At the age of 51, I retired from working for an international bank in Reading. In that same year I moved to Yorkshire.
Here, I began working as Bingley Town Centre manager for Bradford Council, which is where my connection with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal began. I was part of a project that provided signage in the town centre to help direct visitors to the iconic Bingley 5 Rise Locks; in the process I became good friends with David Blackburn, the canal supervisor and with Barry Whitelock (MBE), the legendary lock keeper at Bingley 5 Rise.
Started with an open day
In 2011, then retired from the council, I was invited to an open day at the locks and that open day set the ball rolling for me becoming a volunteer lock keeper at Bingley.
I really enjoy meeting all the people that pass by, answering questions…and it certainly saves you going to the gym with all the walking and going up and down the steep steps!
It is always nice to be appreciated for my assistance and to work alongside a good crew on site.
Although you do need eyes in the back of your head at times to ensure that everyone is safe!
I would strongly encourage anyone to volunteer for the Trust and to have a look on the website for opportunities…even after all these years, it is still a very satisfying role to fulfil.
