Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Cecil Stebbens

The last of the old village family's who had continued on with most of it's old traditions within the family until the very end. A great sailor and waterman, having been associated with boats and the water for almost his entire life. Lived with his wife Jill on 'Lock Hill', where at one time they opened their front room as a small sweets and confectionary shop. Through his wife Jill who was a member of the 'Butcher' family, the two family's had a close working relationship. He ran the family boatyard of 'C.C.Stebbens' and it's waterfront moorings and facilities for many years. Was a keen 'Punt Gunner', and the last in the village, making his punt's himself as well as for other family members. Was also a founder member of the re-introduced 'Basin Regatta' in 1977. His daughter Judy and her husband Adrian Robinson carried on running the boatyard and continued with most of the activities that Judy's dad Cecil was involved in, after he passed away.

(above) Cecil Stebbens (on the right) with some of his immediate family. Jill to his left and Judy and her husband with their children far left. 1980.

(above) Cecil with his foot on the tiller of his yard launch 'Judy'. Ben Woodcraft with arms folded on the left. 1978.

(above) Cecil at the helm of his smack 'Ethel Alice' in Colliers Reach during the 1981 Basin Regatta. To the left of him is Ben Woodcraft with Cecil's eldest son Anthony kneeling at the staysail. Cecil rebuilt and rigged the 'Ethel Alice' in his yard.