240. Lock Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes of Britain's Canals
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- Whether you're a solo narrowboater or have plenty of crew aboard, there's no doubt that at busy and long canal lock flights, a team of helpful volunteer lock-keepers can be a blessing to help you through. I spent a couple of days at Fradley Junction near Lichfield, talking to the volunteers as they prepare for the new boating season, and they explained what they do and why they do it.
For CRT lock volunteer information, see canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunt...
For information about how the lock gates are made, see my video here: • 131. How canal lock ga...
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"We do accept cake" seems like a wonderful policy! What an exceptional overview of the work that these volunteers do, David. Thanks so much for bringing back our own fantastic memories of our day on the canals with you. - Peter & John
I’m so pleased they’re good memories! 😂
@@CruisingTheCut Both you, and your way of life, made a truly lasting impression. We think about that often.
Welcome back mate. We've missed our weekly vlog from David and Crusing the Cut. Hope your well Sir.
Thanks 👍
Your past work experience really shines through in the high production quality of all of your videos, but particularly these documentary/news style videos. Congratulations 👏
Thank you so much :-)
Your experience with working in television really shows in this video. These mini documentaries are really well made. Its like watching a docu on bbc.
On ITV please.
I don't have a boat, don't think I'll ever have one. But these videos make me happy!
As an American, I watch your videos because 1, I love hearing about the Canals, we don't have those, and 2, your productions is like watching David Attenborough. Keep doing what you're doing. I love the content. I'm missing your videos since it's the winter; I do watch your other channel. Keep pumping out the content and your channel will blow up. Love it!
What a breath of fresh air your video's are, no unnecessary 'musak or instructions to 'click this' or 'ring that', well done Sir, I look forward to getting back to a 'normal' helping of 'Cruising the Cut', which has been sorely missed. Congratulations on a excellent portrayal of Volunteer Lock Keepers, salt of the earth people who make all the difference, especially for lone boaters.
Thank you very much!
At thirty-nine, I'm definitely not retirement age, but I think it'd be something I'd enjoy being involved with if I lived near the canals. The volunteers seem like a jolly bunch despite all the hard work. And cake and bacon sandwiches/sarnies are hard to pass up. So many of your documentary vlogs are very much "feel good" pieces, this is one of them. And I mean that in the best way.
There may be a 'plethora of cruising channels' but there is only one Cruising The Cut.
The canals are an interesting subject but it's David Johns turn of phrase that keeps us coming back.
There is a man who has had some TV training: a very smooth and professional overview. Great interviews! Your friends at ITV Meridian would be very proud.
It was just like the old days... hahaha
That slow walk towards the camera looked so TV.
I couldn't stop myself doing it... I tried hahaha
I thought it was the lesser spotted David Attenborough at first.
I appreciate David's care about the spoken language!
We don't accept tips but cake is welcome. This makes me proud to be British!
Cheese Cake please.
As an American with English ancestors on both sides, I closely relate to the sort of gentle and reserved personality of my forebearers. I understand this video isn’t representative of bigger city folks, but still.
Surprising the comments on the patience. I would have thought traveling on a boat that only goes about 3mph would weed those type of people out.
You'd think so, wouldn't you?! Haha, not always alas
Arailt Prolly the same people who gave this vid a thumbs down.
Gets to 4 seconds in... "I'll need a tea for this"
- Goes and makes tea.
Good plan!
im 11 years old and i love watching this its very calming and nice
You haven’t lost your professional presentation skills David. Very enjoyable.
Was wondering about you mate. I watch your videos when I want to chill out. Love seeing the English countryside from your point of view, plus I can understand you, you talk so a Missouri hillbilly can understand, ha. Last week we had spring weather here, yesterday it snowed, this morning it froze.
We've got lovely sunshine during the day at present and then down to freezing at night
A Cruising the cut upload!! At last 😁 Already clicked the like button and I haven’t even watched yet 👍🏻
Me too. I cant wait to get home and watch it.
Welcome back David. I've missed your videos and your calm narration. Sometimes I think the world would grind to a halt if not for volunteers. God bless them.
As I was making my coffee this morning, I remembered the days when I would then sit and watch your vlog. While disappointed you were no longer producing it, I understood that you were doing what your muse ask of you. And then I fired up my computer and here you are once again. Thank you so much. With times being hard, a gift like your offering is welcomed. Your videos are relaxing and well produced. I have not found anything on CZcams nearly as satisfying. Glad you are well. I hope to see you here again. Thank you ....
Cheers. I was never going to stop making videos, just not cruising ones on my own boat. There will be ad-hoc videos from now on.
Those volunteers are a Godsend and they helped me tremendously when I lived on the cut.
I consider you as an icon of United Kingdom. Best of luck from Chile.
Hahaha too kind!
Salute to those volunteer lock keepers! Without their effort, canal will not exist.
“We do accept cake!!”... that made me chuckle... he was very clear about that eh. They seem like a great group of people working hard to keep the locks running smoothly.
They are!
All is well, time for a cheese sandwich. Thank you David for your programs. They have helped this crusty old Swede a lot in the last year.
Great interviews with interesting people. The time you put into these productions in much appreciated. I hope you will do some more of these this season.
I certainly intend to - need to pull my finger out and get stuff organised.
Great example of what you said was your goal this year: interviewing others, making a story.
Thank you
Glad to see the video. Missed them. 😢
We still get a few Vandominium videos here and there from David. :D
@@remyllebeau77 Don't forget about the amazing stories as well.
Community service, nothing like it, for soothing the soul. Thanks David.🇦🇺👍
Cheers
Wouldn't hesitate for a second to rely on their expertise. One might now many locks from past experience, but when it comes to any particular one at that day I'd refer to the guys who have actually worked it for the last day.
Lovely segment and also a top class production.
One of the best narrowboat vlogs. So glad you put these videos together. Thank you
Glad you like them!
To quote from CtC #1: "Get yourself a cuppa and something to munch on". Welcome Back!
Such a lovely video about not only volunteer lockeys but I think a bit of a nod to all the volunteers who keep us moving along the busy canal of life. Thanks David!
So glad to see you again. Enjoyed the piece on the Volunteer Lock-keepers. Hope you are doing well.
Hats off to the generous lock volunteers.
Hi David. Was hoping for a video like that after your announcement. I surely was not disappointed. You keep the youtube standard high and that's very much appreciated. Less is more and your quality beats the others' quantity ! Greetings from a canal-free but rather beery Munich in Bavaria. Your work is outstanding.
I'm starting my time as a VLK on the Caen Hill locks this week. Very much looking forward to it.
Fantastic, such a great community of boaters down there
Nice to hear from again. A well-deserved tribute to the lockies specifically and the CRT in general. Well done.
Many thanks!
Always enjoy Davids vlogs & I've never been on a narrow boat. There's just something so soothing about them.
It is a true blessing to have so many volunteers. The canal system is still making live better hundreds of years after they were built.
Yay, another wonderful“Cruising the Cut” Vlog. Now on your new documentary style schedule, each one you do while less frequent are that much more precious. Beginning with the basics and paying tribute the the volunteer lockies is a great place to start. Brilliant as always David. Cheers from Florida 🌴🌴🌴
David, you're a professional and it certainly shows. Fantastic video. I hope it was commissioned by the CRT. If not, I hope the CRT uses it extensively to promote lock volunteering. During our two weeks on the cut in 2019, we met so many lockies and they were, to a person, wonderful. Those interviewed for this video are perfect representatives of a great group of folks. Thanks!
Hi. No, I absolutely don’t take commissions to produce videos for this channel, they’re entirely my own enterprise. Besides, to do so and not declare it as such would have been most improper. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Well done David and welcome back. Your professional experience is a refreshing change from some who give me vertigo waving the camera around and have no apparent theme. To be a bit personal, I'm not sure about your haircut though. It messes with your boyish image! lol. Come back soon, y'hear?
John, Ontario, Canada
Haircuts are a rare thing these days
You're not allowed to take winter off! That's when it's the most peaceful. We did miss your vlogs, glad you are back 😊
My favorite narrowboat channel! Those of us in the US are connecting the dots learning our geography of England.
Beautifully shot, professionally written & edited, absolute top notch video. CRT should put it on their website, if you’d allow. Great stuff! 👏
Welcome back David. It has been long since we saw new video from you. Thanks for highlighting the amazing work those volunteers do. Well done, Keep up the good work.
Yes, time for a salute and tip of the hat to the lockies who keep the grand olde locks grand. Well done video.
Always a good morning when I can sit here with a cup of coffee and a CTC video.
Good to see you again! Greetings from Cape Coral, Florida!
A good video is when you feel like you're in the right place and not impatient.
I was happily lost in this one - thanks volunteer lockkeepers.
I did think that emptying a lock is a bit of a let down.
* wink *
I'm a recent subscriber to Cruising the Cut and have luckily stumbled into this wonderful world of the English canals. I may never get the chance to enjoy a canal cruise in England but by golly it's wonderful to live vicariously through your well made videos and the always acceptable dry English humor describing it all.
Thank you David. Looking forward to your next cruising video and of course the new cake recipes to keep our Lockies happy.
Thank you. Not sure about cake recipes mind you!
@@CruisingTheCut lol. You never disappoint.
David, we don't see enough of you
Very professional, well filmed, well cut. Could air on TV any time.
What I miss, however, are your Vlogs, which always felt like being on your boat like a friend you are taking along. Fortunately, there are still plenty of old episodes to watch.😀
There’s always my campervan channel 😉
"Volly lockies" of COURSE there's an adorable diminutive
Thanks David for highlighting this role. I’ve just become a VLR but yet to receive an offer of bacon sandwiches and cakes. Narrowboaters heading through the Marsworth flight please note. 😀
I'm sure you'll be deluged soon!
Hes back!!!!!!!!!!
It's really amazing that so much canal history has been preserved and in some cases renewed (or in the process of being renewed) for people to enjoy today. Too often once history is lost it's lost for good.
I'm grateful that a friend who pointed me to Cruising The Cut. It's like a soothing exploration of an alternate universe in videos created by Sir David Attenborough.
Good to see you again, looks like your plan is working, one of the best if not the best info blog i have ever seen. More of the same please and at a pace that you like. Keep safe.
Loved the video David, especially the sound of the water gurgling and bubbling as the locks filled and emptied. Thank you.
I'm so pleased someone noted and enjoyed that!
That must have taken a considerable amount of pre=planning. Finding the right location; arranging for the interviews; getting people who are not camera shy or not unsure about expressing themselves. Then there is the time editing. All that effort is greatly appreciated.I suppose that there are one or two more canal-related topics that would fit into this style of vlog. For example, I recall the one abouot making replacement lock gates. There again, that is probably best done by the C&RT themselves. This was a job well done.
Thank you
14:01 reminds us of a news report, unsurprising considering your past - very professional video, thanks
I noticed that, too.
So very nice that Volunteers help with the upkeep and maintenance plus helping people through the locks... A fine group of Ladies and Gentlemen indeed... Glad to see this post David... Cheers from Missouri USA..
Another quality mini-documentary from everyone at Cruising the Cut. Please give your staff a pat on the back. Every single one of you. :)
Seriously, love these videos. The "I'm cruising along the _____ Canal" vlogs are great, don't get me wrong, but the ones you do that highlight canal life outside of the cruising vlogs (such as the fuel boat one) are solid gold. The CRT should hire you on in an official capacity. Thanks for making and sharing these!
You can imagine how wild the staff Christmas party is!
Only directly benefitted from these guys once (my local canal has hardly any locks) but the volunteers are absolute legends.
It just a win-win situation. They get a reason to get out and something to do while they help make the canal experience more enjoyable. Great vlog David!
As always, an excellent vlog.
Thank you so much 😊
Thanks for another great vlog David, always learning something new. Been missing you, so good to see your face!
Glad you enjoyed it
Did you not take in the carpark antics 'on the otherside' then :-)
Lovely film -- thanks. 13:50 walking and talking at the same time -- can tell you're TV trained ;-)
Hahaha yes; glad you enjoyed it
Very professional presentation, love the walking commentary towards camera. Glad to see you fit and well. Regards AJ
Thank you very much!
The CRT sure gives retired people a great thing to do.
Fantastic public service presentation, thanks you for sharing and allowing the lockies a great opportunity to talk about the pride and enjoyment of helping others and have a little fun along the way...thanks again...Vic
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, a 15 minute long package worthy of 60 Minutes. Well done! As a news photographer, I know how much work went into that. Thanks for the story.
Thank you
I feel like I know Fradley junction SO WELL just from watching every narrowboater on CZcams going through it lol
Hahahaha so true. I did say it's a popular junction ;-)
Very nice video. Thank you for giving the Volunteer Lock-Keepers a bit of recognition. Seems like a great way to get some exercise and an enjoyable way of meeting and helping people.
Thanks for watching!
As much as I enjoy you cruising videos, this is a great change of pace, informative and well done. Thank you
Glad you like it
Morning Dave, welcome back, gee I have missed your reports, thanks for that nice story. Hope all’s well ,carry on.
Thanks, you too!
If I could live in England, I would definitely apply to be a volunteer lock keeper. I love your videos David, very nice to see this one and I hope to see you resume regular postings.
Thanks 👍
We have really missed seeing Cruising the Cut! Love learning more about how the locks work and seeing the wonderful volunteers.
I particularly enjoyed this one. I like the documentary format.
Very interesting David. You showed me another aspect of the canals that I otherwise would not have been able to see. ✌️💕
You obviously put a lot of effort into this vlog David . . . and it shows. Fantastic mix of interviews and showing off life on canals.
Thank you. Yes, I tried to make it nice.
One of the best done posts I have seen. You really take it to the next level, and do a professional post.
One can definitely tell that this type of production is your passion David. A lot of work went into this and it shows. Outstanding video! Thanks David! Cheers!
Well done David. As a single-hander lockies are priceless. That said there is no harm in passers-by helping out, just closing a gate (even if they happen not to have a windlass) is a real help. Boating does not have to be a spectator (or gongoozler) sport. NB Whiskey Mac.
Absolutely; gate-closing is so helpful, I totally agree!
Nice tip of the hat to the Lock Volunteers! Great video, well done.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you to the Volunteer Lockies! I know it is a relief to see them and they don’t take tips like they do in France (well only the food kind as they said). Next time I’m on the canals I’ll make sure I’ve always got a tin full of treats for them.
Absolutely super video David. Shows your professionalism and ability to get people chatting about what they do in a relaxed way.
Your game plan for infrequent but quality videos on particular topics is a definite winner for me.
I look forward (in a very relaxed manner! ) to the next one.
Very good informational video. I do enjoy this type of video also.
i enjoyed watching it too.
Always enjoy your mini-documentaries on the canal. Interesting to see what draws people to become volunteer lockies.
Glad you enjoyed it
Lackey Lockies ...great people that help.
Thanks David.
I thought I was watching a tv program. How professional, what a awesome video great work. It felt like I was there.
Thank you so much 😀
Another great video David and an excellent summary of the VLK role; I'm sure CRT will be getting new VLK applications based on this. As an ex volunteer lockie myself, your video made me really miss my lock keeping at Caen Hill. Don't worry though, that's not a bad thing. The only reason I stopped was to go on our own multi year cruising adventure around the canal system.
Cheers Alan
Great to have you back again, superb video showing the great work the volunteers do.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for your usual level of professionalism, and especially for the tribute to the volunteers.
Glad you enjoyed it
So glad you are back. Really enjoyed this; have missed your vlogs over the last couple of months. Even the ones about changing oil! Hope you are keeping well. Please keep the vlogs coming, they are all great.
Thank you. I may have one about refurbishing my shower cubicle coming soon, imagine the excitement!
I'm loving the entire canal community. what a great bunch. this is one of the best "travel" sites on YT.
Wow, thank you!
Welcome back ! The latest video reflects your professional background - in content, structure and delivery so far above the average U-tube video it's almost out of sight !! If it doesn't impact too much on your personal life please do keep them coming - however infrequently
Thanks, will do!
Wonderful volunteers but your simple description of how the locks work and why was the first time I’ve properly understood it all, despite my late wife explaining it to me many times and despite the many, many excellent episodes of Cruising The Cut I have watched. Well done and thank you.
Ah, thank you! I was really hoping it would be useful but also debated whether to put it in at all on the basis that existing viewers might view it as "old hat".
Great to hear from you again and great information. Great that you are giving all those volunteers just due