OUR STORY

History of Broxbourne Cruising Club

From rowing in Broxbourne in 1847, through the formation of the cruising section and the move to Green Lane, to the member-led refurbishment of the clubhouse today.

1847to today
THE EARLY YEARS

A long history on the water

There has been a rowing club in Broxbourne since 1847. After the Second World War, rowing declined and the club merged with the Sailing Club. Canoeing and sailing sections were established and, in 1964, a cruising section was formed under the Broxbourne Yacht Club name.

1847

Where the story begins

A rowing club had existed in Broxbourne since 1847, establishing the area's long association with organised boating.

1964

Cruising comes to Broxbourne

Following the post-war changes to the rowing and sailing clubs, a cruising section was established in 1964 as part of Broxbourne Yacht Club.

A new beginning

Rebuilding after the clubhouse fire

After the existing clubhouse caught fire, the sailing section used its share of the insurance money to build at its new location. The rowing and cruising sections pooled their shares to build a new clubhouse together, becoming Broxbourne Rowing Club incorporating Broxbourne Cruising Club.

The clubs continued to grow side-by-side. Through the efforts of its members, the cruising club reclaimed land and increased its moorings to 26.

1995

Plans for redevelopment

The rowing section proposed a new clubhouse funded by the sale of land and a Lottery grant application. The project included additional moorings, which would have increased the total to 33.

The land was sold, but the Lottery funding did not materialise. Only 10 permanent mooring spaces remained, and BCC resolved to find a new site in the same area so the Club could continue.

THE NEW SITE

Finding a home at Green Lane

Suitable local land was difficult to find. A site off Green Lane was eventually identified on former landfill land, described at the time as a brownfield site with a thin layer of topsoil over builders' rubble.

The original planning application was submitted in 2002. After suitable access was secured, a new application was approved by Epping Forest Planning Committee on 31 August 2005.

2007The clubhouse opened
The Green Lane site during earlier development work
MEMBERS AT WORK

Built and maintained by members

Over the years, members have given their time to maintaining and improving the grounds and facilities at Broxbourne Cruising Club.

Members and machinery improving access at the Club
Improving access around the site
Members working on the Club grounds
Members working on the Club grounds
Members carrying out work near the river
Work on the grounds at Green Lane
Machinery carrying out site improvement work
Developing the Green Lane site

These photographs are from earlier work at the Club. Their exact dates are not recorded here.

GREEN LANE

Moorings, grounds and nature reserve

Low-profile wood-clad staging and boardwalks were used for the moorings, helping to leave the riverbanks protected. The Club has continued to look after the grounds and nature reserve while maintaining and updating the moorings.

2025–2026

A clubhouse renewed by its members

During 2025 and 2026, Club members carried out a major refurbishment of the clubhouse, increasing its usable capacity and improving the facilities for members.

The work included new toilet and shower facilities, a new kitchen and bar, a pool table and new furniture, alongside a fresh exterior repaint.

Members preparing the clubhouse exterior during the 2025 to 2026 refurbishment
Preparing the exterior
Members painting the clubhouse during the 2025 to 2026 refurbishment
Members at work
Refreshed clubhouse exterior during the 2025 to 2026 refurbishment
The refreshed exterior
The refurbished Broxbourne Cruising Club clubhouse and bar
BCC TODAY

The latest chapter

From the early rowing club of 1847, through the creation of the cruising section, the move to Green Lane and the development of the current site, Broxbourne Cruising Club has continued to evolve.

The 2025–2026 refurbishment is the latest chapter in that history, providing improved facilities for members while continuing the tradition of members working together to develop and maintain the Club.

BCC is a member of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs and the Inland Waterways Association.

Contact BCC