Postcards from the Norfolk Broads.net
Early Days
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1908
This new page is an indulgence from my, very small, collection of early postcards. Apart from the first there are almost no identifiable boats and some are “Oilettes” . That is to say: hand painted colour postcards from a time before widespread colour photography. ‘Oilette’ was a trade mark but in this instance I have used it as a generic term for hand painted post cards. Many were attributed to ‘named’ artists and, it has to be said, there is a certain amount of variation in the quality of the marine draughtsmanship but they are all very charming images. Many more of these postcards were produced than are in my tiny collection but I hope that visitors will share my pleasure in viewing the few that I have.
Above, we have the cover of Harry Blake’s first ever “Yachting List” which was published in 1908 and reproduced in limited edition during the late 1990’s. The craft described were all on hire from Ernest Collins; whose yard was just downstream of Wroxham Bridge on the Wroxham side and had been the site of the original business set up in the late 19th Century by the Collins brothers' father Robert Collins.
Ernest's brother, Alfred, set up his own yard on the opposite (Hoveton) bank where the original Norfolk Broads Yachting Company had been based.
The above postcard is un-posted and has no publisher’s mark so we will need to take an educated guess as to its vintage? I am thinking: just after the 1st World War, based on the busy scene, the boat sheds and the selection of hire craft that can be seen. Clearly this is Ernest Collins’ yard and his business sign does seem to be reflected by the brochure design above?
Ernest Collins. YACHT DESIGNER & BUILDER
Also Yachts, Wherries & Boats FOR HIRE
Also Yachts, Wherries & Boats FOR HIRE
Nearest the camera is a small yacht of the generic Broads type (a Valkyrie perhaps?) then a large ‘counter sterned’ yacht which is quite possibly ‘America’ a famous yacht which was later to be replicated by Mike Barnes’, present day, Norfolk Broads Yachting Company at Horning. Then we have two Pleasure Wherries, possibly ‘Chloe’ and ‘Reindeer’ and a Wherry Yacht which looks a little like ‘Norada’ or may have been ‘Olive’ or ‘White Moth’ which, it is possible, are the two craft at the end of this group.
The craft sailing past seems to be enjoying a fair breeze for this reach and, judging from her burgee, is most probably from the contemporary Norfolk Broads Yachting Company base at Hoveton. Their yard and sheds can be seen beyond the same yacht. This is a great clue to the age of the picture because Frank Chambers, the founder of the N.B.Y.Co. died just before the First World War and his company was sold off in 1920.
On the opposite bank the premises of Ernest’s brother, Alfred Collins, would be developed later to be renamed as Jack Powles & Co. by 1933. Jack had been the manager at Alfred's business until the latter's retirement. As we can see the emphasis was very much on sailing craft, in the early days, and it was usual to have a skipper and attendant to manage your charter for you. A practice that was eventually to die out due to increasing labour costs; and with inevitable consequences for these spectacular Yachts and Wherries.
Here's what Alfred Collins had to say in his 1930 brochure:
The moorings on the site of the Norfolk Broads Yachting Company on the Hoveton bank below Wroxham Bridge. “Robert Collins” started his Wroxham base on the opposite bank with his sons Ernest and Alfred here in the 1890's when John Loynes was the only other Yacht Owner listed. Robert died around the turn of the century and the opposite (Wroxham) yard was listed as that of Ernest Collins by 1904. Initally the brothers continued their business together but Ernest and Alfred eventually went their separate ways, in business, and Alfred set up at the location of this picture. I have seen it said that they fell out but I do not gain that impression. They seem to have co-operated in many ways and I believe their separation was simply because they had different ideas about the future of the business. The elder brother Ernest did not fully embrace the new motor cruisers and Alfred was apparently much more in favour of these craft. He could probably be included as a pioneer of motor craft in the 1920's along with the likes of Charles Broom and Bert Banham.
Alfred's purchase would have been after the sell off of the Norfolk Broads Yachting Company, following the end of the First World War. This view is thought to be from, around, 1900. Like the other painted views: I have included this one just because I like it and, I particularly like, the quality of the draughtsmanship. My copy is a postcard but the image was one of the collection painted by Frank Southgate and published in William Dutt's second edition of "The Norfolk Broads" in 1905.
This is a quite well known picture and a personal favourite from the same location as above. Nevertheless it contains a mystery that I struggled with, for quite a while! Its a familiar view of Wroxham ’Bridge Reach’ towards the end of the First World War. The evidence for that [era] is the fact that the Norfolk Broads Yachting Company is still trading (Fairy Queen and another of their Wherries can be seen moored alongside their sheds, below the Granary building) and John Loynes is still hiring out heavy Cutter Yachts at his premises, opposite. On the left of picture we can see a small Wherry at the yard of Ernest Collins. That craft is ‘Victory’ which was originally built as a trader and Ernest converted her to a Pleasure Wherry in 1910. Her, large-windowed, main cabin superstructure which is significantly raised above the line of her original aft cabin is very distinctive. Victory was off the hire list by 1926 which (combined with the N.B.Y.Co.) suggests that this picture dates from between 1910 &1920.
All well and good but, despite much searching, I had been hard put to positively identify the smart Pleasure Wherry in the foreground. Her bevelled panelling suggests the quality of build usually reserved for a privately commissioned craft and her named sailing tender is of similar high quality and turnout. In some cases (although, not necessarily a Broads practice) a tender carries the name of her parent craft but I have seen no record of a Wherry called Eva?
There is another fact that I had been able to locate about this craft but I was unsure whether it was a clue or a red herring? In the early years of the 19th Century a popular ‘silent’ film actor and his equally famous wife where filmed, for Pathé News, holidaying on this Wherry at Salhouse Broad. That couple were Guy Newall, an Actor and Director, and his wife ‘Miss’ Ivy Duke who appeared in many of her husband’s films. We also know that the couple took a break from film-making in the mid-1920’s and that Guy Newall had a home somewhere on the Broads. Guy and Ivy divorced in 1929 and they both died in1937; although I do not believe their deaths were connected. This short film “Eve on the Broads” ‘version 2’ can be found at: http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=19410
Upon reflection, I think that the Pathé film is more of a red herring and I am now of the firm opinion that this Wherry must be ‘Reindeer’ built by Ernest Collins. ‘Reindeer’ appears in the earliest Blakes’ list of 1908 but I do not have a precise build date. Ernest, and his father Robert, were both time-served Wherry Builders and it seems likely she was built in the late 19th Century. This purpose-built Pleasure Wherry was described thus in 1926: “Her accommodation plan is doubtless the best that can be produced for a Pleasure Wherry and she is one of the best fitted Wherries on the Broads” a statement that is evidently true; judging by the quality apparent in this picture. Her bevelled panelling can be seen to great effect in the film; particularly during the later scene where the ladies are cooking with primus stoves, in her well.
All well and good but, despite much searching, I had been hard put to positively identify the smart Pleasure Wherry in the foreground. Her bevelled panelling suggests the quality of build usually reserved for a privately commissioned craft and her named sailing tender is of similar high quality and turnout. In some cases (although, not necessarily a Broads practice) a tender carries the name of her parent craft but I have seen no record of a Wherry called Eva?
There is another fact that I had been able to locate about this craft but I was unsure whether it was a clue or a red herring? In the early years of the 19th Century a popular ‘silent’ film actor and his equally famous wife where filmed, for Pathé News, holidaying on this Wherry at Salhouse Broad. That couple were Guy Newall, an Actor and Director, and his wife ‘Miss’ Ivy Duke who appeared in many of her husband’s films. We also know that the couple took a break from film-making in the mid-1920’s and that Guy Newall had a home somewhere on the Broads. Guy and Ivy divorced in 1929 and they both died in1937; although I do not believe their deaths were connected. This short film “Eve on the Broads” ‘version 2’ can be found at: http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=19410
Upon reflection, I think that the Pathé film is more of a red herring and I am now of the firm opinion that this Wherry must be ‘Reindeer’ built by Ernest Collins. ‘Reindeer’ appears in the earliest Blakes’ list of 1908 but I do not have a precise build date. Ernest, and his father Robert, were both time-served Wherry Builders and it seems likely she was built in the late 19th Century. This purpose-built Pleasure Wherry was described thus in 1926: “Her accommodation plan is doubtless the best that can be produced for a Pleasure Wherry and she is one of the best fitted Wherries on the Broads” a statement that is evidently true; judging by the quality apparent in this picture. Her bevelled panelling can be seen to great effect in the film; particularly during the later scene where the ladies are cooking with primus stoves, in her well.
Not far beyond the rear of the large site of Alfred Collins' Hoveton yard was Daisy Broad. This is near the entrance to the two dykes between Riverside Road, The Rhond and Marsh Road the locations of many famous Broadland firms such as Moores, Landamores, Smiths and NBYCo. to name but a few. With the 'Bee Hive' at the entrance, the sites of Brinkcraft; and the C & G Press yard were adjacent to Daisy Broad itself.
Changed a little bit since this card was posted in 1935 hasn’t it?
This charming view was published by Valentine & Sons Ltd., who are no longer in business but I have little idea of its vintage other than to say it is probably pre-war. It is from a watercolour by Brian Gerald (who was prolific in this discipline) and shows two famous landmarks which were situated near the entrance to Daisy Broad. Nearest to us is the Bure Court Hotel and in the background is the Beehive ‘Riverside Store’ which I think, was for a time, the home of Fred Brinkhoff, owner of nearby Brinkcraft.
Two more views by Wroxham Bridge: the first is another charmer from the brush of Brian Gerald and, for me, it really captures the atmosphere of a tranquil summer’s day by the river. The view is just above the bridge from the Kings Head and opposite the boat hire premises of A. Thrower.
I had sometimes struggled with the dating of these painted cards but have, more recently, seen some photo cards that very closely resemble them. In fact: I have found several painted cards which are clearly direct copies of monochrome photographs and these can be dated to the early 1930's. (Please see the Extras page collection of the Jack Powles yacht 'Palace') However we don't yet know when the copies were made; possibly much later?
Here is just such an example from a pre-war collection; also by Valentine & Sons. As you can see, apart from one or two ommisions, the images are identical.
This second view, shows the bridge from downstream. It is again published By Valentine’s but this time the artist is E. W. Trick. I was confused by the vintage of this card because it shows both of the “twin mills” yet the bridge displays the original separate walkway? All indicating the view (artistic licence not withstanding) must have been created in the very late 1950’s. A little research indicates that this is the case and I have found evidence that card # A2257, by the same artist, was published in 1957. It just shows that these ‘Art Colour’ editions can be rather later than I initially thought
Reproduced with permission from Jarrold & Sons Ltd
Here is a “real photograph postcard” of almost exactly the same view, which dates from the 1950’s. We can see that the old Alfred Collins boat sheds (which by this time belonged to Jack Powles & Co. - Jack had been the business partner of Alfred Collins until Alfred’s retirement; after which, the company name was changed) had been omitted from the artist’s version. In this picture: the steam mill upstream of the bridge remains but the grain store has its new roof, having been converted for use as Roys’ warehouse and losing its lofting hoist; the rear of which can just be seen in the painting.
Although this page is not really intended to be about boat identification I can’t help but mention that the varnished cruiser on the Wroxham bank is of the Ripplecraft ‘Broadland Teal’ type and moored at the aforementioned boat yard (on the Hoveton side) is one of Eastwick’s four berth ‘Foxglove’ class. The half-decker is similar to a Yare & Bure One Design, or White Boat.
Although this page is not really intended to be about boat identification I can’t help but mention that the varnished cruiser on the Wroxham bank is of the Ripplecraft ‘Broadland Teal’ type and moored at the aforementioned boat yard (on the Hoveton side) is one of Eastwick’s four berth ‘Foxglove’ class. The half-decker is similar to a Yare & Bure One Design, or White Boat.
A lightly colour tinted monochrome card which was posted in 1957. The Pleasure Wherry moored at John Loynes’ is the famous Hathor; which is discussed at greater length on the main ‘River Bure’ page.
This is a very well known picture of Wroxham bridge which appears in several publications but I think it fits well with my collection too?
The original monochrome photograph is thought to date from around the last decade of the 19th century but this copy is a colour tint by The Photocrom Company of London; so may have been published sometime later?
On the far (Wroxham) bank we can see the premises of John Loynes, whose development is very much in the early stages and opposite are two trading wherries at the yard of Herbert Press; who ran his wherry-building yard here until 1899.
Our principle interest though is the yacht in the foreground: she is thought to be “The Swan” built for G. Christopher Davies in 1876. That being the same year that his novel about three boys who build their own sailing boat for adventuring on the broads was published. That novel was “ The Swan and Her Crew” and was famously followed, in 1882, by “The Handbook to the Rivers and Broads of Norfolk and Suffolk” and others. The former having been said to have played a part in inspiring Arthur Ransome to write his famous “Swallows and Amazons” novels for children; two of which take place on the Norfolk Broads.
The Swan Hotel at Horning in the very early days; this building was completed in 1897 and is shown here, probably around the first decade of the 20th Century. As you can see the old Maltings are still present on what was to become the village green. A pleasure wherry is passing by and, although she could not be identified with any confidence, it is just possible that she is a Collins craft; based on the little burgee detail that is discernable on the original.
What fascinates me about this though is the very smart double-ended Yacht moored by the Hotel. If you have visited the ‘Extras’ page of this website you may have seen the motor sailor “Belle” (moored at Oulton Broad Yacht station) which so intrigued me. The style of the craft in the background here reminds me very much of “Belle” but this is clearly a much larger example of the type and she appears to be Ketch rigged?
It seems to me that a craft like this has been built for leisurely cruising, not crossing oceans, but would not be very handy on the narrow broadland rivers. Pictures of these craft are exceedingly rare but I have discovered that they are of a type built by Brooke Marine of Lowestoft. In the 1920's Alfred Collins had for hire the 47ft. Yacht 'Radiant' which was very much in this style and carried a Gaff Sloop rig. By 1930 she had her sails removed and was for hire as a motor cruiser named 'Grey Fox'
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1926
Swan Corner at Horning again and, this time, probably in the late1930's. We can see that the Malthouses have disappeared by this time; they were demolished in the late 1920's. However, we can only guess at the occasion that justifies the bunting on the Wherry Yacht and the Union Flags and Ensigns ashore? Possibly the Silver Jubilee of George V and Queen Mary in 1935 or the Coronation of George VI in 1937?
In the foreground we can see a White Boat (Yare & Bure O.D.) and, with the advantage of seeing the original, it is just possible to make out the name boards of Banham’s Yacht Station on the right.
However, my principal interest here is the Wherry Yacht. On the original postcard she can be seen to be of clinker construction which leads me to believe that she is “White Heather” which was launched by Ernest Collins in 1902 and withdrawn, from the hirefleet, in the early 1930‘s. Ernest had built her using the hull from a salvaged Yawl.
A recently discovered image from the pre-war Clifton Series, it is a hand coloured monochrome. I find this picture of the Wherry Yacht, gliding along, so elegantly atmospheric that it might almost have come from the Edwardian period, However, developments, along the Horning bank, show that it was photographed in the later 1930’s. The famous White Mill cottage built on the site of an older mill as part of the (A.L. Rhodes’) ‘Pyramids’ is just discernable on the original copy which is unfortunately of fairly low definition.
The beautiful auxiliary yacht is ‘Golden Hinde’ on charter from John Loynes & Sons at Wroxham. Golden Hinde was actually built in the early 1920’s and could accommodate up to ten guests at a cost of £26.5.0d in the High Season of 1926 including two attendants who would, as usual, sleep in the fore-peak. Auxiliary Fuel and a Piano were extra. By 1939 the rampant inflation of the period had increased the charter cost to £26.10.0d. An extra 25p in today’s terms! Those were the days eh? This seems to have been the standard amount charged by all the firms for Wherry charter, at the time, be they Wherry Yachts or Pleasure Wherries.
© Blakes Holiday Boating 1939The beautiful auxiliary yacht is ‘Golden Hinde’ on charter from John Loynes & Sons at Wroxham. Golden Hinde was actually built in the early 1920’s and could accommodate up to ten guests at a cost of £26.5.0d in the High Season of 1926 including two attendants who would, as usual, sleep in the fore-peak. Auxiliary Fuel and a Piano were extra. By 1939 the rampant inflation of the period had increased the charter cost to £26.10.0d. An extra 25p in today’s terms! Those were the days eh? This seems to have been the standard amount charged by all the firms for Wherry charter, at the time, be they Wherry Yachts or Pleasure Wherries.
The following two postcards are the real thing: Tuck’s “Oilette” Post Cards published by Raphael Tuck & Sons. They are very early and were both posted to the same recipient in October 1905. I have included the reverse views of these two cards as, at times, I find these of great interest. The post marks are quite clear and we can see that the half penny stamp shows the head of Edward VII. Obviously, Tuck’s were proud of the fact that they had a Royal Warrant for their products.
Above we have a scene described as a “Fishing Contest at Horning” which appears to be just opposite the Staithe; showing the old buildings there in the early twentieth century. I believe that this picture was also copied from a real photograph. That is because an example of this exact scene does appear as an illustration in the 1933-4 edition of the Ward-Locke ‘Red’ Guide Book for Great Yarmouth - Gorleston and The Broads. The Tuck version pre-dates this by thirty years and the scene at Horning is obviously very early. Nevertheless it seems that it was copied from a real photograph; possibly a nineteenth century example by one of the three famous photographers of the day: P.H. Emerson, J. Payne-Jennings or G.C. Davies?
The second card shows the Church at Belaugh; a popular subject in the early years. The image is signed by the artist but the signature is unclear. Perhaps a Bertram Hines?
A Valentine's "Art Colour" by Brian Gerald
Brian Gerald produced watercolour copies of Valentine's 'Real Photograph' Postcards which were in Black & White. The above is after just such a postcard which was part of the series commissioned around 1930 for the Collins / Powles firm at Wroxham. The original is known to show the yacht 'Palace' and can be seen on the 'Extras' page or through 'The Jack Powles Set' link at the bottom of the home page.
The above is a 30 by 40cm watercolour, painted by the writer in 1989; after a photograph from an earlier Norfolk County Sailing Base advertising flyer. When I painted this I had never seen any examples of the postcards on this ‘Early Days’ page but with hindsight it is not dissimilar in style to some of them.
I include this picture because I have commented on the draughtsmanship of others (usually in a very complementary way) and this is intended to demonstrate that I am no marine artist myself but that (as they say) I know what I like! In my defence: the original idea was for an impression of a yacht at sunset but because of the scale I had to include more detail. I have always intended to do a more technical version but apart from a couple of aborted attempts I just can’t seem to get around to it.
Maybe in another twenty years ……oh?
A lightly hand-tinted monochrome postcard, taken from the moorings at Malthouse Broad, and posted in1965. However I believe it must have been photographed at least thirty years earlier; and prior to the Second World War.
This is one of those rare cards where a boat’s name is clearly visible. The three young men, in the foreground, are enjoying their holiday on ‘Bijou’ one of the ‘Treasure’ class of una-rigged gaff yachts from Alfred Collins / Jack Powles & Co at Wroxham. Apart from my following comments: Bijou is pictured here with the pennant of Alfred Collins on her transom. That would indicate that the postcard must have been photographed between 1926 and 1935.
This class was designed for simplicity and advertised as ideal for the sailing beginner. The hard chine construction is simpler and less costly than the more common carvel planking and may even indicate that a marine plywood hull was employed.
We know that, during the war, many craft were used as floating barrage to prevent enemy seaplanes landing on the open waters of the Broads and many were unsound after being abandoned in this way for the duration. This class of yacht is one of those that appear in “Holidays Afloat” brochures up to 1939 but do not seem to have survived the war; because they never reappear in later catalogues.
The identity of the larger yacht, in the background, and being double quanted may only be guessed at but she could very well be a Dragonfly or Westward; also, latterly, from Jack Powles’ or perhaps a Valkyrie from Ernest Collins’
This is one of those rare cards where a boat’s name is clearly visible. The three young men, in the foreground, are enjoying their holiday on ‘Bijou’ one of the ‘Treasure’ class of una-rigged gaff yachts from Alfred Collins / Jack Powles & Co at Wroxham. Apart from my following comments: Bijou is pictured here with the pennant of Alfred Collins on her transom. That would indicate that the postcard must have been photographed between 1926 and 1935.
This class was designed for simplicity and advertised as ideal for the sailing beginner. The hard chine construction is simpler and less costly than the more common carvel planking and may even indicate that a marine plywood hull was employed.
We know that, during the war, many craft were used as floating barrage to prevent enemy seaplanes landing on the open waters of the Broads and many were unsound after being abandoned in this way for the duration. This class of yacht is one of those that appear in “Holidays Afloat” brochures up to 1939 but do not seem to have survived the war; because they never reappear in later catalogues.
The identity of the larger yacht, in the background, and being double quanted may only be guessed at but she could very well be a Dragonfly or Westward; also, latterly, from Jack Powles’ or perhaps a Valkyrie from Ernest Collins’
Another Intriguing card, posted in August 1909. We know that, in this era, it was not unusual for boat yard staff to collect and transport their customers from the railway station. Could this be confirmation of such an arrangement from Southgate’s; or maybe for a journeyman worker who was arriving to provide some skilled service?
Another ‘Art Colour’ from the brush of E. W. Trick at Thurne Dyke. There is nothing in the view to help date this example (except perhaps the whiteness off the mill) but judging from the reference # it will be from the same, 1950’s, series as that of Wroxham Bridge, seen earlier.
This view of Potter Heigham Bridge is from the Jarrolds’ Wild Flower Series painted by Norman Parsons and, judging from the scenery and stated half-penny postage, dates from the very early 20th century. Certainly, the local development has not progressed much beyond that of the Hotel and the Railway Bridge. This is my only example from this series but I have seen several and they all [rather obviously] feature wild plants; in this case “The Thistle” is the title.
Another view of Potter Heigham: this time, a partially colour tinted ‘Photochrom’ which, I would guess, dates from the late 1920's to the early 1930’s? There is extensive development of boat sheds around the bridge area, including those of George Applegate Jnr; in the centre of the picture; and we can just see his father’s, so called, “Peggoty House” behind the lady on the near rhond. The latter confirms the view as pre-WW2.
I cannot be certain of the Cabin Launch’s identity but, judging from her pennant,
, she is clearly from the yard of H.C. Banham at Horning. As to her identity: my best guess would be that she is ‘Sirdar’ a 30ft cruiser of five berths. In 1939 she would have cost £13.0.0d for a week’s charter in the high season. 
A Valentine & Sons Postcard
Another craft from Banham's of Horning, seen here at Wroxham. This card was posted in the early 1960's but, I would think, was probably photographed during the 1930's? Judging from the development of the Bridge and the old Mill but particularly the style of the Powles' craft (to the right) which displays the fringe that was typically fitted to the cockpit canopy in that era, but which disappeared with the advent of side curtains. The craft in question is at her home moorings and appears to be of the six berth “Flying Foam” class.
The Banham's craft is thought to be the 25ft “Caprice” a typical stepped deck cruiser in the style popular between the wars and similar to their smaller “Bell” class: Blue Bell, Hare Bell, Silver Bell etc.
Recent correspondence from Mr Steve Day (who has a special interest in the firm of H.C. Banham) has greatly helped me to clarify events at Banhams and reminded me that after the second world war they did not renew their membership of the 'Norfolk & Suffolk Broads Yacht Owners Association [Blakes] and operated independently until the death of H.C. (Bert) Banham in 1960. During this period two more Monarch class cruisers were built and five similar but smaller craft were built and christened “Sirdar” after their forebear. These cruisers were later renamed “Smuggler” when they were bought by Jenners of Thorpe. This firm subsequently became part of the Herbert Woods group and the Smuggler class returned to Horning at the nearby Southgates' - Mainyard.
The Banham family also had a Boat hire business on the Fenland waterways which had its base in Cambridge. This business was where Bert Banham started his career as a builder of launches, in the early twentieth century, and was managed by his brother Harold (Alf) Banham after Bert commenced his enterprise at Horning, around 1925. Some of the later Sirdar/Smuggler cruisers were also on hire from this location and the Cambridge operation survived until the early 1970's when that business was sold on to Pye Marine.
© The Broads Book 1969
This last view [for now] shows a Pleasure Wherry in Oulton Dyke. She flies a burgee similar to that of the Norfolk Broads Yachting Company which (at this time) had bases at Wroxham, Potter Heigham and, not too far away, at Brundall. Several pleasure wherries were built at Wroxham, for this company, from around 1900. Notably, Dragon, Endeavour, Freedom and Fairy Queen.
The card was posted in the Edwardian heydays of 1905. Clearly it was a day of very light airs since the wherry has laced on her ‘bonnet’ (the cleaner looking part at the foot of her sail) to increase her sail area and some of the elegant ladies (complete with parasols) have been permitted to enjoy their cruise in one of the dinghies. For some inexplicable reason, I find that this amuses me. Perhaps they are pouting or are they engaged in some salacious gossip that requires suitable discretion? Most likely just short of space on the fore deck but this would not be considered sensible behaviour these days.
