Do your bit to keep canals alive (From Wiltshire Times)

Do your bit to keep canals alive

12:35pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in Wiltshire

A national charity is appealing for volunteers to help unlock Wiltshire’s waterways.

The Canal & River Trust is calling on people across the county to offer their time as volunteer lock-keepers on the Kennet and Avon Canal, to help maintain the historic locks and guide visitors along the waterway.

Bratton man Pete Lankester has been a volunteer lock keeper since he retired in 2010, and works on the Caen Hill lock flight in Devizes one or two days a week.

Pete said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying my time as a lock keeper, the role is extremely varied.

“It can mean anything from helping boats through locks to planting trees and answering questions from people along the towpath. I’ve also helped out in emergencies, such a boat sinking at the bottom of the flight.

“On a typical day I’ll help open and shut over 20 lock gates and probably walk about seven or eight miles. It’s a great way to stay fit.

“Probably the most enjoyable aspect of the job is meeting so many different people. It’s a very sociable role. There’s a real camaraderie among everyone who lives or works on the canal. We get visitors from all over the world coming to see the Caen Hill flight.”

Visit www.canalrivertrust. org.uk/volunteer, or call 0303 0404040.

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