Suffolk

This is the fascinating story of why, how and by whom radar was developed in the 1930's and the role it played in the Battle of Britain.

We all understand the value of radar today when navigating in busy waters, but do you know the history of why it was developed and the story of extraordinary people involved?

Learn about the ill-fated Franklin Expedition and the two ships that were wrecked. 

The Franklin Expedition set out in in 1845 to discover the Northwest Passage across the Arctic Circle north of Canada.

Two ships, the Erebus and the Terror left from Greenhithe in Kent.  The wrecks of both ships were finally discovered in 2014 and 2016.

Harbour Masters, those men and women who keep our harbours open and seaways safe, are often the unsung heroes of the sailing community. This is their story.

In 2019 Mark Ashley-Miller set off in his 34ft yacht on a 5 year odyssey around the British Isles, visiting all 310 harbours and interviewing 256 Harbour Masters.  As part of this campaign he also raised  £30,000 for The Seafarer's Charity which supports sailors with mental health issues. 

Click here for details of the winter talk programme. Booking will open at the end of the summer.

Winter Talks

A Sociable Weekend with Passage Challenge, Pontoon Party, Outing to Felixstowe for a museum, fort and historic vehicles, an Evening with art exhibition, dinner and talk "The Hanse and East Anglia", something for everyone. Come for some or all of the activities – you choose.

NCI provide 'The Eyes and Ears Along the Coast', reporting directly to HM Coastguard centres, assisting in the protection and preservation of life at sea and along the UK coastline. Nick will cover the work of NCI nationally but with an emphasis on what goes on at the Felixstowe station which is atop Martello Tower P on Felixstowe's south seafront.

Many rich and famous people built large houses overlooking the River Orwell; we sail past their estates without knowing their stories. Keith Pettican now lives in one of these houses and he will tell us its history and that of some of the others.

Date and Time: Thursday 27th February 2025, Doors open at 11:00, Talk at 11:30, Lunch at 13:00.

An International Boatbuilding and Training College apprenticeship in Lowestoft in the 1980s led to many years working at Robertsons of Woodbridge, where Alan served as General Manager. He recently returned as an Instructor to the Lowestoft College until its closure in 2024. Alan has kindly agreed to give us an insight into the world of boats, boatyards and the marine industry,

Anne lives on sailing yacht Midday Sun with husband Marc and is a professional artist. She will talk about yachting on our wonderful East Coast.

Photographic Competition: Attendees will also have the opportunity to cast their votes for the "Best Photograph" and may win a prize as "Best Judge".