Nordelph in pictures 4: Cleaning Well Creek
Since we first posted this page, we've added some extra material, concerned with the original clearing of the Creek, to the foot of the page.
One afternoon in mid-October 2005, the Middle Level Commissioners scoured Well Creek, trimming overhanging weeds and generally restoring the creek to a better navigable state. Perhaps this is just a mundane activity -- the marine equivalent of domestic chores -- but the flotilla of one-man cleaning barges was a delight for the eyes!
And for the eagle-eyed, a piece of jetsam in the form of a cuddly toy could be seen going along for the ride!
This black and white photograph (sadly undated) shows that this wasn't the first time that such craft have been seen on Well Creek. Under the headline 'The prowling cat at Well Creek' one newspaper began its story: "A big cat is prowling the waters of Well Creek in the tiny village of Nordelph ... but the village inhabitants shouldn't be unduly worried!" It revealed that the big cat in question was a 'mud cat' -- in reality a floating dredger. At the time, it was one of only three in the country, having been recently imported from America and owned by a Mr. E. G. Harris of Maidenhead. In some awe, the paper eported that the beast cost 'a staggering £30,000'. The Middle Level Commissioners, together with the Upwell Drainage Board, were using the dredger to suck soft mud from the bed of the Creek. During the works, and in conjunction with Norfolk County Council, the banks of the creek were being re-aligned to allow changes in the width of the road. Does anyone have any more information?