336. Reviving the 200-year-old Grantham Canal

[@poissonpuerile8897]

The British canals' volunteeer culture is a national treasure you will find in few places around the world!

[@woodenman1954]

David always shows us the better part of society and the idyllic canal lifestyle. Making the world a little bit better one video at a time !

[@charlesjordan8364]

Perfectly said!

[@joshuahafer]

@8:07 really got me. I'm glad I changed my career/work years ago to something I find "meaningful". It really helps to make life worth living :)

[@Bee-ih5uy]

Hear hear!

[@richardstuart325]

We young lads used to explore the Grantham canal towpath on our bikes in the 1960s. At that time we had to force our way through the thorn bushes and drag our bikes through the mud. It's wonderful to go back now with my wife and stroll along the restored towpath.

[@ernestcashion4462]

It's nice to see that man being honest about mental health and the importance a good set of friends and activities. As always a nice video.

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Volunteering is a big plus for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Jump in and have an adventure you will never forget. 😊😊😊

[@rosscoe218]

Thank you for the map presentation at the beginning. It's a great help for followers not familiar with British geography. Many thanks, David.

[@Tclans]

Interesting as always. Come to think of it, my personal preference seems to be canal restoration projects. I like the ones with canals in water and being worked on but the real bread and butter for me, are the ones in disuse and with volunteer parties behind them. Splendid work on the canal and locks.

[@iangill8984]

As usual, a very good video. There are all sorts of volunteer activities going on. My daughter took us out for father.s day near Warwick some 50 miles away and when checking whereabouts found a walled garden being restored by volunteers. A visit ensued with a donation of course. Even if you dont help give a donation, pay for a trip, buy something. Anything to help

[@jamesa7506]

Glad that the one fellow was able to find a way to ease his troubled mental state! Peace is in short supply in this world.

[@davidpettitt4712]

David, once more your humanity is on display for all to see. Your work appears like a life raft for us to cling on to. A good news story guaranteed to lift the spirits. Thank you.

[@christinecampbell4920]

We (NB - Land of Green Ginger) found this very interesting….. but in truth we love all your films! Thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hughs591]

Very interesting and great to hear about such a supportive and tolerant group of people. And once again I must compliment your excellent production and technical standards, really excellent and streets ahead of a lot of material shown on TV these days!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@corriedeacon7842]

Thanks we have volunteers what would we have done without them❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

Agreed!

[@t1n4444]

Yes, quite so, however it might be said that the project provides a diversion or even a raison d'etre for supporting the well being of those who need it. David covered this underlying theme in an earlier excellent episode featuring very old timber built boats being rescued by a similar group of volunteers who said exactly the same thing ... of having something worthwhile to do. And also the Lichfield restoration project. Excellent work David.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Another ambitious canal restoration which relies on the commitment of its volunteers - the backbone of all restoration projects. An inspiring video which nicely captures the Society's ethos of cooperation and camaraderie. Thank you.

[@gerardhogan3]

Greetings from Australia. Ive always loved the History in the UK. I grew up on reading Look and Learn etc. This is another chapter of UK history that is truly about British engineering, hard yakka and the British way of life. Leets keep it that way. Im very pleased to see it being restored.

[@henryblake3064]

"...the ONLY way to hold a meeting." 🤣 Thank you for this video! Greetings from germany

[@tr3vorb438]

Wish I lived close by, I’d be there in a heartbeat 😁

[@t1n4444]

Perhaps you could find other volunteering projects nearer to yourself? Might not be canal restoration oriented but your help would be appreciated without a doubt.

[@ryanlotgd]

grew up living near the canal and fishing it dayly as a kid in the muston area hopefully at somepoint i can come back to the area and see the work thats been done and maybe relive some childhood memorys and fish it again

[@art969bones]

I absolutely love this sort of viewing, keep up the good work David and many thanks 👍

[@timtam6442]

There are some truly wonderful folk on this planet

[@spencerjhog4429]

Splendid video. I had not considered the mental health aspect but there are no doubt quite a few individuals that would benefit from physical labor, camaraderie, getting out of the house and feeling a sense of accomplishment. Nothing helps one's attitude as much as knowing you played a part in something bigger and more permanent that our mortal existence.

[@Valentijnzz]

Looking forward to another video. Thanks David! Cheers

[@nilo70]

Time spent away from it all is Always A Good Thing ! Thank you David for bringing me along with you! Cheers From California 😎

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@curlybrownliz]

Good for the individual, good for the canal, good for society. Well done to all the volunteers working on this project

[@rosssharp9988]

Ah, yes - the Grantham. Acquired and eventually closed by a railway company, as many were, of course. The Cromford was bought by the Midland Railway, who raised freight charges on the canal, until everything was going by rail. A lovely sight to see progress being made, and plans laid for the future. Who knows? One fine day - if all goes well - you will able to travel from the centre of Derby all the way to Grantham by narrow boat! Thank you, David.

[@helenbizzotto8844]

Aww....this is the area I grew up in.❤ I loved the canal as a kid. The Mucky Duck pub is by this stretch. It's so wonderful to see it being restored. I'll have to pop by next time I'm up to see the progress.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yeah the pub's being refurbished at present too.

[@lotsoflavender31]

If I lived over there, I’d join up in a heartbeat. Wonderful video David. So jealous of your canal ways. 🧶🇦🇺

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

Fun to see. Grantham is close to my American heart. My great-great-grandfather was mayor of the town when the railroads were coming in. Love your videos.

[@DP-co8ro]

Can you tell us a bit more about him? Ex Grantham resident and always keen to hear a bit of Grantham history.

[@MrJames_1]

David, you help us feel very hopeful for the UK canal system by highlighting the amazing work done by these volunteer groups. I really hope I can one day visit from Australia and see the work first-hand 👍😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

I hope so too!

[@veronicaroach3667]

What a lovely & meaningful way to spend some time helping to make the environment more beautiful for everybody !

[@leswallace2426]

Another cracking video about another wonderful canal restoration group. One day if enough of them are successful it will be possible to travel from Kendal in the Lake District to within spitting distance of the English Channel on the South coast without ever having to leave the water.

[@Rick-vm8bl]

Love projects like these. It's the kind of project where if by some miraculous chance my numbers came up on the Lottery I'd love to write them a blank cheque to see it over the line!

[@raisedonfm4106]

Beautifully written, shot, narrated, edited and produced. Lovely video as always! Thank you for educating us so thoughtfully.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you.

[@zapfanzapfan]

Awesome! Another piece of canal being restored by the power of tea and biscuits 🙂

[@vadmal5210]

Apart from the fact that you make good and informative videos I´m both amazed and impressed of all engagement and enthusiasm you british seems to have in your history. 😊😊

[@MortenHjrnevik-ti6sg]

Lovely vlog,David….it’s so warming to see these canals being restored …even if you are Norwegian and live 1000s of miles away…well done the volunteers …..keep them coming David.

[@robertrenwick9436]

Thanks for another great video. A cause well worth promoting. Hope you can give a progress report later in the year.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh it won't be later this year, it's taken them 55 years to get to this point so no hurry for any updates!! I will check back in a few years...

[@robertrenwick9436]

😂

[@GerhardMack]

I wish they had something like this near Montreal where I live.

[@grahamfisher5436]

How fantastic 😀 I'm originally from Newark-on-Trent Live in Bristol now

[@raitchison]

0:17 Restoring a canal: Perfectly Balanced with absolutely no exploits.

[@wacholder5690]

They couldn't get any better for promotional work. 🙂 Thanks a lot for that enthusiastic video. If *I* would live near that canal (and not in Germany) *I* would apply to join.

[@geoffrichards2706]

Wow there's a face I've not seen for a while , Tony used to have a house in Fowey Cornwall and I did electrical work for him now and again . Hello Tony .

[@mish28282]

How cool is that job, restoring and building waterways and locks. Wouldn't that be great, a fulltime job on the channels

[@nbflyingfox4672]

Thanks David for this great vlog. It's always good to see the various canal restorations that are in progress from a dedicated group of volunteers who have such a great passion and interest in restoring the Grantham Canal. Plus the improvement on their own wellbeing that comes with it.

[@michaelgibson603]

Another fab, tv-worthy little docco-short! Keep them coming david!

[@paulhaynes8045]

Excellent, as always, David - made me want to volunteer, even though I live miles away and have absolutely NO spare time! The government ought to support projects like these on mental health grounds alone. Think how much a project like this helps society - and how much pressure it could ultimately take off the NHS.

[@CruisingTheCut]

There are lots of canal restoration societies, probably there's one nearer to you that would welcome any time you have.

[@paulhaynes8045]

@@CruisingTheCut it's a strange part of the country, down here in Darkest Kent - no canals at all. Or at least no 'normal' ones. There is, or was, the Thames and Medway, which is a very interesting canal (built to avoid having to go round the Hoo peninsula, but it failed because of delays due to the tides). But that's largely been replaced by a railway line. And, at the other end of the county, there's the Royal Military Canal - also very interesting (built to enable a rapid response to anticipated Napoleonic invasions). But, again, it's nothing like a 'normal' canal. And, as far as I'm aware, that's it. The only reminder of the canals down here is a narrowboat-based café, moored in the Medway at Maidstone! But it's all a bit academic in my case, as a 70 year-old with two teenage children, spare time is not a concept that I recognise!

[@ianstobbart7338]

Brilliant show David 👏🏻 👌

[@jhertz89]

So glad to learn so much about the canal networks through your videos. So much fun watching them. Keep up the great work. :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Outside in the fresh air and sunshine, making friends or spending quiet time focused on a task - what’s not to like 🙂 Great video David. What a fascinating project to be a part of. That gentleman did such a wonderful job of explaining the different tasks, as well as how his mental (and physical) health had improved etcetera. Honestly, if I was in the area, I’d be checking it all out.

[@simonsallen]

As I watch I am cheering them on. You can do it. Connect it back up. Go on. it is inspiring.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀

[@JackNance22]

Another brilliant production, David, thank you for the excellent content. I've noticed from your videos that the volunteers the canals attract are top quality people.

[@timothywalker4563]

It’s a very slow dream that is becoming a reality for a dedicated crew 👍

[@FoxtrotYouniform]

This was a great way to recognize these gents and ladies and give them some of the notoriety they deserve for their work, good job :)

[@terryannanderson8812]

Love to see such commitment. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattlodge7305]

Thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much indeed! 😀

[@katherinekelly5380]

A really enjoyed this video - for the volunteers there must better a real sense of satisfaction bringing the canal back into service - the scenery is also lovely

[@ericbengtson2822]

You know, you get a lot more out of volunteering then you put into it. The relationships and people you encounter for the most part are wonderful. Give it a go! I do a fair amount of volunteer work in different areas, and I have found this to be true.

[@wetcardie66]

hear hear .. the Keighley, the Bluebell and the Kent and east Sussex all had exactly the same appeal in their embryonic states .concrete sleepers ,anyone ?

[@Alex-s7y3d]

Fleet! 😊 I mean you’re right, but the word is doing a lot of work here. Good luck to them.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Absolutely fabulous. What an excellent interview with all those beautiful people who give of themselves. Thank you David. So interesting.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you kindly!

[@glencrandall7051]

Lots of work to be done. A bunch of dedicated folks to do it. thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@Joe90V]

Your opening shot reminded me of my first day at work (minus the hi-viz) as I started at Caen Hill British Waterways depot as a trainee, lots of years ago now! Happy days :)

[@azhiaziam2005]

David, I had a tremendous chortle when you showed the "dredger", that got me.

[@CJN1946]

Volunteering is a magic job. You meet like minded people, and work at your own pace and choose the hours you want. It is a disgrace that the government doesn't appreciate the miles of national park that canals provide, maintained mainly by volunteers.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

David the phone is ringing off the hook ! The BBC is begging you to name your price !!! Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for another nothing short of excellent documentary and for raising awareness of such an awesome group doing such an endearing work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 thank you

[@steveowens398]

Thanks David! What about marketing to vacation volunteers? Tourists might be willing to spend a day or two assisting the effort - especially if there's a good lunch in it!

[@njhaljitsingh6534]

Loved it...❤❤❤

[@lucindawilson5510]

absolutely truly amazing take my hat off th all concerned.so very thankful three cheers and bless all of you. thanks again David

[@keithhunter6705]

Very impressive to see people with the vision to take on a very long term project that they might not be around to see the end of. A fine video and greetings from Australia.

[@tedmiles2110]

My family had a sailboat that went to a boatyard with a marine railway like this. They must be one of the oldest ways to move boats in and out of the water. TM retired sailor

[@layalabi1667]

Wonderful!! Wish I didn't live so far away!!! Thanks!!

[@EsKaYf4]

Great video David 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@sianwarwick633]

Very pleased to see this as a short break in a quiet part of the canal system seems to be on the cards.

[@superior451]

Another Crackin’ Vid DJ. It’s a pleasure and privilege to follow you round the UK mostly a walking pace, chugga chugga.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you ☺️

[@chrislesiter4531]

As a former Treasurer for a state school alumni group for over 10 years can I say that even joining as a committee member helps reach a quorum. The cruises look interesting.

[@gafrers]

Love these projects and these videos about them

[@xiiibujinkan]

Beautiful landscape footage....places and things like the canals are a must for society....even if you have zero interest...it's possible that a few visits by anyone could find a reason to visit more frequently by accident....places look different each season...multiple reasons to go have a lookey once in a while...Happy Summer Dave

[@trixierosco]

David, another wonderful video. Your interviews with the volunteers are great, and their reasons for being there are as diverse as they are. Wonderful job.

[@wattster71]

I’ve been interested in the various canal restorations going on since your Lichfield video. The restorations mean you have historically important spaces that you can access and use! Bravo to all the volunteers nationwide!

[@heitorq7795]

One of my favorite content creator releases two videos at the same time. How great is that?

[@Rovinman]

More power to their ELBOWS ! Great Video David ! Stu xx

[@Simonsboxster]

Oh wonderful my week is complete, another of your lovely films. Thank you David - best wishes as always from Holywood N Ireland, please keep on doing your superb work :)

[@dr.chrismort8448]

They are doing a Stirling job and well done to all volunteers 👍

[@matroosoft4589]

Would be interested to stay informed about the digging through the city!

[@nevillemason6791]

Sadly I think you'll have a long wait unless you can come up with several million pounds to fund the major engineering works needed.

[@janeabbotts]

It looks like a great place to volunteer. I would think you would get a huge amount of satisfaction seeing the canal being restored bit by bit. Thank you for another very interesting vlog. Cheers.

[@MACMoneU2]

It’s lovely that these canals seem to curve and meander. However the idea that it was all manual labor you’d think they’d tried more direct paths. These volunteers are awesome and a twofer video upload today. Thanks a lot!

[@emmajacobs5575]

A lot of the time, the meandering curves are to follow height contours of the landscape, as I suspect labour was cheaper than complicated infrastructure like locks to change elevation. I don’t know if that’s the case here, though.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Exactly; digging straight means having to tunnel through hills or build locks or at the very least embankments. All very costly hence why a meandering but level route is much more straightforward.

[@normanboyes4983]

Ever wondered why old roads meandered across the countryside or bridges built at the narrowest part of a river?

[@davelawrence6777]

From the other side of the pond thanks for posting I always look forward to seeing them

[@dmacd9058]

I love your videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@thomasbernecky2078]

I'm envious of your network of beautiful canals.

[@haraldclark6206]

Love to see these updates on canal restoration projects!

[@barbarataylor1535]

Thank you David for the awarenss of this project. Cheers.

[@hughcarson6837]

Very interesting vlog David. Wish these people all the best for their project.

[@sonnie6210]

Also, imagine having all the lock cottages with residents, that operate the locks for those who use it and charge as they used to. This will give a semi or retired person a party time job in a fabulous location and a service for the tourism experience of canal holiday. Lots of people would not want to operate the gates so bring back the novelty and make money from our great history. You could even use the shire horses to pull the work bist which is cheaper and authentic and environmentally friendly. Plus international travellers would be excited to see the real mode of how they operated whilst in holiday. The manure from the horses is also a great free resource that can generate income. There's so many pubs and places that can be used by the travellers.

[@BEVERLEYBROOK-ix9mb]

Hi David, we live in New Zealand and do not have canals as such, it is wonderful to watch your videos and the history. You always give a great commentary.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@raymaulder7383]

Brilliant David, just like here in New Zealand as with the UK, the country would not manage well at all without the dedicated volunteers. Thanks David.

[@ericlacefield4628]

This channel keeps getting better and better keep up the good work, David

[@PeterfromQld]

Brilliant work as usual David, what a great project they have going.

[@pamelajohnson9260]

If I lived in the area I’d be there in a heartbeat. Great project.

[@christineprice5463]

Very nice, David!

[@sonnie6210]

Other than Netherlands, we have the most extensive canal system that makes it a unique holiday experience for tourism. The government can enable this reinstatement to give jobs, business and more income.

[@brianlopez8855]

Good to see the team are going to be providing us with a place for our shopping trollies.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😡😡😡

[@t1n4444]

😂😂😂😂 There again perhaps orphan trollies can be "harvested" and sold for scrap. If work done by volunteers then apart from very essential costs of tea and biscuits then some sort of profit is assured. During "works to" on my yard/moorings a metal recycling outfit left a small skip for the unwanted scrap found during said "works to" and anyone to fill up with the usual scrap we keep on our boats/moorings for absolutely no good reason whatsoever other than it might come in useful one day. They collected every week for some time. We only had to take scrap a few hundred yards in the boot or barrow, job done. Always look on the bright side, money can be found everywhere even if not obvious at first sight.

[@missmanners7644]

We currently pull them out and give them back to the supermarket. They are a bit pongy and worse for wear though 😂 Nikyla Grantham Canal Society Committee Member