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The role of a volunteer lock keeper


We've had a fantastic response to our appeal for people to look after locks and greet visitors. Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest.

The volunteering team are now working hard to start the ball rolling and assign roles to people who have volunteered. This means that, for the time being, no new applications will be looked at - unless they are for an area which has previously had little interest.

But in case you're interested, here is a little more information about the role and what we hope to find in the ideal recruit.

The role of the lock keeper is steeped in history, but is just as crucial today. In fact, where customer service and people skills are concerned, it’s more important now than ever.

As ‘the face of the waterway’, modern-day volunteer lock keepers play an integral part in the visitor experience. In plain English this means helping boaters through locks and providing a friendly welcome to all visitors. In addition to boaters, you’ll regularly meet walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and families feeding the ducks.

Local Knowledge

If you enjoy your local canal and are proud of your region, becoming a volunteer lock keeper is the perfect way to shout about it and spread the word. This role gives you free rein to divulge your local knowledge and enthusiasm to all that you meet. If you know about a good walk, pub, shop or village - share it with others! It’s up to you to point them in the right direction. They might even thank you for it next time they pass by.

The help you can give us in conserving water is also invaluable. 2011 was a tough year in some areas with reservoirs being close to empty by the end of the main boating season. It was proven that with volunteers assisting, we used 20 per cent less water by encouraging boaters to share locks where possible and open paddles in the right order to minimise water loss.

General maintenance

In addition to helping with locks and greeting visitors, volunteer lock keepers may be asked to lend a hand with general maintenance tasks. There will certainly be areas where you can get your hands dirty and do your bit, if you wish.

Last but not least the role requires you to work alongside other volunteer lock keepers and British Waterways’ Staff. While you may be on your own, there will also be elements of working together and it is important to us that you feel part of a supportive and friendly team.

A friendly manner

To carry out this role, you’ll have an interest in the waterway and/or the local area, but this is not essential. The most important attributes are an ability to interact with and help others, a friendly manner and the ability to make a good first impression. You should have a hands-on approach and can-do attitude.

Once you’ve sent your application form in, we’ll meet you for a chat to talk about the role in more detail. We provide a full induction and supply uniform and equipment as necessary. You will be able to claim travel expenses.

If you’re ready for the challenge, we look forward to hearing from you. Please complete the application form and either email it to us at volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk or return it to British Waterways, Peel’s Wharf, Lichfield Street, Fazeley, Tamworth, B78 3QZ

Last updated: 20/02/2012

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