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"Far from rescuing the company it has been down to Derek Fradgley's company Outlook Finance Ltd, puportedly financing and refinancing two undischarged bankrupts, Martyn & David Jones of M & D for over 18 months which allowed them to obtain money from customers without supplying the boats ordered. From personal experience it is not small amounts of deposits we are talking about but thousands of pounds obtained under misrepresentation. It would be interesting to see quite what the relationship is between the two parties. Martyn & David Jones both filed for bankruptcy in 2009 but then continued to portray themselves as directors of the company taking money off people who can ill afford to lose any. Derek Fradgley say he has supported boat building in Stourport for over 30 years. Surely, he must have the experience to know when not to finance a lost cause. It begs the question about responsible lending and leaves a nasty taste in the mouth and tarnishes the image of all Stourport boat building business" Quoted from the comments on http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/local/9175740.New_boat_company_launches_in_Stourport/

http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/local/9175740.New_boat_company_launches_in_Stourport/

Sorry David I am a customer of M&D Boat Builders and they haven't returned my monies.

Local Stourport canal boat business called M&D Boat Builders & Engineering Ltd; Unit 12 Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, Stourport, Worcestershire has ceased trading on the 30th June 2011 leaving some customers without their boats or deposits returned.

The Boat Yard Project MANCHESTER may boast of having England’s first canal, but for the boater trying to finding the accessible working facilities in the city nowadays is a problem. But this could soon alter with the Boat Yard Project, with David Hardman explaining: "The industrial powerhouse of Manchester we know today has seemed to forget its proud and fascinating roots, which are directly linked to the historic waterways of the city. Over the last 30 years Manchester has seen great change, the classic Coronation Streets which used to line the canal network were once the personification of the inner city with cotton mills and big chimneys doted across the horizon are slowly disappearing under new canal side luxury apartments, and today it has become a sterile cash generating development 'ghost like' corridor which is changing the magic atmosphere of the canal." But not everything is sweetness and light amidst the existing regeneration, After the recent closure of the last boatyard within the city area due to many years of poor neglect, it seemed to be the end of a community based boater facility until a small group of canal enthusiasts David Hardman and James Strangeways decided to try and do something about it, as the need could not be more stark, with David announcing: "The Boat Yard Project has been developed as a local response to meet an urgent need, to develop a community led facility that brings back the magic atmosphere. Despite excellent work by British waterways, Peel holdings, the Trafford Open lock project and by others we believe that we have hardly begun to realise the contribution that the waterways can make to social problems in Manchester." Inspired by the success of the Sobriety Project in Goole, the group have started to develop the new vision of 'The Boat Yard' for the modern needs of the community. The project aims to use the heritage, arts and environment of Manchester as a resource alongside traditional based skill and services to bring the community closer. Our aim is to provide access for people who would not otherwise think of using the waterway. "The Boat Yard Project will provide people with a waterway attraction; A place to enjoy arts, culture, entertainment, sports and nature; A lively and attractive place; A place to invest, to work and to visit. "During the next few months we are trying to gain support and advice from local authorities and other organisations but the priority now we feel is to find a new suitable location to start. The Boat Yard project we feel will not only restore an important asset to the inland waterways of Greater Manchester but will empower the local community in securing its waterway heritage. "We are also looking for volunteers. Whether you are interested in narrowboats, local history and heritage or more active sports like kayaking or interested in working with a wide range of people who would like to put something back into your community." Please contact: theboatyardproject@hotmail.com or www.shellfen.co.uk for further details. 10/08

I was wondering on people’s opinions & views about taking a boat through Manchester for a holiday, is it to be recommended? I have heard some horror stories but I was wondering if they are just some old wives tale. Any opinions would be appreciated.

I write to ask if you could give advice/comments on my new project narrow boat. As you may know, there is a variety of different builders that are available, to many to list. Does anyone recommend a boat builder that is competitive in price but is high in quality? many thanks David

Hi, thank you all for your lovely suggestions, its fantastic; this is stuff that the magazines don’t pick up! Especially about the canopy, storage under the seats, the easy access to the engine area and the TV aerial. My aspiration for the project is to develop a boat with a traditional look but bring in new and innovative design to make most of the space inside and out including the design of the shell. Thank you again all for your positive comments it’s really appreciated. I did remark about the lockable centre-sliding hatch, this is actually the entrance similar to the picture by Gary (cheers). My mistake never had my coffee this morning. Any more comments or suggestions will be grateful received. Thanks for helping , David

I write to ask if you could give advice/comments on my new project a 50ft deluxe curser stern narrow boat. As you may know, there is a variety of different style & features that are available, to many to list. My overall aim to design and build a narrow boat that is unique and innovative. Also I am looking to put a new engine in but can any one recommend what size and hp, I have a budget for about around £4000 , any suggestions? I am currently in negotiations with a boat builder at the moment but I have this nagging feeling that I have might have missed something out. I would really appreciate if you could anyone suggest your top 5 unique innovative features or ideas that should be included that are not normally found as standard. Something that later on you have found essential or desirable Please see below for my project ideas so far: 50-foot cruiser deluxe stern Lockable Steel Doors at Front Lockable Centre Sliding Hatch Seating area with a rail around stern 30-inch Side doors (duck feeder) Cherry type fender eyes Mushroom vents 4 in total Centre storm ring Pole and plank racks Lockable security strap for engine cover Lockable security strap for the front doors Lockable control box Any suggestions or comments would be very much appreciated, many thanks for helping Kind regards David