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Friends of The Nottage

The Friends of The Nottage are a group of supporters who may use our facilities and attend six lectures on a variety of subjects during the winter months. Friends also have use of our extensive maritime library, and receive a copy of our Newsletter, either by email or post.

The Nottage Maritime Institute on The Quay, Wivenhoe is a unique and historic institution. For an annual subscription of just £15 or £25 per couple, you can become a “Friend of the Nottage”. This represents a great investment; not only will you help the Nottage to continue its important activities, but you can also attend our winter lecture series completely free of charge. All talks begin at 7.30pm and generally finish by 9.30pm. You are welcome to bring guests, for a small donation and subject to availability of seats.

To apply to be a Friend, please click on the link below to download the enrolment form.

Download Subscription Form    
Download Standing Order Form
Download Subscription Form    
Download Standing Order Form

Our Programme of Lectures

‘A Day in the Life of Cooks Shipyard’

Wednesday 11 February 2026
An illustrated account by Bernard Watson and some of his former work colleagues of what work and life was like at Cooks Shipyard before it finally closed in the mid-1980s. This will include about half-an-hour of Bernard’s original film footage, as well as a display of Cooks records and workbooks etc. from the newly revamped Nottage archive. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. Film starts at 7.30 p.m. Guests £5 Free to Friends of the Nottage

Wivenhoe on film through the years’

Friday 27 February 2026
A selection of short documentary films about Wivenhoe, taken from the vaults of the BBC and East Anglia Film Archive, dating back to the 1960s and before. Some you may have seen already, others not, but come along and enjoy revisiting familiar places and faces…and sharing memories with fellow residents of Wivenhoe. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. Film starts at 7.30 p.m. Guests £5 Free to Friends of the Nottage

‘Sea-Change in Wivenhoe’

Friday 27 March 2026
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the 2006 documentary ‘Sea-Change in Wivenhoe’. It was made to complement the book ‘Sea-Change: Wivenhoe Remembered’, in which some of Wivenhoe’s oldest men and women recollect a way of life characterised by the activities of big steam yachts, fishing fleets and shipbuilding. It is the story of a community defined by water, of danger and rivalry, laughter and tears, of pride and achievement, artistry and skill. With magnificent sailing smacks, rare archive photographs and paintings by artists, past and present, the fortunes of Wivenhoe before the demise of its industry are vividly brought to the screen. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. and the film starts at 7.30 pm. Admission price is £5, free for Friends of the Nottage.