“Tubby” was a really fine waterman and to see him  poling a large lighter(laden to the gunwhales with reeds for thatching right across the Hickling Broad  was a sight indeed.

He also knew all the best fishing spots and often brought his hirer back with over a hundredweight of prime fish.  Each February “Tubby” was among the leading punts at the annual Coot Shoot when something like 2000 birds would be shot down.  They would be brought ashore and shared among the villagers.  Coot made a nice tasty stew:  the flesh was very dark and a little more coarse than duck, but the poorer families looked forward to their annual free meal…

A recent view of Whiteslea Lodge, the base of many of the coot shoots

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