Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

Boatbuilder, Stores & Cafe

The Basin Yacht Stores & Quarter Deck Cafe

Curly Hiscock came from London originally and lived on the boat 'Mary Rose' in the canal. He worked for a time as a shipwright in Maldon. He also had a small shed alongside the canal where he sold boat paint etc. He then operated a thriving business from the small buildings on what was once known as 'Muckers Island' post-war until the early 60's. It consisted of a shop and chandlery, a cafe, a boat workshop where small craft were constructed. A small slipway and rented moorings. He named it 'The Basin Yacht Stores'. He extended the business by also opening another shop in Maldon which he operated only during the summer months. The hand coloured postcards pictured below were from a small series produced by him.

(above) An early postcard picture of 'The Basin Yacht Stores'. 'Tulip' Clark is sitting on the seawall at the far left.

(above) swimming from the Quarterdeck cafe.

(above) an advert for Curly's boatbuilding.

(above and below) 1966 adverts for both the Maldon High Street store and Heybridge Basin.

(above) One of the many hand coloured postacards that were produced by Curly. Some were sold in Mr's Boorer's shop by the lock.