IN March 1942, during World War 2, in the Pacific Theatre of operations, the United States Navy formed a Construction Battalion of fighting engineers that became known as the Seabees.
The Seabees were tasked with constructing airfields, harbours, pontoons and a whole host of other infrastructure in the forward operating areas to support the US military in their endeavours to push back the enemy forces.
Eighty years or so later, members of Rawdon Model Boat Club (RMBC) have formed their own “Construction Team” (SeaTeas) to rebuild and refurbish the harbour facilities on Larkfield Tarn, in Rawdon. Fortunately they have not had to fight off snipers and air attacks but they are doing a magnificent job in beautiful surroundings, their spirits and moral maintained by copious cups of tea and lots of good natured banter.
Alan, Nick and Stuart, aided by Dave, Mick and others usually spend their time at Larkfield tarn sailing and racing model yachts. But this year they have been working tirelessly to prepare “Port Rawdon” for the Open Day scheduled for June 8th, 2024. The harbour was last seen on the water in 2019, before Covid curtailed a lot of the club activities for such a long time. Since then the buildings and pontoons have languished in a shed, untended, unloved and unseen.
But this year will be different. Rawdon Model Boat Club is to open it’s doors to visitors again on June 8th, 2024, from 10am to 4pm.
We are inviting our neighbours, friends from other model boat clubs and visitors from far and wide to come along and see our renewed harbour in all it’s glory, as well as to enjoy our model boats and beautiful lake.
Entry is free and there is limited car parking available.
We will have lots of model boats on show in the clubhouse and on the water, a stand with boats for sale, a raffle, hot and cold drinks and snacks from our well appointed kitchen and club rooms (at reasonable prices of course). We have WC’s on site as well.
Visitors may find themselves at the controls of a model boat or yacht for a trial sail, just talk to the owner(s) and ask nicely. But be warned, model boating is very enjoyable and you might end up addicted for life!
However, even if you don’t want to “have a go” you’ll be very welcome to come along and enjoy the atmosphere and views of our pleasantly secluded lake. I can’t vouch for the weather on the day so bring a coat just in case. Please bring your family and friends as well to enjoy the sights and pleasures of “messing about on the water” with us.
We are a friendly group of people of all ages and backgrounds with a common enthusiasm for model boating in all it’s various guises.
We are a club that embraces all aspects of model boat building and sailing.
From Racing Yachts to Scale Schooners, from Pleasure Steam Boats to Cargo Ships and Warships and Lifeboats and “all kinds of craft”.
There has been a model boat club on Larkfield Tarn since the early 1930’s, about ninety years ago. The original club known as The Bradford Model Yacht club was formed in 1886 and after a number of years sailing on other lakes and ponds they settled on Larkfield Tarn in the early ‘30’s.
The club has gone through good times and bad over their long history and has changed it’s name a few times to suit the changing fashions of model boating, but today we are the proud owners of one of the best clubs in the North of England.
If you can’t make it to our Open Day RMBC is open on Saturday and Sunday mornings from about 9am until noon, or until the last keyholder calls it a day. So please feel free to pop in and have a chat about model boating.
Please bear in mind though, while we encourage all kinds of model boats we do not allow petrol or diesel engines of any sort. We don’t want oil in our lake to spoil the water and harm the wildlife. Similarly we do not allow flying models, drones, aircraft or helicopters etc. Our neighbours would not appreciate the noise or the possible invasion of their privacy. I’m sure you will understand. Because we own the lake it is private, and we do not allow fishing.
Rawdon Model Boat Club is easy to find. Set your Sat Nav with postcode LS19 6EQ and look for us at the top of Canada Road where it joins Larkfield Road. We’re on Google Maps too.
Find us on Facebook. Rawdon Model Boat Club. Also please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/view/rawdonmodelboatclub
I look forward to meeting you at the lakeside.
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