A NORTHAMPTONSHIRE canal volunteer is celebrating after receiving recognition in the Heritage Heroes Awards, organised by the Heritage Alliance.
Kathryn Dodington, who has volunteered with national charity Canal & River Trust since 2014, has been selected as a runner-up in the Lifetime Achievement category of the awards, which recognise the invaluable role that volunteers play in protecting and celebrating the UK’s heritage.
Kathryn, who has a long family history on the canals, has held several volunteer roles with the trust based around the historic canalside village of Stoke Bruerne – home to the country’s first canal museum. Not only has she volunteered with historic boat Sculptor which is moored outside the museum, but Kathryn has also helped to research and develop interpretation panels, delivered hundreds of historic walks and talks with groups, run ‘pop up museums’ and family activities on the towpath and played a leading role on public events such as Village at War, craft and heritage days, floating markets and illuminated boat parades.
Speaking about the award, Kathryn said: “Volunteering has been a very important part of my life and I’m very grateful to be recognised in this way. The inland waterways have always fired my imagination, especially the history of them, and I hope others will be inspired to help protect them for future generations.
“Two people who are in the forefront of my memories, and who did so much to teach me about the history of our inland waterways, are the late David Blagrove and my very good friend, Lorna York. Their words always ring in my ears: ‘You have to search down a number of rabbit holes to get the real and accurate story.’ How right they were and are.”
Linny Beaumont, regional director for Canal & River Trust in the East Midlands, said: “We’re delighted that Kathryn has received this recognition, which is so richly deserved for the incredible contribution she plays on the nation’s historic waterways.
“As a charity it’s our job to keep our historic canals alive and Kathryn certainly does that, helping to celebrate the canals’ colourful history and bring their stories to new audiences. It’s a privilege to work with Kathryn and we’d like to congratulate her for this recognition.”Now in their 15th year, the Heritage Heroes Awards aim to celebrate the exceptional contributions of volunteers in the UK heritage sector. The awards are run by the Heritage Alliance, thanks to the generous support of Ecclesiastical Insurance.
