Designed & maintained by Carol Gingell
© C.Gingell 2006-
© Broadland Memories 2006-
On the morning of Saturday the 20th of June 1914, a group of prominent businessmen from the city of Bath boarded a Great Western Railway train, settled down in their reserved carriage and begun a journey which would see them alight at Hoveton and Wroxham Station later that afternoon. This was the beginning of a two week sailing holiday on the Norfolk Broads, an adventure which was painstakingly documented by the crew in a type written journal, accompanied by dozens of original photographs and printed postcards.
The “Spree” was hired from John Loynes at Wroxham and the detailed account put a humorous spin on their adventures afloat, each crew member taking a turn in writing up the daily logs as the holiday progressed. The journal portrays a genteel era, but discontent was rumbling across Europe. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-
The journal was discovered by Brian Kendall, whose grandfather, Herbert, was one of the holiday party. The pages were kindly photographed for me by George Kendall and are transcribed and laid out below as faithfully as possible to the original journal.
Herbert Kendall was the proprietor of a well known ironmongery and electrical engineering business in Bath. He was accompanied on the trip by three members of the Fortt family who had a large provisions store and restaurant on Milson Street and, as part of the Cater, Stoffell and Fortt Company, were responsible for the manufacture of the world famous “Bath Oliver” biscuits. The fifth member of the party was Henry Wood, owner of a stationary shop on Old Bond Street in the city. Charles Clarke and Reginald Jefferies filled the remaining spaces within the group. Their home afloat was “The Spree”, built by John Loynes at Wroxham, the hired crew were named as Arthur Webb (skipper) and Alfred Loynes (nephew of the firm).
1900-1949 History
1900-1949 Memories
1900-1949 Gallery
The Cruise
Of the
SEVEN BATH CHAPS
on the “Spree”
NORFOLK BROADS
June 20th to July 4th
1914
CREW
Otherwise
Herbert Kendall -
Reginald E. Jefferies -
Charles Clark -
Henry Wood -
William G. Fortt -
F. Harold Fortt -
A. Bertram Fortt -
Skipper – Arthur Webb
Alfred Loynes (nephew of firm)
(Otherwise known as “Dook”. Or the
man who burned the cakes.)
A taxi-
Bertram was nearly dropped on the way to the Station, the door of the Taxi flying open unexpectedly when rounding Orange Grove.
Arrived at Bath Station (G. W. R.) the Cab load found Harry (the Purser) waiting and seeing to the labelling of the luggage, (with the exception of that belonging to poor old ‘Erb which had been quietly ignored by the man who collected the luggage.)
The Purser said a touching farewell to his better half and little daughter “Ruth”, and soon we were all settled in a Reserved Compartment in the 9.30 express to Paddington, the Purser having arranged with Mr. Kislingbury of Bristol but we should travel on Saturday instead of Friday, (a special privilege not granted to the usual 15-
The sun had not made itself felt as yet, and the journey to London was accomplished under comfortable conditions, with the exception of the presence of the most obnoxious effluvia which we soon discovered proceeded from the antique pipe of “Pa”, (otherwise known as Charlie Clark).
This difficulty having been overcome by “Pa” promising not to smoke “Shag”, or whatever it was, anymore. We arrived without further incident at Paddington, where one of the old-
Our luggage, when piled on the top, looked formidable, and threatened to break in the ‘bus. However we proceeded slowly but surely, through the heart of London, to Liverpool Street Station, which we found absolutely teeming with people hastening to catch trains for various parts.
Drinks having been purchased, we were glad to get our Reserved Carriage, as we knew the luncheon-
Short work was made of the pie, which proved a good one, and old Henry secured our gratitude by obtaining further supplies of rolls just as the train started.
Oh! That hot afternoon trip to Norwich. One by one the crew became pale and silent, and most of them eventually dropped off to sleep, rousing themselves a little when Colchester and Ipswich were reached.
Train arrived at Wroxham about half an hour late, but the local Jehu with a sort of home-
A nice breeze was now blowing, and after tea we all felt in excellent spirits. Our belongings were unpacked and stowed away on board, (the portmanteau being left with Loynes), sundries were purchased in the village, letters written, stores checked, and after quanting downstream to “Ethel Mary’s Moorings” we did full justice to a supper of forspur and tomatoes.
We found that Roy’s Stores had attempted to overcharge is, and our purser courageously and successfully interviewed the Manager.
Having made all snug for the night, Skipper and Alfred hied ashore, promising to return on board at 7 o’clock tomorrow morning.
Selections on the Purser’s Gramophone next followed, to be speedily changed to singing of Orpheus Glees by the majority of the Crew. ‘Erb, however, said it gave him a pain in his “Little Mary Moorings,” so it was not persisted with.
After a “night-
Fresh bunks, fresh surroundings, and very little sleep. The gnats, which some of our party have magnified into mosquitoes, continually reminded us of their presence, and about 3.30 the rain came down in torrents. Woodie valiantly offered to cover the skylights, and arrayed in Mackintosh he succeeded in doing so, but not before a certain amount of droppings had fallen on the Purser’s bed.
N.B. The Stores when unpacked looked sufficient to feed a regiment for a month, and things seemed very promising for a pleasant time.
The Purser seems to know his job and may be given a certificate of merit. But we must not speak too soon. It is early days yet.
Sunday June 21st 1914
Ethel Mary’s Moorings, Wroxham to Acle
After settling ourselves again for some more “refreshing slumber,” which seemed more successful this time, we woke at 7 o’clock to find a dull but fine morning. ‘Erb was the first out of bed, and was keen for a bathe – old Henry joining him – which was accomplished from the Jolly Boat. Their shouts of joy from the water, such as “Top-
At 10 o’clock the mainsail was hoisted, and the accomplishment of the same caused a very nasty accident to one of the Pioneers of the tour – “Little Birkie.” 1 It happened in this way: the Skipper asked for volunteers to wind the windlass, at the same time cautioning them as to the danger of using the handle. Little Birkie at once (eager and enthusiastic as usual) started to wind, but the handle came off and caught his shin and nasty smack, causing blood to flow. However, after receiving attentive care from Henry, and some boracic and bandage, things were a little better for the poor old chap; but he had to rest his leg a good deal during the day.
At 1.30 Horning Ferry was reached after a very enjoyable run down, there being plenty of breeze, and also of other craft which swarm the broads. At 2 pm Lunch was ready, and soon after we started tacking for the first portion, but afterwards the good strong breeze sprang up, which took us along at a good pace until Acle was reached at 5.30. where we are putting up for the night.
Quanting was performed at various times by A.Bs’ Wood, Harry and Billy.
After tea Bertram and ‘Erb went off in the jolly boat while the rest of the crew walked into the village of Acle, and visited the Church of St. Edmund. They sat in the porch during the opening of Evensong, “Pa” joining in the Amens.
Supper over the Purser’s Gramophone was set to work, and the selections were much appreciated by the crew who sat round on deck until it grew somewhat chilly when a move was made for the cabin, and after a pleasant hour of song we turned in about 11 o’clock.
1 It should here been noted that the dialect of the district, as spoken by our Skipper is so difficult to understand that the warning “not to chuck” was unintelligible to the victim
Monday Monday June 22nd 1914
Acle Bridge to Yarmouth
The night proved a more peaceful one, the majority sleeping until seven with very little disturbance. ‘Erb however, had suffered “distension” during the small hours and had taken a walk on deck. He was again the first to rise but was soon joined by the others.
Peculiar noises were heard by some during the night. They were said to resemble the tearing of calico, and proceeded from the region of Pa’s cabin; his snores were loud and long.
The water looked more inviting and four of the crew plunged in and seemed to enjoy it. The slackers being Pa and Jeff.
Several attempts had been made to get a bite, ‘Erb having toiled all day Sunday and caught nothing, so that when after breakfast the Purser was heard shouting excitedly, “I’ve caught a fish,” there was a general scramble on deck to view the wonder which proved to be a small Bream: This was imprisoned in a bucket but afterwards committed suicide by jumping on deck.
The tide was against have been prevented our making an early start. The morning was spent quietly on deck, and the Purser and Henry went off in the jolly boat on a foraging expedition for greens stuffs.
We got underway about 12.30 and had a brisk run to Yarmouth, very little quanting was necessary, there being a stiff breeze.
The country below Acle is very flat, but the numerous windmills give a picturesque touch to what is otherwise uninteresting scenery.
Some very careful tacking was necessary as we neared Yarmouth, and our Skipper proved himself an adept at the job; others however, were not so successful, for a small yacht was seen stranded in the mud, and her crew appeared to have some difficulty in trying to move her.
Yarmouth was reached about 4.30, our mast was lowered to allow the yacht to pass under the railway bridge, and we were soon moored alongside the quay in company with several other boats including The Victoria, belonging to the same company as The Spree. After tea, Henry and the Purser again went foraging, and on their return a general move was made for the Post Office to call for letters.
Considerable interest was taken in an old Norman round tower which stands on the quay, and which, we were informed, is part of the old town-
Having to fetched the letters, the party made for the front and ascended the revolving tower, from the top of which an excellent view of Yarmouth was obtained, the spire of St. Nicholas Church being especially conspicuous, as it had been from the river long before we reached it. It is the largest Parish Church in England, and contains a very fine Organ which is reported to have cost £10,000.
Near the town we saw the Britannia pier, recently damaged by fire, in process of restoration, and then proceeding along the front reached the Wellington pier, and being attracted by the announcement of a Concert-
A brisk walk back to the quay, and then supper to which we did full justice, finishing up a jolly day with rousing choruses and glees, turning in at midnight.
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Part 1
Saturday June 20th 1914
Bath to Ethel Mary’s Moorings, Wroxham
Continued on the next page ……