Club History
The Bournville Model Yacht club was founded in 1923 by Messr's Cadbury Bros Ltd and initially used the lake in Rowheath park. The photo shows the opening of the club at Rowheath park in 1923
The area of land called Valley Parkway on Bournville Lane was originally a very marshy piece of land.
In the early 1930's Mr Cadbury decided to use the unused Valley parkway area to construct a purpose built boating pool for the use of the model yacht club
Construction of the pool commenced in 1932 with an experiment in practical philanthropy. Sixty four men were employed for the construction of the pool. Some of the men had been displaced from the chocolate factory as new automated machines were fitted while the remainder came from local unemployed people.
The men worked on the lake and boathouse four days a week. On the fifth day they undertook practical training like carpentry, shoe repair or gardening under the supervision of the Bournville works education department.
It is reported that the pool was originally going to be rectangular but Mrs Cadbury favored the more abstract shape
The pool and boathouse we see today were completed in July 1933 and were officially opened on August 19th 1933 by
Mr Edward Cadbury who hoisted the club flag while Mrs Cadbury started the first race.
This is a picture of the first radio controlled model recorded at Bournville. "The maid of Rutland" was 7 feet long and made of brass plates. The model was first used at Rowheath in 1930 and was present at the opening of the new pool in 1933.
The park became very popular with the local people and provided excellent space for picnics and recreational activities.
In 1935 the club held regatta of 6M yachts to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary.
Before and after the war Tethered Hydroplane boats used to be raced around a central pole at Bournville.
The boats reached speeds of 50mph.
Here we see boats being prepared in 1947.
Today modern model hydroplanes reach speeds over 100mph.
Picture Courtesy of Onthewire.co.uk
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The boat house was purpose built for the storage of model boats and to provide a refreshment facility for members. The huge wooden doors and the high ceiling facilitate the movement of a fully rigged model yacht. The boat house was altered at the rear to provide extra storage and expand the members facilities area.
Following major work to provide toilets and a hot water system the boat house was reopened on August 19th 2007 by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Randal Brew O.B.E
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In 2019 the members area was expanded, the building rewired and the lighting improved with LED lights.
The pool was refurbished during the winter of 2020 / 2021 by Birmingham city council contractors. The silt was removed, the leaks in the walls repaired and the copings all replaced.
On the 27th February 2025 Historic England granted the boathouse and pool grade 2 listed status.