Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

The Village 'Gun Punts'

A rack with a battery of about 10 punt guns was once kept in front of 'Rat Hall'. It is believed that Cecil Stebbens was not only the last to build them, but the last punt gunner in the village

(above) The smack 'Mystery', built by Ned 'Coody' Woodcraft about 1893 in the 'Fish Pet'. 'Coody' is standing on deck, 'Twinnie' Clarke on the left with the splatchers on his feet. Gabby Keeble holding the anchor. Moxen Clarke sitting in the Gun Punt. 'Salter' Stebbens standing in the Gun Punt. 'Starchy' Chaney with the beard. 'Sia' Stebbens on the right holding the oar.

(above) Dilbury Clark's 'Gun Punt'.

(below) 'Darby' in the back garden of his house in Basin Road, showing his home made punt gun.

(above) The last of the village 'Gun Punt's' built, at the start of the 'Gun Punt' race in the 1980 Basin Regatta. . R to L, Anthony Stebbens, Darby Stebbens, Ben Woodcraft, Adrian Robinson. All had been built in 'Stebbens Boatyard'.