Shropshire fisherman’s handbuilt boat is stolen
Friday 17th September 2010, 9:06AM BST.
A Shropshire man who spent a year handcrafting his dream riverboat today said he has been left hugely frustrated after thieves stole his pride and joy.
Retired furniture maker Ted Barber, from Shoothill, Ford, near Shrewsbury, used his spare time to carefully piece together the £5,000 boat.
It was made to his own specifications and he was hoping to use it in the future on fishing trips.
But on Sunday afternoon while walking his dog, Mr Barber found the doors to the paddock near his house forced open and his boat and trailer missing.
He said the flat bottomed punt had been built to a high standard and its distinctive name “Jema T”, which is printed in gold along the side, was taken from the initials of his grandchildren.
“I used to run my own furniture making business and I made the boat after I retired, so it’s a very personal item,” said Mr Barber.
“It was built to my own specifications and to a high standard. I put a lot of effort into it. The theft has left me very frustrated.
“It was relatively unused. I had taken it on a three-day fishing trip to Marton Pool but I was planning on using it way into the future.
“I can’t understand why it has been stolen.The boat had a cover on it so I think it might have been taken for the trailer, which means the boat may have been left somewhere.”
The trailer has been valued at £800 and police are appealing for information about the theft which happened between 3pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.
Richard Ewels, West Mercia Police spokesman, said if anyone saw anything suspicious they should contact Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000.
The dark green boat is made of plywood.
By Sam Pinnington
UK News
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