Skipper’s descendants to name new Norfolk pleasure boat
This aerial shot shows the canal around Ebridge Mill pond. Picture: Clive and Shirley James. - Credit: Archant
A pint of Wherry ale will be ceremoniously poured over a new pleasure boat, in honour of the craft which once plied a unique Norfolk attraction.
Ella II will be officially named by descendants of Nat Bircham, skipper of The Ella, the last wherry to use the North Walsham and Dilham Canal.
The 19th-century waterway fell into disuse after 1934, when they made their last journey.
His daughter Lilian Smith, who will be at Ebridge Mill pond on Saturday, June 2 at 1pm for the christening, said: 'Dad would have been so proud to know that the Ella II is to be named after his Ella.'
The ceremony will be a highlight of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust's open weekend, on June 2 and 3, centred around Ebridge Mill pond.
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Visitors will be able to take trips along the canal on Ella II and her sister boat Sue B.
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