Stunning canal is best job for Dave
HE’S been a pub landlord and a PA to a superstar foot- baller.
But now Macclesfield’s Dave Thompson claims to have found the best job in the world – promoting the Macclesfield Canal.
The 56-year-old is a fundraiser for the Canal and Rivers Trust, the charity which maintains 2,000 miles of the UK’s waterways.
As well as drumming up support with the public Dave, of Higher Hurdsfield, is a talented photographer and filmmaker who can be found on Macclesfield Canal taking pictures and video from his kayak.
He said: “I’ve done loads of different jobs in my life, but can honestly say this is the best.
“My office is the canal towpath and I get to promote our amazing waterways all day, every day, and take beautiful photos and videos.
“It doesn’t matter if its pouring with rain or windy, I love it.
“People don’t realise how stunning Macclesfield Canal is and the abundance of wildlife there, including kingfishers.
“I just want to share that with as many as I can.”
Dave has lived all over the world and started filming when he was living on the Canary Islands.
He used GoPro cameras to film underwater creatures and then invested in camera and drone equipment to capture images on land and from above.
Dave moved to Macclesfield two years ago where he worked for a former Manchester United star.
He soon discovered the abundance of stunning scenery on his doorstep.
Then when a job came up for the Canal And Rivers Trust, he leapt at it.
Dave uses his talent as part of his work but has also seen his films used on TV and by the National Trust. His images have appeared in the Macclesfield Express.
Dave’s Youtube channel has dozens of followers and features a stunning film of a sunset as he drifted along Macclesfield canal near Kerridge.
Dave said: ”I go out in my kayak and just relax, allowing nature to come to me and for things to just happen.
“That evening I was at right place at the right time to capture those images.
“The light of the setting sun was amazing, creating this magical scene.
“I decided to put some music to it using something composed by talented friend Trevor DeMaere.”