Stourport Yacht Club

SYC History

The object of the S.Y.C is to encourage yachting and boating in all it’s branches, and to provide headquarters for information and practical assistance connected with yachting and boating.

Since its inception in 1949 founder members met once a month in the Tontine Public House, with its terraced lawns overlooking the river, this Georgian building originally built by The Canal Company as a Hotel for merchants and river travellers. Members at that time numbering aprox: 20. They moved to Lickhill moorings in 1952 using Lickhill Manor (later to be come a retirement home) as H.Q.

The Clock Tower premises now known as the Stourport Yacht Club is situated between Clock Basin and the original and largest of Brindley’s Basin’s Known as the upper Basin which opened in 1771 built high enough for protection from the river Servern’s flooding. Access from the river is via two wide-beam locks large enough to enable the "Severn Trows" which carried amongst other things roof tiles up the river to Bridgenorth, many stopping off at the "Mug House’s on the way.

It had been used by Messrs Corbett’s Wood Merchants (later to be Larch Lap), the building been installed with Gas engines etc; for wood cutting. Corbett’s had vacated the premises late 40s - early 50’s and the building was in a derelict condition. The S.Y.C approached British Waterway’s and obtained the tenancy in 1958.

Three years of sheer hard work ensued for the founder members. They approached the gargantuan task of getting the premises in some order, entirely funded by themselves. They obtained the use of a tractor, and a cement mixer, the cement mixer being towed across the Basin by raft. The ground floor of the building was levelled by using rubble from British Water Way’s cottage’s being demolished from the Angel Inn public house car park. Extensive repair work was undertaken, with members assisting the contractors where possible to keep expenses down.

The official opening of the premises took place in 1961 - Mr. George Hughes from B.W.B South West Division manager officiating.

The club house with the clock tower (also known as The Basin Clock) is a noted landmark, the Georgian building being of historic interest. The clock is older than London’s Big Ben, and was erected by subscription. It was made by Samuel Thorpe of Abberley in 1813, it has 7 weights and 4 dials. Originally time being measured by the quarter beats. Other clocks made by Samuel Thorpe in the area, are at, Glasshampton Monastery Nr. Shrawley, at Rock Church Nr. Bewdley, Gt. Witley Church - the later now replaced. The clock is owned by the town, and was lovingly maintained for many years by a local Pharmacist Mr.J. Lane of Boot’s the chemist (High Street). He attended to the care of the clock in his free time each Wednesday and Sunday until November 1991. In 1995 this task was taken over by Mr. David Little of Stourport on Severn Town Council.

The first known Aerial photograph of Stourport, showing the Yacht Club is dated 1926.

The S.Y.C draws it’s members from a wide area, and from all walks of life, and you do not have to be a boat owner to become a member. We have in the past had amongst our members - Mrs. Elizabeth Mills M.B.E; the Mayor of Stourport, Councilor G. Smart, past Mayor of Stourport on Severn.

Our members can be found in harbours all around the coast, and on the continent. Sea cruises are organised yearly. Navigation classes in the winter months, also V.H.F. Marine radio courses from time to time, various functions and dances take place throughout the year.

The Stourport water carnival is organised by the S.Y.C. and our headquarters used for the choosing of the carnival queen and presenting of prize’s.

1986 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Stourport Yacht Club occupying the premises known as the Clock Tower, Engine Lane, Stourport on Severn.

In keeping with its close ties with Stourport Town Council at our 1997/8 Annual dinner, the Mayor as guest of honor, was presented with a new town fore and aft hat.

Thankyou to Mrs.Margaret Millington (S.Y.C.), Mrs. Carter (Stourport Civic Society) for this Information.