In 2018 Hillmorton Locks was recorded as the busiest set of locks on the nation's 2,000 miles of waterways cared for and looked after by the Trust. Helped through by our volunteer lock keepers, the 9,000th boat through the locks this year was skippered by David & Helen from West Yorkshire who were travelling on their narrowboat North Star.
To mark the special occasion David and Helen were awarded a certificate by the Trust's volunteers as a memento for being part of the milestone moment.
Our volunteer lock keepers act as the ‘face of the canal', not only helping boaters through the locks but also giving people local information about the area and lending a hand to help look after the canal.
Lead volunteer Taryn said: “The locks at Hillmorton are a great place to volunteer as there is always a boat needing our help to tackle the locks and help ease their journey along the canal. If you're new to boating we know that locks can be a little daunting, but we work with the crew to show them how to safely work the locks and have an enjoyable time."
"Every day is different"
“I really love being out on the canal, every day is different and it's lovely to help people on their way providing information such as where the nearest place is to grab a drink in a pub or a pint of milk from the shop.”
Adnan Saif, regional director, said: “Hillmorton is a really popular part of the waterways and I'm sure anyone travelling through the locks will be delighted to see our volunteers lending a hand.
“Our volunteers help boaters on the canal throughout the year and are a really valuable part of the team and I would like to thank them for all their hard work and dedication. Research shows being next to water makes you happier and healthier so if you have some free time and would like to volunteer along the canal please get in touch.”
Visit our volunteering page to learn more about how you can get involved.
