Issue 55 November 2015

Newsletter of the Friends of the Hunter Fleet

In this issue Editorial-Christine Wall 2 Holland Trip,2016-Willy Hoedeman 7 The Chair Rambles-Les Gee 3 From the Yard- Marc Head 8 Membership News-Jennifer Mack 5 Friends Write 10 Friends Trip to Holland,2015-Pat Bray 6 Sailing a Hunter Boat on broads- Michael Saleh 13

Friends of the Hunter Fleet Editorial Committee Members Welcome to Issue 55.I’m sure you will Chairman enjoy yet another wide variety of Les Gee Mulberry Hill, 44 Norwich Road contributions from Friends. Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich NR14 8AB On the more lighthearted side these Tel: 01508 495059 include an unusual contribution from a Vice Chairman bell ringing sailor; apparently the two Rodney Longhurst Tel: 01603 453889 activities are not so different as one would Committee Secretary/NHFT Trustee imagine(Friends Write p.10 ), and a nice Philip Bray account by a new Friend of his 5 Westfield Road introduction to Hunters boats,(p.13). On a Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7HE more serious note, we have to continue to E: [email protected] Tel: 01760 725931 safeguard our unique environment.(p.12) Membership Secretary/NHFT Trustee Alan Eade has again provided one of his Jennifer Mack lovely sketches(see front cover), this time “Floreat”,Holgate Road from the Friends 2015 trip to Friesland, White Horse Common , Norfolk NR28 9LP Holland, which was a great success; see E: [email protected] account on p.6. There is to be another trip Tel: 01692 403508 in 2016 preliminary details are on p.7. Treasurer The “From the Yard” column returns in Peter Wall Flycatcher, School Road this issue with the first contribution from Ludham NR29 5PF Marc Head. E: [email protected] There are also further details of how to Tel: 01692 678060 acquire a lovely piece of original stained Chairman - NHFT - Bryan Read E: [email protected] glass (p. 11). Tel: 01603 454281 Once again the sailing summer is over all NHFT Yard Manager - Vikki Walker too quickly, rounded off by a very E: [email protected] successful Autumn Event, held on a Tel: 01692 678263 NHFT Trustee - Paul Stevens perfect autumn day. See pictures on p.5 Tel: 01692 678210 and p.9. Jean Gee The 2016 AGM will be 16 April; this Tel: 01508 495059 heralds another sailing season to which, I Events Organiser-Neil Hopkinson Tel: 01455 203167 know, we all look forward. Derek Herriott With best wishes for 2016. Tel: 01692 631387 Christine Pio Altarelli Tel: 01986 895559 Linda Aspland Newsletter editor: Tel:01953 457835 Christine Wall Ben Young Tel:01692 584193 Flycatcher Newsletter Editor-Christine Wall School Road E:[email protected] Ludham NR29 5PF Tel:01692 678060

- 2 - The Chair Rambles...... wildlife needs them, we love to look at them Recent visitors to the Yard will have and they are the best thing in the world to noticed a considerable change in the view build boats from but they are out of place from the dykes across Womack Water. on the banks of the rivers, where the fact Instead of looking at a close up of bushes that they cut off the wind for sailing boats is and brambles, one can now look out over the least of the problems they cause. open fields to distant tree lines. Personally, Unchecked, trees narrow the available I find this a considerable improvement channel for navigation, firstly by because it not only promises clearer winds overhanging the water, secondly by and better sailing but above all, because it is sending out roots and shoots into the water, how used to look. Distant views, thirdly by annually shedding tons of leaves huge skies and clear winds were the into the water which eventually form attractions which drew sailors to this area. sediment and finally by falling into the When I first started sailing hire boats on the rivers where they restrict tidal currents, Broads in 1945 in the company of one of my encourage the settlement of silt and the teachers, I was immediately aware of wide extension into the river of further tree open views across open meadows growth. That is what trees do. It is nature. populated by grazing cattle and horses. At Anyone in any doubt about the truth of intervals, isolated gates were visible, these statements need only take a trip by unconnected by fences or hedgerows and, water on the upper reaches of the Ant, Bure apparently sailing through these huge open Waveney or Yare, as yet untouched by the meadows, were the sails of other yachts. I stalwarts of Operation Broadsword. remember my teacher complaining bitterly Perhaps the time has come to ask what we that some of the trees in want of . Do we want this area to had grown to fifteen or twenty feet high, become a haven for birds, mammals, fish, during the neglectful years of the war and aquatic plants and invertebrates, were preventing the wind from blowing untouched by man, or do we want a between the chalets. In those days, we playground for people to enjoy boating, in usually hired from Wroxham and its various forms i.e. sailing, motor boating, complained about having to sail from one canoeing and rowing? Can we have both? Is clump of trees to the next, sometimes it possible to have the best of both of these having to resort to the quant to get past the apparently conflicting aims? My own belief worst areas of trees. Once past Salhouse, is that we can. I cannot believe that these the trees fell away from the river and aims are mutually incompatible. Like all was an easy passage with the wind living creatures, Broads lovers come in all interrupted chiefly by the boatyards. shapes, sizes and types but we form an Contrast this with a sail from Wroxham interdependent eco-system. We are all now. interdependent. Boat hire companies are Don't get me wrong. I love trees. The only too well aware that without the peace,

- 3 - beauty and abundant wildlife, the Broads their own detached or semi-detached would cease to be attractive. The presence houses in preference to terraces or blocks of of sailing boats is also an attraction. Private flats. boat owners appreciate these same qualities It will come as no surprise at all to hear that and I include canoeists, oarsmen and my second priority would be riverside tree anglers. Naturalists and birders too clearance and here I must give truly appreciate and are attracted to these same heartfelt thanks to Operation Broadsword, qualities and we all need each other to without whose sterling efforts our river protect this unique part of , if only system would already be in terminal through our financial contributions. decline. How I wish I were younger and Possibly more of us should join the Broads stronger and could join in. Society who, above all other bodies put so Now having rather allowed my feelings for much effort into trying to balance the the Broads to “run on”, I am most happy to apparently conflicting demands of the report on what was a most pleasant and often somewhat narrow interest groups. happy, albeit somewhat windless, Friends What can you or I do about preserving the Picnic. The sun shone, visitors were able to Broads? I suppose the answer is, ”not a lot”, sail, in stately fashion, motorboat in the unless we bring pressure to bear on the Nancy Oldfield Trust motor cruiser and to authorities who can. What should we press engage in guided nature walks on the for? You, the readers will, of course have adjacent marshes. Everyone seemed to be your own views. I, for my part would place enjoying themselves and the attendance the provision of moorings very high on my was excellent. list of priorities, otherwise, if boat owners On more recent visits to the Yard, we have and hirers find themselves in a race to noted sails and awning hung out to air prior secure a place to spend the night, then boat to winter storage as the boats are stripped hire will fall off, private boats will cease to ready for hauling out and their annual be used, tolls will fall and money to do any rejuvenation. One of the many wonderful other desirable improvements will be in features of wooden boats is the fact that short supply. The loss of many metres of they can be brought back to their original quay headed mooring bank below Thurne beauty, given the application of loving care Mouth is, in my view a serious blow. by skilled craftsmen. Possibly consideration should be given to Jean and I would now like to wish all the provision of rather smaller mooring Hunter Friends a happy Christmas, New places, perhaps for just two or three boats, Year and a well spent non-sailing season. rather than the long lengths, at present We look forward to seeing as many of you common. Quite a lot of visitors and private as possible next sailing season and at the owners prefer to spend the night quietly A.G.M. rather than on large communal moorings, rather in the way that many people prefer Les Gee October 2015

- 4 - Membership News October 2015 Vikki has been battling for months now This has been an excellent year for Friends' with the website to get it back on track and I Events for both attendance and weather. It am confident that the Friends' Section will was good to see over 80 Friends at our be fully up to speed again by publication Autumn Event when we enjoyed wall-to- date. Access to past Newsletters will be on wall sunshine and gentle sailing conditions view together with news of past and future as well as the added bonus of the Nature events. The current Newsletter, however, walks that are proving so popular. It was an will need access via the password Trust- excellent day. 2016 from publication through to the end 2015 has also been a much better year for of next year. The reason for my choice is new members during which we welcomed that 2016 marks the 20th Anniversary of over 50 Friends. This is partly due to you our Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust. for spreading the good news and also to Thank you from all of us for your generous, Vikki who has encouraged our many new loyal and enthusiastic support for all things customers to join up. I am optimistic that “Hunters”. We greatly appreciate that. this upward trend will continue. Several With my best wishes for Christmas and Gift Memberships have already been 2016. requested for 2016 and I am hoping that many of you will also consider giving this Jennifer Mack October 2015 appropriate Christmas present to friends and/or family. Thank you in advance! In addition to my usual reminder at this time of year for your annual cheque subscriptions, some of you will receive queries from me about Gift Aid declarations or Bankers Orders that have failed to materialise. If you are fortunate you will be able to escape all three! Another reminder is for those of you who understandably send orders for merchandise together with renewal subscriptions before Christmas. May I ask you please to separate your payments as follows: cheques for Membership should be made in favour of “The Friends of the Hunter Fleet” and those for merchandise in favour of “Hunter Fleet Limited” as stated on the Order Form. This will make life so Setting off-Autumn Event,2015 much easier for our bean counters! (Picture, Jennifer Mack)

- 5 - Friends trip to Holland 2015. invited to look around the Holland, an enormous tug cum passenger boat built in This August yet another group of Friends the 1950s. met one evening in the ferry terminal at Once back on the mainland we headed for Harwich to experience one of Willy the Skutje racing at Sloten and though the Hoedeman's unique holidays to Friesland, wind was light and the race abandoned, we in the NE of the Netherlands. had a lovely afternoon sitting on the top Early the next morning we were on the deck of a steamer, eating, drinking and train to Utrecht, where we spent the day, watching the Dutch enjoying themselves! some taking a boat trip along the canals The next day we visited Franeker and the beside low-level loading areas in front of oldest planetarium in the world, the old warehouses, now largely devoted to constructed in the 1700s in the ceiling of waterside eateries. Later, more trains took the owner's family living room, and then us to Harlingen and our floating home, the returned to Workum and the old boat- Noordvaader, moored in an inner harbour repair yard we visited last year, now re- and surrounded by other, equally organised but still full of character. impressive Dutch barges and sailing ships, Dordrecht was our destination on the as well as a small Royal Naval vessel. homeward journey and a night in a very The plan was to help sail the Noordvaarder comfortable hotel. Another fascinating out to one of the string of islands off the town with canals aplenty and a very large Dutch coast, Terschelling, which is bigger river, the Lek, where Rhine barges fight and quite different from Vlieland, where their way up against the current and fast we went last year. It took about 3 hours to catamaran ferries whizz around, all having cross the Waddensee, an area which, 2,000 to contend with locals in smaller boats! years ago, was moorland and is now quite Most of us took a fast ferry, notching up 27 shallow, and all around us were sailing mph at one point, to the 18 wonderful ships - most of them not allowed to go out windmills of Kinderdijk, now not as remote into the North Sea. At Terschelling we as they were but still majestic, while Willy moored by the quay and watched, amazed, went to Zealand to reconnoitre possibilities as dozens of other vessels passed us to moor for next year's holiday. in the harbour in rows, 6 or 8 abreast, so all Wherever we go I urge you to join us - these we could see was a forest of masts. The trips are great fun, well-planned but meal that night was taken at a local flexible and led by our very own, relaxed restaurant, sitting around an enormous and knowledgeable Dutch Friend! ship's rudder and sampling the local fish. One of the highlights of Terschelling is the Pat Bray Wreck Museum - a sobering place with relics of ships from all over the world. Some of the party walked out to the north coast in the rain and some were lucky enough to be

- 6 -

Hunters Friends Holland trip….plans for So, the plan would be: next year! Overnight out and back sailings Stena Rail 'What are your plans for next year's trip?' and Sail from Harwich to Hoek van people kept asking even during our Holland Friesland trip this summer, also at the Day 1: Travel by train to Harlingen, en- Friends' picnic day in September. So I route visit Delft or Leiden, or both. thought I'd better go over to Holland to do Day 2-5:On board schooner Noordvaarder. some more exploring, now have just Day trips sailing, excursions by mini-bus to returned with lots of interesting Leeuwarden, Sneek, Hindeloopen, suggestions for next year…Read on! Makkum, Bolsward etc. A mixture of new Friesland is fascinating, combining sea- and familiar, all interesting. going trips to the Northern Islands on our Day 6-7: Stay in Middelburg hotel Nieuwe own 'hotel' sailing ship, with visits to lovely Doelen, visit Arnemuiden (Historic little old towns and sailing waters shipyard Meerman), Veere with sailing trip everywhere. Last year's ship the on Hoogaars traditional sailing shrimper), Noordvaarder is on offer again, we liked historic maritime harbour and boatyard in ship and crew a lot, so I have taken an Zierikzee. option. And Els, our wonderful cook from Travel dates: Depart Harwich August 6th, a previous year has agreed to cater for us. Return Harwich August 15th New for next year will be some days in Ideally we'll have a group of max 14-15 Zeeland, in the south of Holland. There is people, then:Approx. cost per person: an enormous amount of historic interest Stena ferry £160…..Noordvaarder 5 night and beauty there, including several B&B £200….Hotel in Middelburg 2 nights historic boatyards conserving, restoring £120 (ex. single supplement). and offering sailing with traditional I n t e r e s t e d ? Wo u l d l i k e m o r e wooden boats. And of course, the famous information? medieval towns of Zierikzee, Veere, I will need to confirm bookings soon! Middelburg, where we will stay for 2, Please send a note to me asap, by text 0797 maybe 3 nights in hotel 'De Nieuwe 4 8 6 7 3 0 1 B y E - m a i l t o Doelen', on the quayside practically [email protected] or to 7 Howe Hill opposite the station. C l o s e , Y o r k , Y O 2 6 4 S N Willy Hoedeman

- 7 - From the Yard Marc Head General Hand Pictures by Vikki Walker

Here we are again, in the blink of an eye another season has passed. We launched the boats in March in some very cold weather. Hats and plenty of layers were worn for rigging out. Grey skies, drizzle and cold easterlies were served up on a daily basis for most of March and April. This cold weather seemed to make With the quay heading complete we set the swallows turn up later than usual and about some other tasks, which included not nest in the Broads Authority building new drawer bottoms, re-vinyling next door. floorboards, a new mast for a Wood class, In April the summer maintenance program new mirrors, glass to replace Perspex started with us making the loft floor by the windows, toilets painted and a new barrier office a bit stronger. One by one we for the wet slip. removed and replaced all the joists. We As I write this brief piece on the summer noticed that most of the loft floor is made program, the winter program has started. from old doors from Ludham Airfield. I We've been blessed with a lovely October guess with the shortage of timber after the again which makes the drying of sails and war this was all Percy and the boys could awnings a lot easier. All the boats were get hold of. stripped down and de-rigged in good time. Just half deckers to do now and we're ready to pull in again. We enjoyed seeing all the new customers this year as well as the regulars and we thank you all for your support and help in taking care of these ole gals; we certainly couldn't do it without you. Marc Head Once the loft was finished we got on to the task of renewing old quay heading near the top dyke. Whilst removing the old boards the first thing we noticed were the otter footprints both large and small. It seems they're quite at home at Hunter's.

- 8 - Visit to the Yard by a party of Dutch skiff rowers who were on a three week tour of England & Ireland. (Picture Willy Hoedeman)

The end of the day, Autumn Event, 2015. (Picture-Jennifer Mack)

“Where shall we go?” Shirley, Alan & Willy on the Waddensee, Friesland. (Picture Pat Bray)

- 9 - Friends Write.... lighting the stove and feeding it with two or three scuttles of wood, to enable a possibly From David Clarke ,Peterborough rather silly group of sailors, who knowingly A group (including myself) of church went out and became wet and cold, to get bellringers and bell restorers, known as the themselves warm and dry again after their Huntingdonshire Church Bell Restoration sail. This was one of those times when Society, decided to go on a bellringing tour sailing was more than a leisure or pleasure in the Norfolk Broads area by boat, this was activity to us. I hope the staff that helped us, prompted by four of the group already understood what was going on within our being sailors and their president, the now group. Unquestionably we were well late Andrew Woodger having had looked after. After our event my mind grandparents who hailed from Potter turned to considering why bellringers so Heigham. easily turn their hand to sailing. I think it is So on 5th June 1993 twelve of us sailed two because: half deckers from Martham, to •The activity often takes place under cold Staithe to ring at Catfield, then we sailed conditions. back to Martham. The group then drove to •It is usually a team activity. Ludham to ring on their heavy ring of five •They are familiar with getting control of bells. The events of that day were fast moving ropes, often with a remembered by all involved. With the considerable force behind them. passing of time some of the group moved •The ropes are often wet. on to other things and others have passed •They know the importance of quickly away. At a gathering of ringers there was a responding to instructions from a leading very positive response to a jocular figure. suggestion that some of the original group •The activity has its own little language should take to the water again. which enables one to identify others who Soon after Easter those interested take part in it. confirmed some dates for a sail; Friday 29 •When it comes to maintenance work, that May was decided upon. In the discussion of winch that pulls the boats into the sheds is the proposed sail it became apparent there near enough identical to the one used to may be more to it than a bit of a jolly day hoist heavy bells up into towers. out, we were remembering: those no longer •Regarding woodworking, there is often a able to be with us, the way our own lives lot of structural oak in belfries but not a lot have changed and the way our lives were in of mahogany and like boats there is the those days. usually some softwood that has to be Unfortunately the day we chose was a very replaced when the water gets in it. wet one, though there was a feeling we had to sail Buff Tip because it was a quite David Clarke emotional matter. My or our thanks to the boatyard staff for

- 10 - Friends Write.... From Richard Mant YOUR CHANCE TO OWN AN Dear Christine, ORIGINAL PIECE OF STAINED GLASS Thank you for another excellent edition of All those interested in owning this the Friends’ Newsletter. I always enjoy beautiful panel, made by Friend Simon reading the newsletter and this particular Parnell and valued at £200-£250 (see Issue edition has two features that really have caught my eye. First of all there is Les Gee’s Ramble which is always interesting and informative and this time raises the important issue of moorings on the Norfolk Broads. This is becoming a serious issue for the reasons stated by Les. Once one has left Hunter’s Yard, heading for either Acle or Horning, there is very little mooring space en route 54) ,should make a sealed bid for the item. (unless one moors by mud weight on a The bid, in an envelope marked “sealed broad). For example, Thurne Dyke is often bid” should be sent to Hunters Yard. All the full these days (permanently moored craft bids will be opened at the 2016 AGM. occupy space that used to be available); for . the moment at least we have lost the moorings at Thurne Mouth; the moorings at the end of Upton Dyke now have”no DATES FOR YOUR DIARY, 2016 mooring” signs; going towards Horning, we have lost a number of moorings AGM ...... Saturday, 16 April alongside the bank in Fleet Dyke and the St Autumn Event...... Saturday, Benet’s moorings are often full. I do hope the Broads Authority hear of our concerns 24 September and hopefully read Les Gee’s pertinent article. Kind regards, Junior Hunters: Look out for the winners of the log book competition,2015 Richard Mant in the next Issue of the newsletter. Whilst sailing in Lullaby at the end of the season, I (Richard’s other query concerned the saw an entry in the log written by Emily, identity of a Friend, with which I was able to aged 11 who has sailed on the Broads many help-Ed.). times but was having a first go at writing a log. It looked an excellent first attempt and I’m sure there will be excerpts from it in a

- 11 - Friends Write.... is there at the moment. There is a shining example within the There was some controversy during the broads of Broad restoration and that summer over the awarding of Heritage isBarton Broad on which the restoration Lottery funding to a private Broad. This work has re-invigorated a wonderful area resulted in Friend Sue Hines presenting a where conservation, recreation, and petition to the Rt Hon John Whittingdale, navigation all exist side by side which in Minister for Culture, Media and Sport fact totally fulfils the remit and the Broads (which is the department responsible for Authority. Heritage Lottery.) “ We demand that the Another broad which is famous for the Heritage Lottery Fund require that swallowtail butterfly, where you can hear Great Broad, Norfolk be reopened to full and even sometimes see a bittern, watch the public access from the river as a pre- kingfisher, waterfowl and all kinds of wild condition of any public contribution to the life is Hickling broad. Where again boating, cost of the project.” recreation and conservation all exist side by It also sparked off a lot of correspondence in side. Incidentally, Hickling broad is in need the local press including a letter from Friend of dredging work but Natural England has David Ames. prevented the Broads Authority from Shining example undertaking this important work for I have read with interest your articles conservation reasons! regarding the granting of National Lottery As a boat owner for over twenty years I like Funding to the Hoveton Great Broad many, many others are also keen project and the subsequent petition. conservationist and have broadland as part I would like to make these observations: of our heritage. Why would we wish to It is not just the “boating fraternity” that destroy it? have signed the petition; I feel that if public lottery money is to be many of those who have signed are spent on Hoveton Great Broad there concerned that Lottery monies are going to definitely should be greater access for all to a Government Agency i.e. Natural England enjoy. If you agree, sign the petition at to restore what is private property with www.change.org. ultimately very limited public access. We should not forget that Hoveton Great If, as Natural England state, the area is of Broad was illegally closed to navigation such great conservation importance why well over 100 years ago. I question if it is has it been let to get into such a state that boating and public access which destroys public money is now required to restore it. broads why is it in such a sorry state now? The project will totally “change” the broad's water environment by fish removal Yours Faithfully and by mud pumping. Therefore this David Ames restoration will have a huge impact on what

- 12 -

Sailing a Hunter boat on the local sites and possibly riverside pubs. The day finally came and we arrived at the Norfolk Broads Hunter Boat Yard loaded our food and When I was told that I had won a weekend belongings onto a small truck and went out on the Broads on a boat from Hunter's Yard to our boat Wood Avens. Surprisingly I viewed it with excitement but tinged with spacious the drawers and shelves apprehension-broads sailing can be swallowed up our clothes equipment and challenging on busy but narrow waterways food. Having indicated that I had some and these boats have no engine! I resolved sailing experience one of the Hunter staff to prepare myself as well as possible and quanted us out to the end of Read Dyke booked the trip early in the new year. The where we were shown the ropes. Despite Broads get busy so I decided to look at my preparation it was almost too much to April/May or September opting for take in but I am sure that many people learn September knowing that it is often a on the job. beautiful time to be on the Broads and We set off down the Dyke on a run with hopefully quieter after the summer rush. steady winds and current. I remember Looking back on it now this did mean that thinking how big Wood Avens felt the nights would draw in much earlier. compared to my Cockle moored at Hunter's yard supports the sailor with and how narrow the dykes are videos, maps, weather and tidal with the main sail threatening to hit the information. I decided on a very hedges. I was glad that the jib was self unambitious intinerary following the tacking. We entered the Thurne and sailed guidelines on the web site, Ranworth, passed the beautiful windmill at Thurne South Walsham, Upton/Acle and Thurne Dyke and a run changed to a reach as we Dyke. As a complete tyro towing a dinghy turned on to the River Bure and passed St and negotiating bridges would wait for a Benet's Abbey. Robbie used the book we future opportunity. were given to record all the birds that we Amazingly both my grown up sons Robbie saw. We followed two other boats on a run and Harry were available to come with me down Ranworth Dam and on to Malthouse attracted by the sailing, nature and the Broad. The Broad was busy and a opportunity to fish and take photographs. combination of lack of moorings together Only later did I find out that the with our inexperience meant an easy can be quite quiet with perhaps more decision to find a quiet spot and drop the opportunity for nature spotting. mud anchor. It was lunch time and we I watched the weather forecasts avidly and dropped the sails onto the crutches and hoped for good weather and fair winds. enjoyed steaming mugs of coffee and Studying the tide tables helped to plan trips sandwiches prepared before we left home. and sleeping on board meant that we could After lunch we decided to sail around the travel some distance from the base and visit broad to get some much needed sailing

- 13 - experience. Malthouse Broad is beautiful water spotlighting groups of ducks. In the with marine facilities, a pub and church on stillness occasionally interrupted by view. We decided to try tacking up the dyke unharmonious noise from a passing and back track on the Bure to South aircraft I watched the houses and shore line Walsham Broad. Our tacking was a bit slow slowly take shape, the monochrome and a momentary loss of concentration on turning to colour. The still water started to my part pushed the boat into the trees on ripple as the wind slowly rose. I relearnt the lee bank. Judicious use of the quant pole some valuable camping lessons-boiling easily retrieved the situation. Coming out water to wash up, scrubbing pans out that of the Dyke one of us would go forward to we had used the night before. Harry did check for traffic on the river. We quickly some fishing and we had some coffee. By arrived at Fleet Dyke leading to South 10am the wind arrived with some strong Walsham Broad with St Benet's Abbey on gusts. We had a sail around the nature the opposite bank. With virtually no wind reserve and then tacked across the Bure on the broad, assisted by the quant pole we heading for Upton Dyke on a fast broad moored up close to the nature reserve on reach. The dyke is narrow and as we the mud anchor in a slight inlet in the planned our approach we discussed bushes. It had been a good decision to move mooring at the end of the Dyke which on since South Walsham Broad is just as fortunately wasn't too demanding. Robbie picturesque as Malthouse Broad but much had rung on ahead and booked Sunday quieter with only a handful of boats in view. lunch at the White Horse. After a long and We put the boat cover on leaving the pleasant dry land lunch we walked back cockpit exposed. It was quiet and still and down the Dyke watching small dinghy's we enjoyed the wildlife, fished and cooked negotiate the dyke on their jibs or engines a meal of burgers, chips and a bottle of glad that we hadn't attempted it ourselves. Chianti. Beautiful views at sunset with pink We decided to visit the nature reserve at reflections in the sky. Finally the blackness Upton Broad about a 3mile walk. It was outside ushered on a good nights sleep. quite windy on the river and we discussed September nights close in fast and we left sailing on but this was a nice location and the washing up for the morning. the consensus was toward a leisurely Waking up, the boat had turned through afternoon, fishing and not sailing. We 180 degrees on the mud anchor. We were settled down to a home cooked bacon hemmed in by the trees, branches covering sandwich and drank the rest of the wine. In the stern and reaching into the cockpit. the growing gloomy light, pans were left to With Harry's help I hauled in the mud soak overnight. The boys rigged two rods anchor and we quanted the boat free from to do a spot of fishing and I wrote up the log the overhanging bushes. I sat at the bow and went off to chat to the fisherman from reading, the sun poking through the clouds the neighbouring boat who told me he had and making light pools on the still calm picked this location for its tranquility. I felt

- 14 - so glad that we hadn't rushed away and procedure as the rain stopped and the sun decided to read a bit about the rigging. kept poking from a misty sky. The Bure was After some gentle competition fishing in smooth like glass so I made coffee and read. the dark we put the boat cover over the As the day brightened with strong sunshine cockpit anticipating some rain and after the breeze came about 9am on what would some reflection we settled down to a become to the hottest day of the trip. Harry peaceful nights sleep. Wood Avens now and I had another coffee, then with good appeared much smaller and more team work, cover stowed, mud anchor manageable than she had on day 1 and the lifted up and washed, bow line off and used boys commented that she was just the right the quant pole to turn the bow into the size for small river manoevring and river. Releasing the stern line we sailed on a thoughts of a bigger boat with a larger more leisurely run up to the junction of the comfor t able c abin re ce de d. We Thurne each changing in turn to teeshirts commented on how considerate motor and shorts as the sun got hotter still. We sailors were when we were tacking. The could see the Bure ahead and recognized walk today was welcome and eased my the distinctive large black sail of the wherry neck and shoulders which were stiff from Albion. We caught up with her as she leaning out pulling on the main in stronger negotiated her way on to the Bure from the winds and watching the burgee at the top of Thurne and we sailed behind her in the mast head. We enjoyed the banter and procession all the way to St Benet's Abbey. camaraderie as we passed other Hunter Albion sailed on but we moored alongside boats. the Abbey. As we sat in the cockpit curious We woke up to a damp, dewy and misty visitors arrived to inspect us - two beautiful morning, which cleared slowly - no swans. We settled down to cook a bacon aeroplanes but some road traffic noise in and egg breakfast and after washing up the the distance. The first boat on the water three of us walked to the remains of the passed us at 07:20, the bushes and mills Abby gate house and then on to the cross silhouetted on the river bank against a which marks the original position of the misty sky. There was strong dew on the High Altar. Bright sunshine, a slow river bank resulting in lots of newly mown procession of boats and historic buildings grass being stuck to my shoes. I will have to all added to the perfect atmosphere. The mop up the deck and cockpit before the wind was strong and gusty and I tried not to boys see it. I discovered a second bowl and let on that we were missing good sailing washed up the pans and dishes which was conditions since the next leg would be much easier after soaking using both bowls against the tide. I thought I was worrying one for washing one for rinsing. The unnecessarily since we still had 5 hours to predicted rain arrived with a very short get the boat back tothe Yard. Unfortunately light drizzle. It was easy to pull the boat the wind slackened and the tide seemed to cover over the cockpit then reverse the be even stronger as we made ready to sail.

- 15 - Hunter Fleet Merchandise - Updated List T-Shirts: Knitted Hats: £ 4.80 Child £ 5.00 Hunter's Fleet White China Mugs: Adult £ 8.50 Large £ 6.00 Polo Shirts: Small £ 5.00 Child £12.50 Hunter's Fleet Blue Mugs: £ 2.75 Adult £14.00 'Friends' Calendar £ 7.00 Sweatshirts: Heritage Boat-Yard DVD £10.00 Child £10.50 Hunter's Fleet Book £ 5.00 Adult £16.00 Hidden Broads DVD £12.00 Zipped Hooded Sweatshirts: Embroidered Badge £ 3.00 Child £18.50 (Fleet Logo) Adult £22.50 Teddy Bear £12.50 Fleeces: Clothing sizes: Child £20.00 Adult S, M, L, XL, XXL Adult £25.00 Child 5-6yrs, 7-8yrs, 9-11yrs, 12-13yrs Baseball Caps: Postage and Packing - Please Add: Child £ 4.75 Gift Vouchers, Calendars & DVDs - £1.00 Adult £ 6.00 All other items - £2.50

We made very slow progress on this stretch on the end of Read Dyke but in fact kept on of water, and it took two attempts to get sailing in a controlled glide up to an empty passed a right angle and on to a broad mooring. Our previously packed reach. In light winds we labored up the belongings were transferred on shore river until eventually we arrived at the Robbie taking them to the car whilst Harry . Eventually we got to the and I made the boat ship shape and as far as Thurne which was glass like and even in we could similar to when we had first seen light airs we progressed majestically with her three days or was it three weeks before. the current gliding along the river in bright We just managed in the available light; sunshine passed the beautiful white mill at cabin top raised, cover stowed, jib and Thurne Dyke and another glimpse of boom rolled up and secured and all ropes Albion behind us. A group of cygnets broke orderly. As we turned to leave, the Albion away from their parents to escort us up the drifted by on her way home in Womack Dyke. We planned our approach to moor Dyke. Michael Saleh

Printed by Century Printing 132 High Street, Norfolk NR12 9AZ Tel/Fax 01692 582958 email: [email protected]

- 16 -