Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Boatbuilding

C.C.Stebbens Boatyard & Storage

The boatyard was developed from some of the foreshore property of 'May & Butcher' and a parcel of the 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.