Morning Flight 1990

[JennyMorgan]

Once a familiar sight at Thorpe, outside Hearts Cruisers. Do you remember her?

[Vaughan]

I seem to remember that boat, from somewhere? I ought to, as my avatar is her original river toll disc, from 1948.

But who remembers the man in the photo, Brian Coley?

Brian came to Hearts, from Bounty Boats and Southgates, when Jenners sold to Ladbrokes in the late 60s. He was the manager from then on, through the ownership of Ladbrokes, Pennant and Richardsons, until he retired.

I am sure that there are members here who can remember happy holidays from Hearts, under Brian's management.

He sadly passed on several years ago but he became a dear friend to my parents, and to me, and I shall always rank him as one of the best hire fleet managers that the Broads has known.

[JennyMorgan]

Vaughan, I didn't know Brian Coley in connection with the hire fleets but, and I'm pretty darn sure that I have the name right, I do remember a Brian Colley who had a lock-up at Hopton railway station in the late 1950's where he built a small speedboat for my brother. Might just be a total coincidence though. The Mr Colley I remember wasn't there long because when my brother wanted the transom strengthened, so he could fit trim tabs in an effort to stop her porpoising, the lock-up had been abandoned and the site was being cleared for housing.    

[Stationerystill]

Am I right in remembering him having a small boatyard of his own next to Hearts?

 

[Vaughan]

Yes, he did. The land opposite the old Thorpe Gardens was owned by Steward & Patteson's brewery and in the 40s and early 50's it was the base of the Hazell brothers' hire boats. It was rented afterwards by Tony Loweth, who was landlord of the pub, and Brian took it over sometime in the 80s. I don't know who has the lease now - maybe Roger Wood?

[C.Ricko]

i remember him well. even after he retired from manager he stayed and repaired the walkway all along the mooring.. 

[Vaughan]

 

Just found this one, taken on the morning of the Thorpe water frolic, in July 1988.

The next year was when we finally "came ashore" and bought a house, near Attleborough.

[C.Ricko]

Vaughn, did you have any internal pictures of '56?

 

[Vaughan]

Here are some, as well as a plan of the interior layout.

They were taken in around 1950 for an article in the Motor Boat and Yachting. The design changed a bit over the years, but the atmosphere stayed the same!

 

 

 

[Springsong]

I used somewhere have that particular issue of MB&Y heaven knows where it is now.