Discount retailer, Lathams of Potter Heigham, raised £1,588 at a charity auction for the Museum of The Broads in Stalham to fund the restoration of a historic boat once owned by Lathams founder, Ken Latham.
Now complete, Ken Latham’s last remaining boat, Esox Lucius II (Latin for Northern Pike) was one of two Ken used for pike fishing on the River Thurne during the 1960s.
The specialist restoration project took six months, involving woodwork repairs to the hull, repainting and revarnishing by restoring the original colour back to the mahogany hull and planking. They also replaced all the brass boat fittings and made the boat watertight. The museum also equipped the boat with items that would have been required when it was being used in the 60s, such as oars and fishing equipment. Esox Lucius II has been given pride of place at the Museum of The Broads.
John Goldie, store manager at Lathams, said: “We are delighted that the Esox Lucius II has been restored back to its former glory. It was Ken’s beloved fishing boat and having it brought back to life with funds raised during our 60th anniversary celebrations makes this even more special. We hope that visitors to the museum get just as much pleasure from seeing it, as Ken did.”
Christopher Tooth, vice-chairman of the Museum of The Broads, said: “Being able to fully restore Ken Lathams last remaining boat and display it here in our museum was an incredible opportunity for us. We are very grateful to Lathams for raising the funds for us to be able to carry out the restoration and honour the memory of Ken Latham.”
The Esox Lucius II will be on display at the Museum of The Broads for at least 12 months.
A Norfolk institution, Lathams is famous for its fishing tackle and supplies, as well as discounted homewares, furniture, food, clothing, DIY and pet departments. The store was first opened by Ken Latham in 1963 as a ‘piscatorial paradise’, a homage to his love for fishing on The Broads, and quickly became popular with local people and holidaymakers alike. When Ken retired in February 1989, Lathams joined the family-run Norfolk discount group QD, who has since expanded the premises and built a dedicated Lathams Fishing Tackle shop opposite the main store.
Lathams of Potter Heigham is located at Bridge Road, Potter Heigham NR29 5JE.
The Museum of The Broads is located at The Poor’s Staithe, Stalham NR12 9DA. See the Museum website for details –www.museumofthebroads.org.uk
Images are courtesy of QD Group
