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The charity making life better by water

New recognition for boaters completing Tardebigge Lock Flight, the longest flight in the country

We are launching a new certificate that commemorates any boaters completing the 30 locks that make up Tardebigge Lock Flight in Worcestershire.

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We are also praising the work of our army of volunteer lock keepers, who have been out in force along the Flight throughout the spring and summer to give extra support to boat owners and holiday makers using the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Tardebigge's 30 locks are spread over two and a quarter miles, and enable boats to ascend or descend 67 metres in height, higher than the tower of Worcester Cathedral. The Flight is a halfway point between Worcester and Birmingham, the country's canal capital.

Timothy Booker, our waterway supervisor, said: "Tardebigge Flight covers such a scenic section of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and navigating through 30 locks takes a lot of effort, so we want to recognise anyone who completes the challenge. Hopefully it gives further gravitas to the Flight, which is a bit of sleeping giant. It's a major waterway landmark enjoyed by boaters and other visitors throughout the year.

"A special mention must also go to our team of volunteer lock keepers who give up their time to help people navigate the locks. With so many locks, a bit of help is often very much appreciated. As a charity it's fantastic that so many people continue to support our work and bring extra life and enthusiasm to such a beautiful stretch of canal.

"We think that life is better by water, it's great that so many people are choosing to visit the canal in one way or other, and if recognition of their efforts can encourage more people then that's great."

Boaters keen to claim their certificate can do so by scanning on a QR code located on posters on the flight or by emailing [email protected]

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Last Edited: 12 September 2017

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