Unpaid lock keepers

THE drive for volunteers by British Waterways is gathering pace, with volunteer lock keepers the latest being sought.

During the season British Waterways have employed part-time lock keepers at the locks on the Trent between Newark and Nottingham, such as Gunthorpe as shown, but now it is hoping to replace them with unpaid volunteers.

Voiced discontent

However many boaters, airing their views in NbW, have voiced their discontent at such river locks being manned by volunteers, not only at their lack of expertise but being tempted to 'call it a day' and walk away either when they come in for abuse—that is definitely growing these days—or inclement weather.

BW is now recruiting volunteers to be seasonal lock keepers, working at a 'selection of scenic locks' on the Trent between Newark and Nottingham.

Interest in waterways

The volunteer, it tells, should have an interest in the waterways, enjoy meeting people and like the sound of spending time outdoors in beautiful surroundings.

The work will be from March until October for around two days a week, with no prior experience being necessary. The volunteers will receive 'full induction, training' together with a a uniform to present them as ‘the face of the waterway'.

Standedge Tunnel

A further volunteer is needed at Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre, to launch the special year of the Bicentenary of  the tunnel, with the search now on, we are told.