Power Boating in Oulton Broad in the 1980's
Power Boating in Oulton Broad in the 1980's

After a good night in Beccles, we could not use the facilities as we wanted to and so we walked into the centre to have lunch and do some shopping before returning to the boats and setting off against the tide to Oulton Broad. Then the walk along the banks of Lake Lothing to Lowestoft, which we found in poor shape, returning in time to witness the power-boating in Oulton Broad whilst also catching fish

We had a nice night in Beccles, but I noticed just how much the river rises and falls at this place. The ‘low’ bridge had between 8 & 9 feet headroom at low water. Di tried another wash at the service building, but the machine was full. I tried to fill up with water from the hoses and the two nearest were each a couple of feet to short, which was quite frustrating. After breakfast, the girls and I tried fishing but the tide was flowing and so we all went shopping in Beccles.

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A nice shopping centre with so many speciality shops, which met all our needs. We also paid the balance of the money for Diana’s picture which will be sent on to us and will look nice in our lounge. We set off from the yacht basin before lunch and Daniel and I took it in turns at the helm as we had the meal ‘on the hoof’. Both day boat and speedboat were being towed along behind. It was about 2 ½ to 3 hours against the tide to get to Oulton Broad and, being 2:30pm, all of the good spaces were taken. We therefore moored up by mud weight on the eastern fringe and took the day boat across to the Wherry pub and set off walking from there.

We had afternoon teas in the café and then walked the way back to Lowestoft. We went by the boatyards and wharves, across the playing field (with the girls played on the swings) and then through some rough and derelict land to get to the central railway station. We were appalled by the state of the toilets and decoration there. British Rail are running the place down, hoping for planning consent for redevelopment but had been thwarted. The shops were good, and we had tea at McDonald’s before getting a taxi back.

This evening was powerboating at Oulton Broad and we witnessed the noise, speed and thrills of the races at close quarters which was quite fascinating. I also managed to catch a number of Rudd and Roach amongst the turmoil, which was surprising.