A HISTORY LESSON
The
original model boating club in Bridlington was formed in 1935 but rather like
the present club, had nowhere to sail other than any little piece of water they
could find. The club was known as BRIDLINGTON MODEL YACHT AND POWER CLUB
reflecting the interest of the day, powerboats being any boat which was
electrically driven. The club's officers negotiated with the Bridlington Borough
Council to build a model yacht pond and early indications were that use of
land which is now a car park adjacent to the Promenade between Albion Terrace
and Carlisle Road would be suitable. This however, was to become firstly a tennis court, then a
bowling green before becoming the now familiar Beaconsfield Car Park. After many
negotiations within the council chamber agreement was reached to build a model
yachting pond in what was then Victoria Terrace Gardens and this was opened in
1936.
You will see a small building just next to the bowling green and this was to
become the clubhouse and workshop, in fact your secretary has the original lease
agreement drawn up by the council's legal department.
The very first official Regatta and Model Yacht Race was held as you will see on Friday 24th July 1936.
The club
was soon to lose the use of the lake as this land was earmarked as the site of
the new Grand Pavilion which was built in 1937 and was then revamped in the
1980's to become the Three B's Theatre Bar and latterly Leisure World.
It was a long time (1988) before the council was to allow the present club to
lease some land a build the lake you now enjoy.
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