The Canal & River Trust has recognised the contribution of volunteers across the West Midlands in its annual awards scheme, supported by The Marsh Charitable Trust. The awards highlight individuals and teams supporting canal operations, environment and community engagement.
Volunteering plays a key role in supporting organisations across the country, and the Canal & River Trust has recognised the dedication of its volunteers through its annual awards scheme, supported by The Marsh Charitable Trust. This year, attention has focused on the voluntary team in the West Midlands.
Young Volunteer of the Year Jack Carter began volunteering at the age of 16 as a lock keeper at Hatton alongside his father. Eight years later, he now dedicates three to four days a week to volunteering.
Working with the trust’s ecology team, Jack and other volunteers have helped create a wildlife meadow at Hatton. He also supports the operations team, assisting with reactive works and a range of day-to-day tasks.
Volunteer of the Year Simon Fox has been volunteering with the trust for just over three years. Starting as a lock keeper, he became involved in several taskforces along the Coventry and Oxford canals. At Atherstone Locks, he played a role in raising funds to install a defibrillator.
Simon also uses social media to highlight volunteering activity and raise awareness of the work carried out by volunteers.
The Wolverhampton 21 group of lock keepers received the Volunteer Team of the Year award. Over the last seven years, the team has worked to improve the Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks. Their work has included addressing graffiti, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, and they also support school visits with the trust’s education team.
Lead Volunteer of the Year Malcolm Gray has been involved with waterways since the 1970s through the Trent & Mersey Canal Society and the Inland Waterways Association. He has volunteered with the trust for close to 12 years, supporting colleagues and contributing to water management, safety and organisation. He also leads talks about the canal network.
The Canal & River Trust’s head of volunteering, Christine Mellor, said: “Whether they’re helping boaters through locks, restoring heritage structures or lending a hand during floods, their impact is huge.”
