Trust still needs swing bridge volunteers

THE Canal & River Trust are wanting volunteers willing to operate the Gloucester & Sharpness swing bridges.

These are mechanical bridges, so do not need any great effort to operate, just the push of buttons, but care is needed not to be impatient and  attempt to close a swing bridge whilst a boat is passing through!

There was an introductory session in late January but extra volunteers are still required, so positions are still available we are informed.  The image is of Fretherne Swing Bridge we took on our cruise there in 2001.

Carry shipping

The Gloucester & Sharpness was originally constructed to carry shipping off the Severn so is both deep and wide requiring hefty swing bridges, hence their being mechanised.

Details can be obtained from the trust's volunteering pages.