Research into Brooks Marine

[alan006]

I'm working on an 1960's pilot boat that was built by Brooks Marine at Lowestoffe. Unfortunately I think Brooks ceased trading about 10 years ago or so, does anyone know if any records were saved about their boats? If so who has them? I was told that just before they ceased trading they made the boat for Sir Richard Branson for his Atlantic record attempt. Trinity House were very helpful and gave me some information but unfortunately have not kept as much as I hoped for. It seems to me that a lot of the fun with a classic boat is finding out its history.

 

[luddites]

Classic boat did an extensive article spread over 3 issues a few years ago. There is also a Brooke Marine archive in Lowestoft. Ring IBTC in Oulton Broad and they should be able to put you in touch with the archivist.
hope this helps Paul

 

[oldfrank]

Brooke Marine or J.W.Brooke.

Nationalised by Jim Prior and went under as Brooke Yachts International. The man you need to contact is Peter Hansford (who is an ex employee). Peter lives at Oulton Broad and has filing cabinets full of the old records. I don't think Peter really does email - and I don't think I should put his telephone number on a chatroom. PM me or call me on 01493 - 659546. Old Frank

 

[alb40]

Try sticking a post on the norfolk broads forum alan

http://www.the-norfolk-broads.co.uk/

I got some good information from a few knowledgeable people on there when hunting for info about my boat, which was built by Leo Robinson's, another one of the yards around lowestoft and oulton broad area

Alex

 

[alan006]

Thanks for all your help chaps... I'll follow up the leads in detail over the next few days. Its always a surprise how much people on here seem to know.