|
C.C.Stebbens Boatyard
& Storage |
|
The boatyard was developed
from some of the foreshore property of 'May & Butcher' and
a parcel of their onshore yard. The other part of M&B foreshore
and wooden huts on the wall was taken over by the 'Newham Outdoor
Activities' centre. Stebbens boatyard operated a derrick crane
for lifting boats over the wall both in and out of the yard.
They also had a long wooden boatshed which it is believed was
another of the 'Osea Island' buildings. Charlie Stebbens began
the yard in the 1950's which was continued by his son Cecil and
family until he passed away in the early 1990's when his daughter
Judy and her husband Adrian Robinson took over. Cecil built small
craft including 'Gun Punts', and restored several smacks including
his highly successful 'Ethel Alice'. |
 |
|
01 (above) 'Stebbens Yard'
launch the 'Judy'. Cecil Stebbens standing at the tiller. On
the left is Ben Woodcraft and Clive Stebbens on the right. |
|
 |
|
02 (above) Cecil at the
helm of 'Ethel Alice' soon after a total rebuild. |
|
 |
|
03 (above) part of Stebbens
moorings 1976. |
|
 |
|
04 (above) part of 'Stebbens'
yard foreshore. The old crane block once of May & Butcher
being used by Colin Brookes while rebuilding the smack 'Priscilla'
against it. Afloat behind is the pale blue/grey shape of Cecil
Stebbens 'Gun Punt'. On the extreme right can just be seen the
end upright post of the barge blocks originally built by 'Dilbury'
Clark for M&B. |
|
 |
 |