Recruitment for the Grantham Canal

THE satisfaction of seeing a job done well is a pleasing experience for all of us. Add to that the knowledge that you are bringing back to life part of our National Heritage is indeed very gratifying. writes Steve Swann.

This is how it is with every member of our dedicated team of volunteers each time another part of the Grantham Canal is improved.

Filled in or demolished

The canal was opened to navigation just over 200 years ago. It's 33 miles long and is a tribute to the design engineer, William Jessop. The Grantham suffered during the mid 20th century with the attitude at the time, that if it got in the way, it was either filled in or demolished. The picture shows the society's dredger Mudlark in operation.

What a waste then to see all the blood, sweat and tears that went into building such a treasure being thrown away. But that's not happening now thanks to the Grantham Canal Society and a forward thinking Canal & River Trust!

Daunting undertaking

Of course restoration work can be a daunting undertaking, but when you tackle a huge task in small amounts it doesn't take long to realise that it is all achievable, given time. Obviously bridge re-building is an expensive task, especially when nearly half the original bridges have been demolished and replaced with a flat concrete slab. The only concession to there being a canal was that these new ‘bridges' had a culvert installed to enable a flow of water. The picture shows the weed cutter being delivered.

The canal was originally built to broad standard meaning that locks were over 14ft wide. Each lock requires two gates at both ends, but with one set of gates costing upwards of £60,000, financing such a task takes rather a lot of time and effort.

Achieved

During the past two years, and thanks to the generosity of supporters, the society has:

• Purchased and had installed two pairs of lock gates.
• Repaired headwalls at Lock 17.
• Involved local schools and obtained grants for pond-dipping equipment.
• Produced a video of the whole canal.
• Run over 100 chartered boat-trips.
• Held the now famous duck race on its annual open day—Discovery Day.
• Purchased and renovated a floating dredger.
• Held several volunteer days for organisations including a recent group of students from Loughborough University.
• Purchased and in the process of restoring a weed-cutter boat.
• Worked with local angling clubs to clear the water of weed & reed.
• Assisted CRT staff in repairing an original ‘hump-backed' bridge.
• Leased the depot at Woolsthorpe to ensure its continued use as a heritage canal feature.
• Been involved in several environmental projects along the canal.
• Built a strong relationship with CRT management & staff.

Navigable

The canal is fully navigable for four miles from Woolsthorpe to the A1 near Grantham. Along this stretch you will see our trip boat, The Three Shires, plying back and forth carrying passengers on day trips. More work is being handed over to the society by the Canal & River Trust including responsibility for clearing overgrown vegetation from the towpath to water's edge along this length. It is this work together with major rebuilding tasks that makes the need for recruiting volunteers our top priority. The picture is of the society's trip boat Three Shires.

No task is presently beyond the ability of our team of skilled volunteers and they are willing to give training where applicable. Outside organisations carry out specialist training particularly for boat handling, plant machinery operation and first aid.

Recruitment underway

Recruitment is currently under way for anyone willing to volunteer. Your time, no matter how much you may have available, is very precious to us and we will do our utmost to ensure that you find a job that satisfies you. If you have an interest in the environment then you could conduct wildlife surveys, or even mow the grass—we would like to hear from you. Members of the Waterways Recovery Group can be seen working on a lock on the waterway.

What about boat handling, engineering or construction work? Do you have organisational skills and could help with fund raising, planning and design or administration? There's a whole host of interesting community activities that are available—you only have to be willing!

If you can spare some time to volunteer your skill, ability or brute force, or are seeking a work experience role, then we have just the thing ... please contact us at www.granthamcanal.org.