Information for Volunteers

Camaraderie, Achievement & Fun

Since the 1970’s to the present day volunteers have undertaken many activities along the line of the Cotswold Canals. These include fund raising, operating trip boats, towpath tidying, clearance, construction and maintenance work.

Volunteers often speak of the new friendships, fun and sense of achievement they enjoy. They also comment on the benefits of ‘healthy exercise with a purpose’.

New volunteers are always welcome!

Canal work parties take place during the week and most weekends. In addition there are Depots based at Eastington, near Stonehouse, serving the Western part of the canal and at Latton, near Cirencester, serving the Eastern area of operations.

When & Where

Mondays & Wednesdays from 09:00: Maintenance activity at Western Depot

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 09:00: Maintenance activity at Eastern Depot

Thursdays from 10:00 - 15:30: Volunteer taster sessions (towpath clearance) aimed at people new to volunteering; meet at Visitor Centre - Wallbridge Lock, Stroud. CCT members also welcome.

A wide range of maintenance, construction and other duties are carried out at the Eastern & Western Depots. 

These can include precision engineering, wood working, painting, and equipment repairs.

It's not all muddy boots & sweaty brows

The Trust also has a commercial arm.

CCT (Trading) Ltd. operates the Heritage Centre at Saul, the Visitor Centre at Wallbridge Lock in Stroud, Trip Boat operations and a Sales & Promotions Roadshow.

More information about what is being undertaken where can be found on the Connect website Message Boards.

Connect

Connect is an online system that does exactly what the word suggests… it connects the work force to the work to be done. Registration is easy...

• First, simply register your name and contact details and check the boxes that describe your areas of interest
   
• There is space for you to describe particular skills or qualifications you feel could be of use
   
• Next, the Connect Webmaster will contact you with further information, including details of the Activity & Team Leaders responsible for activities you have shown interest in
   
• The Team Leader will then invite you to come along to an activity or event 

Volunteers Working in a Professional Way

Check out how the Cotswold Canals Trust looks after the welfare of its volunteers and then come along and join in.

Working safely is the governing principle of ALL our work.

Training, planning, personal protection equipment, briefings and debriefs are all important elements of the many restoration and maintenance tasks.

The document that describes this 'governing principle' is The Health & Safety General Intent Statement. Click here to view that statement.

Come along - Join in

Volunteering with the Cotswold Canals Trust can help you to:

• Strengthen your CV - develop your career
• Learn new skills - develop new interests
• Make new friends - help to restore & protect a wonderful waterway

To complete the simple registration process click the icon below to go to the Connect website... we look forward to meeting you.