CRT Volunteer Task Force Report

With our first planned Task Force day for 2019 the Audlem Volunteer Lock Keepers / Lock Rangers met as normal in our covered accommodation adjacent to the Audlem Mill Shop.

The weather was a little inclement but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the group, ten of us on duty today. Again as normal our Team Leader 'Angela' greeted us with her introduction to the days programme of work including local site updates and system safety checks.

To start the day the team split into three separate groups, one small group headed down to the lock 15 area to check and tidy away some new canal stop boards that had been delivered to assist in the lock gate replacement during the programmed stoppage.

One other team member focused on the canal notice and information boards, checking removing local information – this task is now a 'work in progress job'. The 'main team' focused with the on going work programme in the area of lock 8, finishing the tidy up after the overgrown hedge in the area had been worked on giving back free access to towpath users. This area has now been cleared and swept clean removing hedge debris.

On the opposite side of the canal, again in lock 8 area some of the team began preparation work to begin the removal of an entangled small tree / large bush that has collapsed into the canal on the approach to lock 8.

With all work completed the team then returned to the covered accommodation to be greeted by the amazing smell of fresh bacon being prepared, bacon rolls for everyone topped of with a hot cup of tea and a slice of Christmas cake,

Thank you all.

The group meet on the second Friday of every month for their regular task force day, but most days members of the team are out working on the flight as lock keepers.

As in all our reports, anyone who is interested in becoming a Volunteer Lock Keeper / Lock Ranger based in Audlem is more than welcome to call in for a chat.

Derek Jones Volunteer Lock Keeper / Lock Ranger.

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