The RTTA was founded in 1948 to protect and to enhance the interests of those with property on the banks of the River Thurne in the parishes of Martham, Repps-with-Bastwick, Potter Heigham and Ludham, part of the Norfolk Broads.

From the 1970s until 1985, the Broads Authority's express wish was partially to clear the banks of the River Thurne of bungalows and to return the banks to their natural state.

In 1985 the RTTA founded Thurne Bungalows Management Company Limited (TBMC), a limited company wholly independent of the RTTA. TBMC Ltd bought a ninety-nine year Head Lease from Anglian Water, the then owners of the river bank. TBMC then sublet one hundred and eighty-one of the plots to the existing tenants. These plots are now known as Lease A. Unfortunately, tenants of forty-two of the plots were given only a fifteen year lease (now known as Lease B) via a Head Lease bought by the landlord, the Broads Authority.

In the year 2000 these B Leases expired and tenants were expected by BA to clear their plots. The RTTA fought this decision and won an eighty-five year lease for them (simultaneously expiring with Lease A). The RTTA was not involved in Lease renewal negotiations.

TBMC Ltd's primary role is overseeing the Headlease and the 184 Under-leases derived from it. They are dedicated to maintaining the area and supporting our community by providing essential services, including refuse collection and cesspit emptying. Their goal is to ensure a well-maintained and enjoyable environment for all River Thurne bungalow owners.

History of RTTA

Dutch Tutch is on the north bank of the River Thurne, downstream of Potter Heigham Bridge.

The chalet is the base of a Helter Skelter that used to stand on Britannia Pier and the outer-house was the top. The photo bottom left was taken 1905. It was moved to it's current location by horse and cart, likely in 1910.

The current owners wrote an article on it's history and the myths surrounding it. You can download a copy of this article by clicking on the link below.

Part of the charm of our stretch of the River Thurne is the diverse nature of the properties, each with it's own individual character. Historic England have recently recognised their significance and a select few were given grade two listed status in October 2024. The properties that were listed were Dutch Tutch, Tower View, The Eel Sett, The Holt and Boathouse and Staithcote.

Tower View is situated upstream of Potter Heigham Bridge on the northern side of the river Thurne (the Potter Heigham bank). Tower View was created by the same company that made the huts for Scott's Antarctic expedition (Norwich-based Boulton and Paul).

It was built early 20th century. Its frame was created by bolting two huts together and using prefabricated materials with added timberwork (Historic England, 2024).

Historic England rate it as worthy for listed status due to its 'simple but characterful form, representative of the earliest timber chalets in the lower or southern end of the Broads, enhanced by the detailing of its veranda and false dormer'.

Historical Riverside Properties

tower view - Photo from historic england

The Eel Sett in Candle Dyke, Potter Heigham, is thought to be the last of its kind in England.

Eel setts were put on isolated spots on the river. They were used as a base for eel catchers to put out nets overnight.

The Eel Sett is thought to have been built in the early 20th century and remained in use until 1992.

the eel sett - Photo from historic england

the holt and boathouse - Photo from historic england

staithcote - Photo from historic england

The Holt and Boathouse is also in Potter Heigham a little upstream of The Eel Sett.

It was built in the early 20th century for Mr. W. Boning of Great Yarmouth.

Much of its furniture came from his furnishing business.

Staithcote is a characterful bungalow in Wroxham.

It was built as a boathouse in 1911, and extended to include a waterside chalet above by 1913.

Historic England were drawn to this property as it is a particularly well-preserved building of a traditional design unique to the Broads.

Riverbankers and RTTA events

One of RTTA's many social events; dinner held in Wroxham Barns after the AGM October 2025.

RTTA 70th Anniversary

In 2018 the RTTA held a celebratory event on Bridge Green, Potter Heigham, to mark the RTTA's 70th anniversary. It was a huge success, well attended by RTTA members and interested public and supported by Norada Grill and Tavern, who provided tables, chairs, electricity and water, and the Scouts, who donated the marquee and helped to set it up.

As well as a table top sale, there were classic boats, a chainsaw carver, face painting and 'Lucy' the organ, a mobile organ owned by The St Albans Organ Theatre that uses cardboard book music.

In October 2017, the Martin family celebrated 50 years of ownership of maisonette PH60 1967-2017 with a fundraising Macmillan coffee morning. Four generations of 'Martins' – plus Di Cornell in the blue coat, the Chair of the RTTA - joined in this worthwhile cause where an amazing £343.55 was raised!