Celebrating 60 years of model boats (From Echo)

Celebrating 60 years of model boats

7:00am Tuesday 5th August 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

MESSING about on the water proved a popular pastime when hundreds of enthusiasts descended on Southend to mark the diamond anniversary of Southend Model Boat Club.

Members proudly showed off their creations which, in some cases, took up to 1,000 hours to build.

The event was nearly scuppered after weeds clogged up Southchurch Park, in Southend, making it impossible to float the boats.

But Southend Council stepped in with some environmental weedkiller in the nick of time.

John Chapman, president of the club, said the lake had been like a lawn when he visited just ten days before.

He said: “The council did wonders to get the lake cleared and we are very grateful.

“We don’t get the severe winters we used to. During the winter this lake used to freeze over and kill off the weeds, but not anymore.”

Terry Moffat, chairman of the club, said the hobby had been completely transformed since it was formed 60 years ago.

He said: “There are a lot more electric boats and more high speed.

“We had Thames sailing barges and various sailing craft which were free-running. The rudders and the sails were set and away they went, but now they are controlled by radio.”

Bob Potter, 78, of St David’s Drive, Leigh, made his sailing boat – the Northdown Barge – completely out of recycled materials.

He said: “I don’t buy anything. I get all mine off of skips. The sails are from a beach sheet from a charity shop. I recycle anything that’s in the bin. The decking is made from old floorboards and the metal work is from a scrap yard.”