AHEAD of his final week as chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, volunteers and colleagues at the charity’s base on the Grand Union’s Hatton lock flight surprised Richard Parry by naming a new workboat in his honour.
The 30ft work boat and hopper will be used for operational maintenance including brickwork repairs, litter-picking and offside vegetation clearance in the West Midlands. Its nameplate includes reference to Mr Parry’s service as chief executive between 2013 and 2025.
In January, he announced his decision to stand down after serving 12 years in the post, having joined the trust a year after its creation. A recruitment process got under way and his successor, Campbell Robb, joins the trust in early October.
“I have had so many wonderful comments and conversations with colleagues, volunteers and boaters since announcing my decision to step down – conversations I will cherish,” said Mr Parry. “But I was taken aback when I realised that the team was giving me the huge honour of naming a boat after me.
“The work of the trust continues to increase as we fight the unrelenting passage of time on our amazing but ageing canal network. I am very pleased that my name will be part of that effort as the team carries out important work to help keep the West Midlands canal network open and navigable for boaters and all to enjoy.”
Trust chair David Orr added: “Richard has made an unparalleled contribution, establishing the trust as a much-admired national charity. He has made a great many friends in the waterways community, and it is very fitting that the team took the decision to name the workboat in his honour. We thank Richard for his 12 years of service and wish him the very best in the years ahead.”
