Robin Combe

We are very saddened to learn of the death of our Patron, Robin Combe, in August 2021. He was a great supporter of Rescue Wooden Boats. We will miss him greatly.

Robin's long association with things "watery" began with entry into the Royal Navy aged 13.  An undistinguished naval career, albeit a very enjoyable one, was followed by 10 years in Watney's Brewery - at least we lived in a house directly opposite the boat race finish -, then a 10 year stint breeding trout with varying degrees of success.

"A passion for fly-fishing and several sea expeditions followed; the most memorable voyage being a 68 year old deckhand on a trans-Atlantic crossing, on the HM Barque Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook's vessel.

"Over the last few years my association with the Hewitt brothers, through my purchase of a cockle dinghy (the perfect answer for a geriatric sailor), has led to my enthusiastic support of Rescue Wooden Boats...  It is a wonderful fusion of the display of traditional boatbuilding skills  with its equally important end-use, the long-term fishing tradition of Norfolk.

"I am very confident that the hard work already displayed by all those involved is going to reach its fruition as one of the jewels in Norfolk's tourist crown, and I am anxious to do what I can to promote their sterling efforts."