After being leased for the last 50 years a ‘secret’ Christchurch marina is back under the control of the family who own it.
Little Avon Marina is tucked away behind the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and is now being overseen by Charles Wallrock and his sister Jo Turnage. Their father, the war hero Commander Michael Wallrock, bought what was then an ornamental pond in 1969. He dug out the marina and created an attractive little haven in the shadow of Christchurch Priory on the River Avon.
Since 1975 it has been leased, but now it has returned to the family who have plans to invest in it. It will be managed by Saviour Aquilina who also runs the country’s second oldest paddleboarding shop there and hires our paddleboards and kayaks.
Charles said: “I was brought up here and remember my father digging it out. It is a wonderful little marina with room for more than 30 boats – with several berths available this year. Most people, even locals, don’t know it exists because it is like a secret – tucked away behind the leisure centre’s rear car park. Some boat owners have been with us for decades and we want to create that sense of community that I remember from my childhood. There is a lovely iconic boat shed and slipway so anyone can carry out repairs in the dry.
“Having been leased for many years we decided the time was right to take it back and return it to a lovely place to spend down time. Saviour has been running his business – The SUP Store – here for years and there is a great shop and teas and coffees for sale. He hires kayaks and paddleboards and also does repairs and sells some great brands. It is a beautiful and stunning location and we have plans to invest in it to further enhance the site.”
Saviour said: “Paddleboarding and kayaking are increasingly popular and we teach people, hire equipment, repair boards and we are also one of the pioneers of paddleboard racing. We also offer storage for kayaks and other watercraft. We’re open every day of the week through the summer and we plan to have BBQs and create a relaxing haven for everyone.”
Contact the Dorset marina on info@littleavonmarina.com for mooring, storage and boat works
And info@thesupstore.co.uk for shop and school.
