Volunteering has been one of the standout success stories of the Canal & River Trust since it was formed in 2012. Today, around 5,500 volunteers regularly give their time to support the charity’s work, contributing nearly three-quarters of a million volunteer hours in the past financial year alone.
Reflecting both this growth and the increasing diversity of opportunities available, the Trust’s annual volunteering awards scheme has expanded. In addition to established regional categories, the awards now recognise volunteering across the Trust’s national teams.
Volunteer of the Year Barbara Kay. BOTH PHOTOS: CRT
The awards have been supported by The Marsh Charitable Trust since 2015. During that time, the total number of honours presented has grown from 12 to 28, underlining the scale and importance of volunteering across the waterways network.
This year’s award recipients reflect the breadth of commitment within the Trust’s volunteer community. They range from a volunteer who began working alongside his father as a lock keeper at the age of 16, to individuals who have dedicated more than a decade and thousands of hours to supporting the Trust.
Other award-winning efforts include the volunteer team on the Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks, who have worked season after season to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour; the Kidlington Towpath Taskforce, whose environmental focus and collaboration with regional partners has enhanced canal habitats and connectivity while delivering practical improvements such as signage, benches and lock maintenance; and a lead volunteer who has overseen the painting of all 21 locks on the Leicester Line, alongside numerous other enhancements to the canal corridor.
Award ceremonies took place across each of the Trust’s six regions, as well as online, recognising winners in the categories of Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Lead Volunteer of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year. The awards are open to all Canal & River Trust volunteers.
In upcoming issues of Towpath Talk, the magazine will feature award winners from across the country, beginning with the North West Volunteer of the Year, Barbara Kay.
Barbara has dedicated more than 15 years and nearly 4,700 volunteer hours to the National Waterways Museum, excelling in roles ranging from event planning to marketing. She is both the museum’s public face and a behind-the-scenes driving force, producing high-quality promotional materials while leading outreach activities and historical tours. Barbara is also deeply committed to engaging with the local community and inspiring younger generations to volunteer.
Paying tribute to her achievements, the National Waterways Museum said:
“A huge ‘well done’ to all the wonderful volunteers who received awards, especially our very own Barbara Kay. She is — quite literally — the face of the museum. You’ve probably spotted her on our marketing material in full traditional canal costume and bonnet.
“Behind the scenes, she’s a superstar too. In her current role as marketing volunteer, Barbara plays a vital part in all our marketing and communications, bringing humour, warmth and creativity to everything she does.
“Even after recently relocating to Southampton, she continues to work hard for us, sharing her expertise and compiling a brand-new museum souvenir guide in between unpacking boxes. We simply can’t thank Barbara enough for everything she has done as part of our amazing volunteer team.”
