in what way our organisations can help. On an individual level more workers are needed for the excellent and dedicated team of volunteers who help on the locks and the surrounding area Canals and Audlem It is hard to disassociate the two! Attending the very positive meeting run by CRT reaffirmed how lucky we are to have this facility but how often do we think of the work and cost involved in keeping everything in order? On a personal basis, Denis and I have had so many benefits, even before we came to live in Audlem, which is one of the reasons we have been involved for a long time. Now that we are no longer boaters, it would be easy to take them for granted. We shouldn't! Most days we take a walk by the canal. We grumble a bit about the mud, but CRT is listening and says that this will be The canal drained for work on the lock gates at Audlem sorted - it has been a very wet [Denis Farmer] winter! Since Christmas it has been a busy time on the canal. CRT and its contractors have replaced eight sets of defective lock gates on the Audlem, Adderley and Tyrley lock flights and replaced or reworked 14 lock ladders in a repair job that has apparently cost £250,000. The ladders are designed to address safety criticisms, giving more toe room behind the ladder which leads more directly to the upper hand rail. (see picture). The scenery on the locks is wonderful - especially for photographers – there is no shortage of pictures in our house. We enjoy the whole village, including the activities and surroundings, but the canal is a bonus and we shouldn’t forget this We have an excellent group of canal volunteers in the village who do a splendid job of keeping the area looking smart and tidy. I also try to do my bit taking a polly' bag with me on my walks to pick up any stray bits of litter. I personally think that nothing spoils the atmosphere of an area as much as litter; one piece seems to spoil things and it breeds! I must admit that I baulk at anything that looks like dog poo and just mutter words like "disgrace". Maybe more disposal bins would help? Janet Farmer
Spring 2016
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