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

[@TingleGames]

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

[@peterthekingishier]

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]

On ITV please.

[@RVgeeks]

"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]

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

[@RVgeeks]

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

[@georgeberrill4834]

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]

Thank you very much!

[@jannerkev]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@NoReason801]

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!

[@aidanfitzgerald4372]

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]

Thank you so much :-)

[@joelcheetham1152]

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

[@geoffreyrose1620]

Cheese Cake please.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

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.

[@randyw2539]

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.

[@milocole3605]

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

[@PooeyCheeks]

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

[@johnrichards244]

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

[@zak2u2]

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 KZbin nearly as satisfying. Glad you are well. I hope to see you here again. Thank you ....

[@CruisingTheCut]

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.

[@melankolikfilms]

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]

It was just like the old days... hahaha

[@wideawake914]

That slow walk towards the camera looked so TV.

[@CruisingTheCut]

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

[@wideawake914]

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

[@johansoderberg9579]

I appreciate David's care about the spoken language!

[@keithhicks1750]

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

[@MatthewNewnhamza]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@polygraphpolygraphovich9589]

David, we don't see enough of you

[@jimwulstan8592]

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.

[@sen5i]

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

[@alanbower1193]

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.

[@oscodains]

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]

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

[@terryboyer1342]

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

[@blancosanmartin]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha too kind!

[@haroldsprenkle4173]

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]

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

[@bellamartin5353]

Glad to see the video. Missed them. 😢

[@remyllebeau77]

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

[@monicalifornia_]

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

[@joeclarke9782]

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

[@dflood6111]

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

[@michaelshelton462]

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!

[@oheso]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@mammothmotouk]

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]

Much appreciated

[@bernhardgoetze4677]

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.

[@ozziepilot2899]

Still the best canal boat channel out there :)

[@maofangjushi4711]

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

[@derickmitchell9852]

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

[@robsin2810]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@rogerturley]

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]

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.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Hats off to the generous lock volunteers.

[@czamman]

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 😊

[@capt.eissaeissa2769]

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.

[@for.tax.reasons]

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

[@UrbanHomesteadMomma]

“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]

They are!

[@carlrehnberg4581]

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.

[@SenorGonzo]

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]

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

[@SoldiersDad]

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.

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

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.

[@larryjackson9230]

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

[@roymillard5784]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@fbl902]

Excellent! The gold standard of production on KZbin.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh my, that is kind indeed! Cheers

[@for.tax.reasons]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

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

[@louiselage7740]

I would imagine that the volunteers are invaluable if one was a solo narrowboater! Thank you David, this was really lovely to watch.

[@CruisingTheCut]

They are!

[@jimmisura6533]

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 🌴🌴🌴

[@AstonDB8]

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

[@johnclark3697]

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

[@dennisporter753]

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..

[@greenspiritarts]

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

[@SoldiersDad]

The CRT sure gives retired people a great thing to do.

[@Project_Servotopia]

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]

You can imagine how wild the staff Christmas party is!

[@BeefaloBart]

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

[@lewis72]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good plan!

[@normfredriksen1381]

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]

Thank you. Not sure about cake recipes mind you!

[@normfredriksen1381]

@@CruisingTheCut lol. You never disappoint.

[@alijhi]

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

[@dadduck9123]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like it

[@tonyball278]

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.

[@peterodonnell5820]

It's nice to see the volunteer lockies being celebrated here. I have been cruising full time for three years now, mostly single-handed, and volunteers are always a welcome sight. I have always found them to be helpful, friendly, cheerful, and full of useful tips about their local area. Part of the charm of living on the canals is the way the system operates so much on the friendly co-operation between the boaters helping one another, the CRT staff, and the volunteers. As it is real life there are exceptions of course but my experience is overwhelmingly one of friendly co-operation between all parties.

[@alastairgordon-forbes3139]

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

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Welcome back. What a wonderful video about some very interesting people. Good to see you out and about again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you kindly!

[@andrewdennis6654]

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]

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

[@matthewoliver6655]

.......the gold standard! Forget all these other narrow boat channels, this is the best, no other people come close!

[@michaelbuckingham7512]

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]

Thank you

[@vicmiller7191]

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]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danieltaylor5231]

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!

[@davidapp3730]

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]

Thanks for watching!

[@rdgw_uk]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lizzysullivan2892]

YES!!! A new vlog from you and one from Alan at My Narrowboat Venture within 24 hours...I’m in narrowboat heaven! 😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wonderful!

[@KeithPollard]

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]

I'm sure you'll be deluged soon!

[@omelaurus]

What a relief from the current canal babbling vlogs! Thanks David, much appreciated 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@roboftherock]

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]

Thank you

[@celiaty5814]

How wonderful to have the generous volunteers, helping with the lock system. Have thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of your videos. As an ignorant American knowing very little about your country, am feeling a bit more educated. Thank you David.

[@chuckfinley6156]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, thank you!

[@JoelTurrell]

Thanks for your usual level of professionalism, and especially for the tribute to the volunteers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PaulSmith-gf6nr]

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

[@kaydavis382]

We have really missed seeing Cruising the Cut! Love learning more about how the locks work and seeing the wonderful volunteers.

[@trep53]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching!

[@howfenman]

Glad to have you back. I enjoy the new format too. Very professional.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!

[@schlollepop]

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]

There’s always my campervan channel 😉

[@CajunMikeT]

Figure out what you like and give it a go, and that you have! Nice Work, the Volunteers are given the respect they deserve.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Well said!

[@timotoxic4664]

Nice to have you back posting, your tell.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Springtime...and the canal world is coming back to life! Very worthwhile salute to the Trust and Its Volunteers.

[@gigiososki5213]

So glad to have you back! The new style of video is looking great and I'm looking forward to more

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yay, thank you!

[@stevebarbier5602]

Love the fisherman on the lock landing below the bottom lock !!!!!!!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha I wondered if anyone would spot that ;-)

[@gregoryclark8217]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Fantastic, such a great community of boaters down there

[@barrylaflin8425]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidbedding2]

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]

Thanks, will do!

[@camdenmcandrews]

I certainly enjoyed this. Lockies are yet another reason to wish I could live in England!

[@andrewpoloni4197]

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.

[@alicewilson1874]

Great to hear from you again and great information. Great that you are giving all those volunteers just due

[@NarrowboatSuperB]

As always, an excellent vlog.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much 😊

[@robertjohnson7728]

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

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much 😀

[@franceswood1939]

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.

[@pilpelet100]

Good to see you back again. Thanks very much.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you too!

[@nightw4tchman]

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

[@grayfool]

Good job David. All the volunteers make a huge difference to any organisation and should be celebrated wherever possible. Thank you to all of them and to you, David for highlighting the work they do.