If you’re a regular reader of the Norfolk Broads discussion forums then you’ll have noticed that one of the most recurring topics of conversation is the obstacle to navigation that is the old medieval road bridge at Potter Heigham.
Some advocate removing it, others want to raise it whilst the latest suggestion seems to involve bypassing it with a new cut in the river. There are those who think the tranquil upper reaches of the Thurne should be left as is, accessible only to those with “suitable” vessels, whilst others want it opened up for the masses to enjoy. Some remember the days when passage beneath was usually a certainty in boats with an air daft of up to 7ft, and there has been much speculation as to the reasons why either the tide levels have risen or the bridge has sunk. It’s a topic which will continue to rage!
Getting Shanelle back through Potter Heigham Bridge - John Chesney 1978
This week I received a large box of photographs in the post which were sent to me by Joyce Chesney. On opening the parcel I discovered several hundred images which were taken by her late husband John from the mid 1970s onwards – it is going to take me a while to sort through them all properly but there are some absolutely fascinating photographs which will eventually make there way onto the Broadland Memories website. I am committed to finishing work on the 1930s cine film over the next few months, but will make a start on uploading some of John’s photos as soon as I can. In the meantime I will post an occasional sneak preview of some of the collection on the blog. The first of these really made me smile as it shows the hire cruiser “Shanelle” being piloted through THAT bridge in October 1978. I have heard tales of the bridge pilots rounding up willing bodies from the neighbouring pubs to help get boats beneath the dreaded arch, but haven’t seen an image which so clearly illustrates the lengths to which they went! Just how many people were on board?
Negotiating Potter heigham Bridge part 2 - captured by John Chesney in October 1978
Actually I know, as Joyce remembers the incident quite well. She and her husband were sitting having a quiet lunchtime drink at the Bridge Hotel when the pilot came in and gathered around 24 volunteers together in an effort to lower Shanelle enough to be able to get her back below the bridge. The second photo in the sequence shows several people carefully guiding the boat, which was part of Alan Johnsons fleet at Acle, beneath the arch as she slowly makes her way through. The pilots still do a sterling job at Potter Heigham, but the likelihood of being able to pass beneath the bridge (and get back again!) has decreased over the years – it’s usually a case of phoning ahead to check on your chances! I am guessing that scenes like the one captured by John in 1978 are rather rare these days, if only from a health & safety point of view! Would they actually be allowed to pile that many people onto a hire cruiser now?
I remember a similar occasion one Saturday morning at Herbert Woods yard in the late ’80s. I was with my parents as we were waiting for a taxi outside to take us back to the station after a two week stretch on the water.
The PA system announced that all boatyard staff were to go to the other side of the bridge. Out of every door, window, boat, etc came people! About 10 mins later a 36ft+ cruiser came through the bridge at speed!- with all the staff on board. Its quite a spectacle.
We’ve often done the same with wherry Hathor – I was on board in 2009 when we took her through (heading upstream) with several people down below who we invited on from the quayside. We passed through with an inch or two either side and the same overhead, and nary a touch. Very satisfying!
Brilliant! Brings back memories of the pilot taking Ferry Overseer through in 1975 at speed with us crouched in the bows.
Quite astonishing pictures Carol and a nice little reminder of how people found practical solutions and just got on with them. Does make you wince sometimes though when we look back at our escapades.