240. Lock Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes of Britain's Canals

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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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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the RU-vid music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #narrowboats #canals #liveaboard

Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 1,9 тыс.

@RVgeeks 3 года назад

"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

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

I’m so pleased they’re good memories! 😂

@RVgeeks 3 года назад

@@CruisingTheCut Both you, and your way of life, made a truly lasting impression. We think about that often.

@jannerkev 3 года назад

Welcome back mate. We've missed our weekly vlog from David and Crusing the Cut. Hope your well Sir.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thanks 👍

@aidanfitzgerald4372 3 года назад

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 👏

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you so much :-)

@peterthekingishier 3 года назад

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.

@nigelrowe2204 3 года назад

On ITV please.

@TingleGames 3 года назад

I don't have a boat, don't think I'll ever have one. But these videos make me happy!

@melankolikfilms 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

It was just like the old days... hahaha

@wideawake914 3 года назад

That slow walk towards the camera looked so TV.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

I couldn't stop myself doing it... I tried hahaha

@wideawake914 3 года назад

I thought it was the lesser spotted David Attenborough at first.

@johansoderberg9579 3 года назад

I appreciate David's care about the spoken language!

@oscodains 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

You'd think so, wouldn't you?! Haha, not always alas

@terryboyer1342 3 года назад

Arailt Prolly the same people who gave this vid a thumbs down.

@NoReason801 3 года назад

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!

@alanbower1193 3 года назад

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.

@milocole3605 3 года назад

im 11 years old and i love watching this its very calming and nice

@joelcheetham1152 3 года назад

We don't accept tips but cake is welcome. This makes me proud to be British!

@geoffreyrose1620 3 года назад

Cheese Cake please.

@chasbodaniels1744 3 года назад

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.

@jimwulstan8592 3 года назад

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.

@PooeyCheeks 3 года назад

A Cruising the cut upload!! At last 😁 Already clicked the like button and I haven’t even watched yet 👍🏻

@johnrichards244 3 года назад

Me too. I cant wait to get home and watch it.

@keithhicks1750 3 года назад

You haven’t lost your professional presentation skills David. Very enjoyable.

@georgeberrill4834 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you very much!

@zak2u2 3 года назад

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 RU-vid nearly as satisfying. Glad you are well. I hope to see you here again. Thank you ....

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

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.

@lewis72 3 года назад

Gets to 4 seconds in... "I'll need a tea for this" - Goes and makes tea.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Good plan!

@blancosanmartin 3 года назад

I consider you as an icon of United Kingdom. Best of luck from Chile.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Hahaha too kind!

@randyw2539 2 года назад

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.

@haroldsprenkle4173 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

We've got lovely sunshine during the day at present and then down to freezing at night

@SenorGonzo 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

I certainly intend to - need to pull my finger out and get stuff organised.

@dflood6111 3 года назад

To quote from CtC #1: "Get yourself a cuppa and something to munch on". Welcome Back!

@sen5i 3 года назад

Those volunteers are a Godsend and they helped me tremendously when I lived on the cut.

@carlrehnberg4581 3 года назад

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.

@MikaelKKarlsson 3 года назад

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.

@oheso 3 года назад

Great example of what you said was your goal this year: interviewing others, making a story.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you

@larryjackson9230 3 года назад

So glad to see you again. Enjoyed the piece on the Volunteer Lock-keepers. Hope you are doing well.

@bellamartin5353 3 года назад

Glad to see the video. Missed them. 😢

@remyllebeau77 3 года назад

We still get a few Vandominium videos here and there from David. :D

@monicalifornia_ 3 года назад

@@remyllebeau77 Don't forget about the amazing stories as well.

@bernhardgoetze4677 3 года назад

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.

@UrbanHomesteadMomma 3 года назад

“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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

They are!

@maofangjushi4711 3 года назад

Salute to those volunteer lock keepers! Without their effort, canal will not exist.

@rogerturley 3 года назад

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!

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

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.

@capt.eissaeissa2769 3 года назад

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.

@roymillard5784 3 года назад

Nice to hear from again. A well-deserved tribute to the lockies specifically and the CRT in general. Well done.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Many thanks!

@robsin2810 3 года назад

Community service, nothing like it, for soothing the soul. Thanks David.🇦🇺👍

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Cheers

@greenspiritarts 3 года назад

Beautifully shot, professionally written & edited, absolute top notch video. CRT should put it on their website, if you’d allow. Great stuff! 👏

@gregoryclark8217 3 года назад

I'm starting my time as a VLK on the Caen Hill locks this week. Very much looking forward to it.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Fantastic, such a great community of boaters down there

@johnclark3697 3 года назад

Always enjoy Davids vlogs & I've never been on a narrow boat. There's just something so soothing about them.

@katherinekinnaird4408 3 года назад

Hats off to the generous lock volunteers.

@roboftherock 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you

@alijhi 3 года назад

Good to see you again! Greetings from Cape Coral, Florida!

@jimmisura6533 3 года назад

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 🌴🌴🌴

@joeclarke9782 3 года назад

Yes, time for a salute and tip of the hat to the lockies who keep the grand olde locks grand. Well done video.

@MatthewNewnhamza 3 года назад

One of the best narrowboat vlogs. So glad you put these videos together. Thank you

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you like them!

@KeithPollard 3 года назад

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. 😀

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

I'm sure you'll be deluged soon!

@moaningpheromones 2 года назад

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 *

@normfredriksen1381 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you. Not sure about cake recipes mind you!

@normfredriksen1381 3 года назад

@@CruisingTheCut lol. You never disappoint.

@michaelshelton462 3 года назад

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!

@NarrowboatSuperB 3 года назад

As always, an excellent vlog.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you so much 😊

@Renovator26 3 года назад

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

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Haircuts are a rare thing these days

@czamman 3 года назад

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 😊

@andrewdennis6654 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Absolutely; gate-closing is so helpful, I totally agree!

@franksanteugini1071 3 года назад

14:01 reminds us of a news report, unsurprising considering your past - very professional video, thanks

@BrokenCurtain 3 года назад

I noticed that, too.

@schlollepop 3 года назад

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.😀

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

There’s always my campervan channel 😉

@polygraphpolygraphovich9589 3 года назад

David, we don't see enough of you

@BeefaloBart 3 года назад

Always a good morning when I can sit here with a cup of coffee and a CTC video.

@for.tax.reasons 3 года назад

"Volly lockies" of COURSE there's an adorable diminutive

@for.tax.reasons 3 года назад

I feel like I know Fradley junction SO WELL just from watching every narrowboater on RU-vid going through it lol

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Hahahaha so true. I did say it's a popular junction ;-)

@SoldiersDad 3 года назад

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.

@davidapp3730 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@AstonDB8 3 года назад

Hes back!!!!!!!!!!

@nightw4tchman 3 года назад

Only directly benefitted from these guys once (my local canal has hardly any locks) but the volunteers are absolute legends.

@barrylaflin8425 3 года назад

Well worth the wait..first rate ....informative......entertaining....thanks very much David.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@danieltaylor5231 2 года назад

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!

@andrewpoloni4197 3 года назад

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.

@Project_Servotopia 3 года назад

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!

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

You can imagine how wild the staff Christmas party is!

@ozziepilot2899 3 года назад

Still the best canal boat channel out there :)

@stephenmundane 3 года назад

Lovely film -- thanks. 13:50 walking and talking at the same time -- can tell you're TV trained ;-)

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Hahaha yes; glad you enjoyed it

@michaelbuckingham7512 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you

@schirmeyerb 3 года назад

Yes me . I live in FRANCE and I like to help at the écluses...because you meet People from every were in the world..... and for me it s a meanning to improve the ENGLISH langage...and each one il happy to exchange conversation

@dadduck9123 3 года назад

As much as I enjoy you cruising videos, this is a great change of pace, informative and well done. Thank you

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you like it

@alastairgordon-forbes3139 2 года назад

I particularly enjoyed this one. I like the documentary format.

@janetcreasman6441 3 года назад

Thanks for another great vlog David, always learning something new. Been missing you, so good to see your face!

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@alan-sk7ky 3 года назад

Did you not take in the carpark antics 'on the otherside' then :-)

@andydelarue9344 3 года назад

Morning Dave, welcome back, gee I have missed your reports, thanks for that nice story. Hope all’s well ,carry on.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thanks, you too!

@JoseLara-dg4zk 3 года назад

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.

@dennisporter753 3 года назад

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..

@tonyball278 3 года назад

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.

@PaulSmith-gf6nr 3 года назад

One of the best done posts I have seen. You really take it to the next level, and do a professional post.

@derickmitchell9852 3 года назад

My favorite narrowboat channel! Those of us in the US are connecting the dots learning our geography of England.

@russellleach1942 3 года назад

Very good informational video. I do enjoy this type of video also.

@SamSitar 3 года назад

i enjoyed watching it too.

@agladman194 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Cheers Alan

@davidbedding2 3 года назад

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

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thanks, will do!

@steveblackwe11 3 года назад

Loved the video David, especially the sound of the water gurgling and bubbling as the locks filled and emptied. Thank you.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

I'm so pleased someone noted and enjoyed that!

@bella2puff 3 года назад

Great video and was so pleased to see you had posted a video 😁

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you! 😊

@rdgw_uk 3 года назад

Great to have you back again, superb video showing the great work the volunteers do.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@franceswood1939 3 года назад

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.

@vicmiller7191 3 года назад

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

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@ThePenngates 3 года назад

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.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thanks 👍

@chuckfinley6156 3 года назад

I'm loving the entire canal community. what a great bunch. this is one of the best "travel" sites on YT.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Wow, thank you!

@trep53 3 года назад

Nice tip of the hat to the Lock Volunteers! Great video, well done.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@susanbrown2909 3 года назад

Lackey Lockies ...great people that help. Thanks David.

@mammothmotouk 3 года назад

Great to see you back. This is why I love you channel. Your delivery is just quality. You really did the Lockies, justice. I hope to see more from you now the dreaded lockdown has passed. Keep up the great work.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Much appreciated

@alanjackson4646 3 года назад

Very professional presentation, love the walking commentary towards camera. Glad to see you fit and well. Regards AJ

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you very much!

@lindabishop7656 3 года назад

Very interesting David. You showed me another aspect of the canals that I otherwise would not have been able to see. ✌️💕

@jeffhoward9186 Год назад

It is interesting how patience is getting to be like common sense. Common sense is not so common anymore and now patience is the same way. Some people believe that they are more important than anyone else. It’s unbelievable how we as a species are becoming more absorb in or own without understanding that we are here to help one another. You know charity and brotherly love for all. I am not a canal boater, but I do appreciate the lock keepers, remember they are volunteers, appreciate them, otherwise you will have to do it yourselves.

@robertjohnson7728 3 года назад

I thought I was watching a tv program. How professional, what a awesome video great work. It felt like I was there.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Thank you so much 😀

@richardsaunders3082 3 года назад

Nice to see you out of the car park, and into a nautical setting, hopefully for a fine season of cruising!!!

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Cheers! No plans to cruise (my own boat) this year, see vlog 238 for the explanation.

@WagonPilotAdventures 3 года назад

Always enjoy your mini-documentaries on the canal. Interesting to see what draws people to become volunteer lockies.

@CruisingTheCut 3 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@NovaSilisko 3 года назад

I really love this style of documentary content from you. I think your TV background really gives it that extra final touch of polish. I remember you expressing wanting to move toward doing this style of video more, and I think I commented back then how much I looked forward to it.