An invitation to craft the future of canals Waterfront loves to introduce you to the custodians of our canals. We met up with Michelle Lund-Conlon, who recently joined us as a lock gate joinery apprentice. And this spring, we look forward to inviting Friends to meet more of the people shaping the future of canals, at a series of events run by our Gifts in Wills team. “I was a primary school teacher,” Michelle explains, “so this was a big career change. My dad and grandad were both very handy, but I’d never even picked up a saw until lockdown brought me home after years teaching and travelling abroad.
I took online and college courses in woodworking and completely fell in love. The chance to join the lock gate workshop here in Wakefield and help protect the future of our canal heritage was the only apprenticeship I wanted. Every gate we build is bespoke as they were all designed at different times by different people. It’s a privilege to learn the history behind each one. “I work with Gaz and Neil who’ve been here 30-40 years,” continues Michelle. “They’ve treated me very well as the first female in the workshop. I’m just one of the gang and I’m proud they chose me to learn their craft. I hope to pass their skills onto somebody else, one day.” Our charity is investing in young apprentices like Michelle today to protect canals long into the future. And a gift in your Will could help develop the next generation of young people who will preserve our heritage too. This spring we look forward to inviting Friends to hear from canal experts at iconic locations such as the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire and our new fish pass on the River Severn in Worcester. If you’re interested in making a gift in your Will to protect our waterways, or in joining us at an event, please contact our legacy officer, Emily Ding to find out more at emily.ding@canalrivertrust.org.uk
“ It feels good that the sustainable oak gates we’re building now will be there for another 25 years. I wish I could put a plaque on each one to say ‘Michelle built that’.” Michelle Lund-Conlon
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canalrivertrust.org.uk/giftsinwills
