Norfolk Broads 1962 family holiday

This a an absolute gem! Filmed early in 1962, it follows a family boating holiday with three generations who hired one of the Delight class and one of the Starlight class of motor cruisers from Herbert Woods boatyard at Potter Heigham. There are several things that make this film a bit special. Firstly, whilst their are plenty of scenes showing the family, the cinematographer concentrated on footage of the scenery, the landscape and the villages of Broadland including some super film of Ludham, Coltishall, Horstead Mill, Hoveton and Wroxham along with some lovely shots of Herbert Woods Broads Haven yard. It's always interesting to see how some areas have changed whilst others have remained largely unchanged.

What has changed significantly, and what makes this film really special, is that sections of the car journey were filmed. This is yet another orphaned film. I know nothing about the family featured but their journey starts from the village of Baslow in Derbyshire and they appear to have travelled to the Broads via the old A17 and the A47. I have left the footage intact as it is incredible. No bypasses in those days and straight through town centres that today, I'm sure, are gridlocked by traffic. Leaving home, they pass first through Chesterfield then Newark-on-Trent with some footage of the RAF Cranwell base as they pass. Sleaford with the Handley Monument in the town centre is seen next followed by crossing Sutton Bridge in the fens. Towards the end of the journey they pass through Swaffham with the George Hotel seen.

The interest doesn't stop there as far as the car journey is concerned. The approach to Wroxham is filmed and the family obviously stopped off at George Smith's boatyard for a look round. Back in the car, we get highlights of the drive through Horning and Ludham before the family arrive at Potter Heigham where the roadside is almost unrecognisable.

Kindly digitised for Broadland Memories by Video Impact www.videoimpactuk.com

Please check out the Broadland Memories channel and playlists for lots more vintage footage of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads from the 1930s to the 1990s. You will also find a large archive of old photographs, personal memories and history of the region on the Broadland Memories website. If you would like to discuss licensing footage for use in film or TV productions, then please do get in contact via the Broadland Memories website.

Many thanks for watching!

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