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Actor supports appeal for volunteer lock keepers

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 welcome to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and helping to maintain the lock area.

Now, in over 50 locations across the country, members of the public, canal societies and anyone with a passion for their local canal or river have the opportunity to join in with one of the oldest traditions of the waterways.

Following a successful trial period along stretches around the Grand Union Canal, Kennet & Avon Canal and River Trent, the scheme is now being rolled out to all areas of the country with positions identified at iconic locks such as the famous and iconic Bingley Five Rise Flight in Yorkshire (Leeds & Liverpool Canal), the deepest lock in the country at Tuel Lane Lock (Rochdale Canal) and along the Hertford Union Canal within site of the London Olympic site.

 Volunteers contributed more than 24,000 days between April 2010 to March 2011 and over 50 people successfully took part in the volunteer lock keeper trials last year.

Ed Moss, national volunteering manager for British Waterways commented: “The task of a lock keeper is arguably the most symbolic on the waterways and our trials have shown us that there’s huge public interest out there for the waterways. It’s a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and help support the Canal & River Trust in what will be its first year.

“The waterways are a national treasure that needs looking after and our volunteers have been able to provide so many additional benefits on top of the fantastic work our own staff carry out which is really beginning to make a difference. The key qualities we’re looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Whether it’s helping a boat through the lock, talking to customers, litter picking or undertaking vegetation works, it can really make a great difference to a visitor’s appreciation of the waterways.”

Brian Blessed commented: “Ever since I was a child I’ve loved our canals and rivers, going off exploring on my bike and looking for wildlife. They’re unique places so I would urge people with a real passion for their local waterway to get involved as a volunteer lock keeper or take advantage of one of the many opportunities to support the Canal & River Trust. They meant so much to me as a child so I think it’s important we all do what we can to help protect them for our next generations to enjoy.”

The Canal & River Trust will care for 1654 locks and there are approximately five million ‘lockings’ each year (passages through locks). Over 35,000 boats now call the waterways home; a figure higher than at the height of the industrial revolution.

Volunteering will be integral to the success of the trust which will become one of the biggest charities in the UK, giving local communities a bigger say in the running of their local canal or river.

A full list of volunteer lock keeping locations will be available at www.waterscape.com; by emailing volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk or phoning 01827 252097. Willing volunteers can start quickly and no prior experience is necessary as a full induction, training and a uniform will be provided.