[Builder XR&D]

1 minute ago, Athy said:

Was that a few years ago? I looked up Oakcraft and found that they had closed in 2016, unless that's a different Oakcraft.

Must be different one. Jim Birch Oak craft at Weedon. Just fitting one of Mels Shells out at moment. 

[Builder XR&D]

1 minute ago, Athy said:

Mel told me that, while his team were building that eccentric slab-sided eco-boat, one of you noticed its row of little portholes and chalked "Clear glass", "Green glass" and "Brown glass" over them. Do you remember that?

   I've never seen that boat around the canals, don't know where it ended up.

Mike it's the photo above Allys boat

[Builder XR&D]

15 hours ago, MURRAY NORTHAGE said:

Will do Ally thanks. Yes I did help to build your boat. 

Ally. The guys name was Andy think the boat was Shway Shway can't remember the proper Spelling. ?

[Builder XR&D]

34 minutes ago, Ally said:

Murray built my Mel too I believe. ? it originally had a different name but it never really got fitted by the guy I bought it from, so, um yes, it was a bit of a major project, after taking it back to sprayfoam and ballast. Still floating obviously,  why wouldn't it be!

 

Murray, please give my best to the guys at XR&D,  I do miss my regular trips up there!

Will do Ally thanks. Yes I did help to build your boat. 

[Builder XR&D]

Yes I know. 

[Builder XR&D]

Hi. Worked with Mel for 10yrs 1999 to 2009. 

[Builder XR&D]

2 hours ago, Athy said:

Well hello! What a pleasure to hear from you. We're well, and so is 'Trojan', thanks, still a pleasing shade of purple and still not leaking. The boat, I mean.

I did remember the circumstances of your leaving Mel but didn't feel that it was my place to mention them.

Glad alls well. Still see Melv most weeks. He still builds occasionally. But has a thriving business with Caravan Storage and Certified Location site for Caravan and Camping. I will remember you to him after the Lock down finishes. All the best and take care. 

[Builder XR&D]

On 09/11/2020 at 14:36, Athy said:

Mel certainly has not retired! When he built our boat, Murray was working for him - has he moved on to XRD now? 

Mike. Melv had to let me go in the Recession 2009 the order book was empty. Been at XR&D 11 years now. Hope you're well. 

 

On 09/11/2020 at 12:07, Martin Nicholas said:

Ask for Murray - probably the best welder currently making narrowboats. I'll put a word in for Mel Davis - although me may have retired. Tim will build your boat if you choose TW, unless they have changed their MO.

Martin I don't know about that statement but can say. There all still afloat.