CanalCuttings - Your FREE Online-world British Inland Waterways, Narrowboat, River Cruiser, Canal Boat Magazine, Info Source and Britain's & Narrowboat Holiday Guide.

---

Around 800 Pages of Information and Features About Canals, Navigable Rivers and Their Usage - We're not just a Narrowboat World Magazine. The website includes River and Inland Waterways information - UK Inland Waterways Press Releases and Articles Invited.

Volunteer Lock Keepers Wanted For Droitwich Canals

No prior experience is necessary and a full induction, training and a uniform will be provided.

Following the successful work of volunteers on the restored Droitwich Canal, British Waterways is inviting more people to get involved in a unique opportunity that will see them carry out an iconic role along their local canal and help achieve a milestone recording of 1,000 volunteer days.

24 volunteers, many of which have been involved in the canals restoration for a number of years, have recorded more than 450 volunteer days so far thanks to regular working parties, ranger roles and volunteer lock keeping.

To continue the fantastic improvements along the canal, additional volunteer lock keepers are being asked to come and continue to support its rebirth. The ideal people will have an interest in the waterways, enjoy meeting people and like the sound of spending time outdoors.

Lock keepers have been a fixture on the canals for hundreds of years and the role of the modern-day lock keeper is to provide a polite and friendly service to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and maintaining the lock area. It’s a chance for people who are passionate about their local community to make a real difference to the experience of waterway visitors, from boaters and ramblers, to families feeding the ducks.

Suzanne Byrne, Volunteer Leader for British Waterways Wales & West commented: “Our volunteers have achieved so much in such a short space of time. They are providing additional benefits to the canal on top of the work our BW staff carry out, whether it’s talking to customers, litter picking or undertaking vegetation works. The key qualities we’re looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. All visitors to the waterways appreciate someone helping them, be it through a lock or by telling them a bit of local interest.”

Volunteer improvements so far along the 21 mile stretch include:

• Painting of lock gates and graffiti removal

• Installation and repair of over 200m of fencing and gates around weirs and side pounds

• Installation of over 50 interpretation and signage posts

• Installation of 6 benches, 21 mooring bollards and 3 sets of ladder hoops

• Construction of nine lock quadrants at Hanbury

• Vegetation management including seed, reed and tree planting

• Establishment of a Sunday working party

• Regular litter picks, including partnership working with a local scout group

Suzanne continues: “The role of a lock keeper is arguably the most symbolic on the waterways and we are particularly keen to recruit people for the Vines Park area where the canal runs through the town and a public park with one lock and several swing bridges to contend with. We know there’s a great wealth of knowledge and passion among local people for their local canal. This is an exciting time to join the team and become part of Droitwich Canals’ future.”

As the canal has just reopened, it is not affected by British Waterways’ annual winter maintenance programme so willing volunteers can start quickly and will ideally be able to offer two days a week, though this is flexible. No prior experience is necessary and a full induction, training and a uniform will be provided.

Volunteering is an important aspect of British Waterways’ plans in England and Wales to move management of the nation’s canals and rivers out of state control and into an exciting new charity, which is planned to be up and running by April 2012. This will help attract new investment and give local people a greater role in how their waterways are run – including the opportunity to get involved in a growing number of volunteer opportunities.

For information on Droitwich opportunities please email Suzanne Byrne at suzanne.byrne@britishwaterways.co.uk.