Guardians sought for deepest lock
Unlocking our waterways to all
TOWERING TO a height of almost 20ft on Yorkshire’s western reaches, not only is Tuel Lane Lock Britain’s deepest, it is an engineering marvel that acts as a gateway to some of the region’s finest countryside scenery.
Built in 1996 as part of a major restoration of the Rochdale Canal in Sowerby Bridge near Halifax, the lock is so deep that it does the work of two, an important function that is necessary so that visiting boats can reach a tunnel with minimum fuss and then pass along the canal beneath a road.
Its mighty scale and close proximity to the tunnel however means that members of the public are not allowed to operate the lock’s mechanisms themselves. Instead, the task falls to a specially designated team of lock keepers with the process taking about 20 minutes.
A voluntary position, national waterways charity the Canal & River Trust is looking for more people to sign up so that the lock can continue to function for years to come amid the soaring popularity of Britain’s canals.
Becca Dent, the charity’s volunteer co-ordinator, said: “We’re looking for over a dozen volunteer lock keepers to help bring Britain’s deepest lock to life for everyone who visits.
“Often referred to as the ‘face of the canals’, volunteer lock keepers are a vital and iconic role within our charity. There’s no other role like it.
“You get to be by the water, which in itself is amazing, and you’re surrounded by happy people to chat to.
“Lots of our volunteers tell us they feel more relaxed by the water.”
Lock keepers have worked on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years, although the role has changed over time.
The modern lock keeper helps to look after the nation’s waterways, assist boaters on their journeys, welcome visitors, provide information and advice to visitors on the towpath, while also helping to maintain the locks themselves.
Last year, more than 1,000 people volunteered for the role with the Canal & River Trust. Right now, boat companies are preparing for the start of the tourism season, as Nigel Stevens, of Sowerby Bridge-based Shire Cruisers, explained. “The strikingly beautiful Yorkshire side of the Rochdale Canal offers some of the best scenery in the North and with spring around the corner we’re busy preparing to welcome boaters and holiday makers,” he said, and added that lock keepers are an important part of the visitor experience.
“We attract visitors from all over the world and they love meeting the Canal & River Trust’s team of volunteers. We appreciate their support and would love to see even more people helping out.”
Four volunteers currently assist with duties at Tuel Lane Lock. The trust asks for lock keepers to commit to performing the role on one day per week, although this could comprise of two mornings, for example.
We’re looking for over a dozen volunteer lock keepers.
Becca Dent, volunteer co-ordinator at the Canal & River Trust
HOME TO Britain’s deepest lock, the mill town of Sowerby Bridge is understandably proud of its association with the Rochdale Canal which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country after its restoration.
Yet, while the 20ft deep lock exceeds, by way of comparison, the height of a typical double-decker bus, the force of water means that it requires careful use, hence the Canal & River Trust’s appeal for volunteer lock keepers.
There can be fewer more satisfying jobs for anyone interested in boating and the inland waterways that continue to enjoy a new lease of life as places of leisure for all the family.
Not only will recruits be helping boaters to enjoy their day trip or holiday as they pass safely through Sowerby Bridge, but they will be custodian of the locks – a remarkable feat of engineering ingenuity when built in 1996 to enable the newly-restored waterway to tunnel under a road – and an invaluable source of information for visitors.