HEATHER

Welcome to Heather

Houseboat of character, docked in Hoveton by the River Bure on the Norfolk Broads Waterways.

Heather is cared for by a partnership of friends and family. Our aim is to preserve the distinctive style of the houseboat and enable future generations to enjoy her charms.

Explore the riverside, browse the shops and places to eat and drink ~ and much more beyond monumental Wroxham Bridge.

Andrew, Timothy and Christopher

16 December 2016

Jam and Windboating




Some jars of plum and blackberry jam were kindly made for us in the autumn by a special friend of Heather, Carole Gordon of Sydney, Australia. The fruit were picked locally while Carole was visiting Norfolk. 

Carole's father was a member of the highly regarded boating family, the Bunns, who lived around Coltishall. Graham Bunn began as a boat building apprentice and draughtsman. In 1920 he took the plunge and opened a boat building and letting yard, Windboats, along Grange Walk in Wroxham. The place still flourishes, as does the smart brand name.

Graham Bunn was a trailblazer, constructing stylish inland and sea going motor cruisers to exceptionally high standards. Windboat craft were often finished in strong Burma teak, said to be the king~emperor of timbers. Deck fittings were chromium plated and diesel engines provided motive power. The galleys were usually fitted with gas cookers, stainless steel sinks, refrigerators and even fans (an early form of air conditioning); while chic coloured furnishings filled the cabins ~ rare for the inter war period, especially in a provincial area. A number of these superior craft can still be seen today around the world.

Extract from 'Windboating' by Graham Bunn, courtesy of Carole Gordon.

The rule is, jam to~morrow and jam yesterday - but never jam to~day.
Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, 1871

Lewis Carroll

Timothy

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King's Head Staithe, Hoveton, pictured from Wroxham public Parish Staithe