Around 12 years ago, I semi-retired as a chartered civil engineer. I had always cycled on the canal; I enjoyed the exercise and the fresh air.
So, when the opportunity to volunteer as a ranger cropped up, with my background in engineering and interest in the canal, it seemed the ideal role.
I was introduced to Nick Stead, the lock keeper at Field locks, who gave me sound tuition and I now lock keep and ranger over a 10-mile stretch on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Developing new skills
I really enjoy working with a team of like-minded people, helping canal visitors, the camaraderie, and the physical nature of the work.
What is more, since volunteering on the canal, things have developed in a way that I never expected. I achieved in passing the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Qualification and now help out doing boat handovers and tuition for a local hire boat company, something I also enjoy!
The concept of Canal & River Trust is a good one, and to broaden out into a charity for wellbeing makes perfect sense to me.
