WHO AND WHAT ARE WE ABOUT

 

The Club is generally known as the OBMBC and it was first formed in 1993 by a group of like-minded Broads boaters, who generally moored in or around the Oulton Broad area, and their friends from other

parts of the Broads system. The prime movers in the formation were David and Gloria Warner and the

first formal meeting was held at the Waveney River Centre on 30th.October 1993, following a summer of discussions and formation ideas. The first Committee meeting was held at the Wherry Hotel on 20th.February 1994, and it was then that a formal set of rules was drawn up for the management of the fledgling club, which had swelled to nearly 150 members from mooring locations throughout the Broads network. Over the past few years, Formal AGM's have been held at various venues always following our Opening season dinner dances held in late April.

 

David Warner remained President until his death in February 2017. One of the founding members, Bob Witt, then our Commodore, took over the role as temporary President until it was decided to offer the role to one of the clubs elder statesman, Ron Smith. Sadly Ron passed away in 2020 and Bob has again taken over as President. Bim Dimock was voted in as Commodore at the 2021 AGM.

 

The Club primarily began to provide a fund-raising platform for good causes within the local community, whilst also providing its members with a social outlet. The early years raised 1000’s of pounds for worthwhile local charities, each particular charity being selected annually to receive Club support, but gradually a greater emphasis was placed on the social aspect of the club and regular events were established to project this. Some of the many charities and projects which we supported in those early years were the “Waveney Stardust” boat; the Nancy Oldfield Trust ; money to provide a Guide Dog for the Blind; and a Cardiac monitor for the local emergency services.  The Club policy was changed in 2000 to spread donations to national charities, but at a much reduced level due to social events taking up more expense with a lower membership base.

 

Much of our support today comes from the Southern rivers but we welcome members from the whole of the Broads system. It does not matter if you have a small weekender or a huge Ocean-going motor yacht, we give equal welcome to all.

 

CLUB EVENTS

There is usually at least one event per month, during the season April till October. These are held at various outdoor locations across Broadland and usually take the form of informal BBQ’s and music sessions. The club has four gazebos for use at these events, in case of inclement weather, and also as a centre for evening entertainment.

There are also two formal indoor events, one at start of season (Fitting-out dinner and dance) and one at the end (Laying-up dinner and dance) with an additional indoor event being a pub-quiz and supper near to end of season.

 

SUBSCRIPTIONS

These are payable each year as of 1st January and currently stand at only £20 per boat.

This covers all members of the crew as registered on their application form.