The Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club’s old headquarters was destroyed by December 2013’s tidal surge on the West Norfolk coast but they can finally put their woes behind them as officials from the club finally launched a new clubhouse recently, valued at £850,000. During the opening ceremony, the club’s official took time to thank the members for their help.
After the damage that was caused by the tidal surge, it was discovered last year that the building was beyond repair and had to be replaced. However, a combination of fundraising events, contributions from members and flood damage insurance ensured that in only six months, they had enough money to put up the new building. Commodore Tom Shippey formally opened the building and was also accompanied by his predecessors Robin Rowley and Mervyn Nudds.
Speaking during the launch, Mr Shipped reflected on the contribution of the clubs members with regard to the planning, designing, funding, demolishing, building, plumbing, managing among others and said it was quite staggering that they had been able to achieve as much as they had. He commented on how some people thought it was too optimistic for them to think about re-opening in May when the plans to rebuild kicked off last September but as it turned out, they’d managed to do everything on schedule. He added that the new building would now give future generations a chance to sail and take in the beautiful surroundings nearby.
The new clubhouse is a two-storey building. On the ground floor, members will find toilet facilities, changing rooms and a boat store while upstairs they’ll find a kitchen, bar and veranda. In light of the fate that befell the previous club house, extra measures had been taken to make the new building better able to withstand flooding.
Club member and Civil engineer, Jim Crossman stated that water-proof cement and a flood defence system on the doors had been used at the ground level and these would help in case of events similar to those in December 2013. Mode Construction from Great Bircham was in charge of building the clubhouse. Also involved in the project were consultants and architects from Cromer and Norwich.
The Brancaster Staithe Sailing club clubhouse isn’t just used by members during sailing events. It also hosts various family dinner events. The clubhouse is located towards the West of Brachaster Staithe village.