardson’s designs. Examples of their earlier but equally recognisable designs would be represented by the ‘Crusader’ and ‘Fancy Free’ types. The cruisers stood out from the crowd if only due to their sheer size and high powered diesel engines. They were the true ‘Margolettas’ of my own halcyon days on the Broads and I have particular memories of the big ‘Broadsventure’ class boats barging around the Broads with huge (sometimes single sex) crews and diesel smoke belching out of their exhausts. At this time most cruisers had small petrol engines, the likes of BMC Vedettes and Morris Navigators, and the big Richardson’s boats might have had two to four times that much power!
So, not surprised to see the Jolly Roger on ‘Broadlander’ here then? Not really but please don’t take that as any sign of a prejudice against this firm. I believe that they have an excellent history of innovation and good design and development of wooden boats through to much more modern designs in later years. Today, Richardson’s are a large holiday group incorporating their Boatyards, Holiday Home Sites and various other Leisure based interests. A detailed history of the firm is available on their website; pleasingly so because relatively few Broads firms bother to do this.
Richardson’s started out at Oulton Broad towards the end of the Second World War with the purchase of ‘Mac Nab’, a cruiser which does feature on this web-site, in several pictures by Edmund Nägele, (See the River Yare - Coldham Hall) The fleet increased rapidly and by the end of the 1950’s had re-located to its present situation, at Stalham. A site that is slightly off centre of the Broadland hot spots, but which allowed for continued expansion into what is certainly the largest boatyard site in the Broads region.
As we can see ‘Broadlander’ displays rakish good looks and a style that is typical of this firm’s designs from the 1960’s era. ‘Broadlander’ belongs to, what I would call, the second phase of Richardson’s designs. Examples of their earlier but equally recognisable designs would be represented by the ‘Crusader’ and ‘Fancy Free’ types. The cruisers stood out from the crowd if only due to their sheer size and high powered diesel engines. They were the true ‘Margolettas’ of my own halcyon days on the Broads and I have particular memories of the big ‘Broadsventure’ class boats barging around the Broads with huge (sometimes single sex) crews and diesel smoke belching out of their exhausts. At this time most cruisers had small petrol engines, the likes of BMC Vedettes and Morris Navigators, and the big Richardson’s boats might have had two to four times that much power!
So, not surprised to see the Jolly Roger on ‘Broadlander’ here then? Not really but please don’t take that as any sign of a prejudice against this firm. I believe that they have an excellent history of innovation and good design and development of wooden boats through to much more modern designs in later years. Today, Richardson’s are a large holiday group incorporating their Boatyards, Holiday Home Sites and various other Leisure based interests. A detailed history of the firm is available on their website; pleasingly so because relatively few Broads firms bother to do this.
