Erewash waterway volunteers recognised with award

The association’s work was recognised as part of BW’s celebration of the diversity and importance of the volunteering that takes place across its canals and rivers. Ten projects across the UK that have been particularly successful in the past 12 months have been awarded for their work.

Since the ECPDA was established in 1968, it has invested considerable time and effort in the Erewash Canal, to improve its visual appeal and restore features of interest for the long -term benefit of visitors. The group has a strong understanding of heritage principles and worked closely with BW to ensure that works have been carried out as sensitively as possible.

Various restoration and 'clean up' projects have been undertaken by the volunteers over the last 40 years. One of the largest tasks was the extensive work to the Great Northern Basin in Langley Mill, which involved re-activating a seized up swing bridge, restoration of Langley Bridge Lock and the removal of silt and weed. Other projects include the sympathetic restoration of Sandiacre Lock House, where the ECPDA is now based. The Grade 2 Listed lock cottage was earmarked for demolition in the 1970’s before the association carried out urgent repair work to present it as a typical 18th century canal cottage. The ECPDA has also recently completed works on the abandoned Nottingham Canal tollhouse which needed sensitive but considerable repairs to the roof structure, floors, windows and internal walls.

The ten projects singled out to receive one of the inaugural awards were all nominated by BW staff and the presentations will be made during October by BW’s regional general managers.

"Volunteers directly benefit waterways"
Last year BW was involved with volunteer-led projects that contributed over 8,000 volunteer days to the promotion and upkeep of the waterways worth in excess of £400,000.

Caroline Killeavy, BW East Midlands general manager, comments: "The waterways have a long history of volunteering which is still central to the delivery of physical works, customer service, research and promotional activities. Through their dedication, commitment and extensive knowledge of the waterways, volunteers directly benefit the fabric of the nation’s canal network as well as adding colour and interest for visitors and improving daily life on the waterways.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers on our region’s inland waterways. If we could, we’d thank them all individually but I hope that the recognition of this project can be seen as a start to greater recognition of their efforts and their importance to our canals and rivers."

BW supports volunteering
Earlier in 2008 BW appointed a national volunteering manager to improve BW’s engagement with volunteers and increase volunteer support. A further objective of the role is to create greater consistency in approach to working with volunteers and support for volunteer organisations.