Barbara Sharples, Paul Richardson, Tina Jones, Sally Hodnett and John Thomlinson 2024

NORTH WEST

Barbara Sharples 

Barbara has been a Lead Volunteer for many years and was a founder of the Hyndburn Towpath Taskforce. She has created an amazing team of volunteers who perform numerous tasks in their local area. She leads the team on both a personal and professional level and her strength, knowledge and can-do attitude is second to none. Barbara has moved with the times and mastered the use of new systems and taught others to use them as well. She is a great Ambassador for the Trust, creating important local relationships and securing funding for the Trust’s activities. 

YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST

Paul Richardson 

Paul has recently taken up the role of Lead Volunteer on the South Yorkshire Navigation and has been supporting the Trust for 4 years. He is also a Lock Keeper at Thorne Lock, assisting passing boats, cutting the grass, completing general Lock maintenance and caring for the new garden. Paul is dependable and is always ready and willing to help, especially in times when the canal is at risk of flooding by assisting with lowering flood defence gates. He consistently supports the Trust with over 1,000 hours a year and is someone who goes above and beyond for the benefit of the Trust and local community.

EAST MIDLANDS  

Martin Pearce 

Martin brings a wealth of expert skills and knowledge from his professional experience in the engineering and aerospace industry to his role as Lead Volunteer. He has advised on the installation of a new operating system for the River Trent non-tidal locks and uses his technical expertise to anticipate issues and organise corrective works. Martin’s vast knowledge, his integrity and tenacity are invaluable to the team. He has been a positive Ambassador for the Trust and for volunteering and nothing is too much trouble for him. 

WEST MIDLANDS

Tina Jones

Tina has made a massive difference in her role as Lead Volunteer. She produces a monthly newsletter which is informative and provides recognition and appreciation to her team. She has built a team that show tremendous team spirit, with social meet ups and a variety of learning events. Tina is a brilliant advocate for volunteers and gives everyone in her team support and advice. She is a proactive and driven member of the team and has implemented processes for new starters to make sure they are given a comprehensive and supportive induction and that they feel confident in their new role.  

WALES AND SOUTH WEST

Sally Hodnett 

Sally has volunteered for the Trust for over 10 years and contributed over 31,000 hours through her volunteering. She brings her skills and experience as a qualified teacher and extensive local knowledge about the canal to her role. Not only does she lead school and group visits, but she has also helped to develop curriculum-relevant activities and sessions. Sally’s commitment is clear to see, and she has been recognised through feedback from teachers about the excellent quality and relevance of her sessions. Her contribution is outstanding and she has made and continues to make a huge difference to her team. 

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

John Thomlinson 

John has been volunteering for over 11 years and helped the team successfully run many events that would not have been possible without his support. He takes the time to understand each task he is faced with thoroughly and briefs his fellow volunteers on how to approach it safety and efficiently. John consistently goes above and beyond to fit in volunteering around his full-time job and commitments as a carer. His positive outlook has been amplified and created a ripple effect through the team, ensuring every volunteer has a rewarding and enjoyable experience.