The charity that looks after Staffordshire’s canals is searching for a new generation in Stone to take on perhaps the most iconic waterway role of all – the lock keeper.
Lock keepers have been part of canal life for hundreds of years and today volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the age-old tradition alive. Now the Trust is calling for more people interested in keeping fit, meeting new people and sharing their passion for their local area to get in touch.
They may no longer have to fend off ‘river pirates’ looking to steal toll money but the modern day volunteer lock keeper does have to help boaters through locks, provide a polite and friendly welcome to visitors and help to keep their stretch looking neat and tidy.
Volunteer lock keepers are being sought for:
- Locks on the Trent & Mersey Canal between Stone and Meaford
- Etruria, covering both the Caldon Canal and Trent & Mersey Canal
Phil Boam, aged 62, has been a volunteer lock keeper at Stone and Etruria for the past two years and looks forward to every day that he out on the canal. He retired after a career in telecoms and being a volunteer lock keeper gets him out in the fresh air, doing exercise, meeting people and helping others.
Phil said: “I would recommend the role to anyone, it can be hard physical exercise at times opening and closing the lock gates, but that’s what I like about it. The summer is the busy time helping boaters to operate locks, but I love what I am doing so much that I still volunteer during the winter by helping to maintain the canal.”
Waterway manager for the Trust, Darren Green, said: “Volunteer lock keepers do a fantastic job, welcoming people to Staffordshire’s historic waterways and helping them to explore all that the county has to offer.
“The volunteers are not only a friendly face for visiting boaters but they also help to keep local waterways in good working order so their efforts really are invaluable. Anyone can get involved, the role’s open to people of all ages as long as they are reasonably fit and healthy and enjoy meeting new people.
“It’s a great opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors and help people to enjoy the fantastic heritage and wildlife that can be found on Staffordshire’s waterways.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer lock keeper find out more at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer. To find out more about the opportunities in Staffordshire contact Tom Freeland on 07789 033435.
PHOTO BY PHIL MITCHELL
