Marsh Young Volunteer Award with the Canal & River Trust
This Award is run in partnership with the Canal and River Trust.
The Award recognises 6 young volunteers throughout the UK who have made a valuable contribution to the Canal and River Trust and is an opportunity to thank outstanding volunteers. These volunteers contribute their time and skills which are a huge asset to the organisation.
Nominations for the Award are submitted to the Canal and River Trust and are judged by a panel consisting of Canal and River Trust and MCT representatives.
Adam Kearsley, Antonia Geldard, Cameron Fletcher, George Dunn, and Peter Brookwalker 2024
NORTH WEST
Adam Kearsley
Adam is currently a student at Myerscough College and contacted the Trust directly to become a volunteer. He has shown fantastic commitment to his volunteering role and has fitted in to the Chorley Towpath Taskforce team superbly. Adam picks up tasks extremely well and has developed a number of skills including dry stone walling, towpath repairs, hedge laying and canal lock operation. His commitment has led to a partnership between his College and the Trust to encourage more students to volunteer and promote courses relating to the work of the Canal and River Trust.
YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST
Antonia Geldard
Antonia first joined Selby Towpath Taskforce when she was 15 as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award and continues to support the group twice a week three years later. She has a wonderful ability to get along with everyone, connecting with others on a range of topics from books, films and television to using cloud patterns to predict the weather. She brings so much energy to the group, sharing her perspective and eagerly learning from others. Antonia will soon leave the area to head to university but has been a real asset to the team and made a lasting impact.
EAST MIDLANDS
Cameron Fletcher
Cameron has been fantastic support to the Beeston Towpath Taskforce, carrying out weeding, painting, removal of fly tipping and gardening in the area. He enthusiastically tackles tasks such as digging out the roots of sycamore saplings and the intricate painting of a historic water level gauge. Cameron has been volunteering since April 2023, and the team have seen him go from strength to strength as a valued and hardworking member of the team. He has set an ambition to develop his painting and decorating skills and has continued to volunteer while also working at nearby Beeston Marina.
WEST MIDLANDS
George Dunn
George has been volunteering since 2022 and has shown incredible enthusiasm in taking on a whole range of new experiences to grow his knowledge and confidence. He is now an accomplished and skilled member of the operational team, carrying out preventative maintenance, installing fences, tackling windblown trees and continues to develop his learning, becoming a Helmsperson to operate workboats and support the team even further. He is a fantastic Ambassador for the Trust and has been a great support for festive events, assisting the public and keeping everyone safe.
LONDON AND SOUTH EAST
Peter Brookwalker
Peter started volunteering at Drop-In sessions and quickly established himself in the team, taking on new challenges as part of the Enfield Boat Crew and even training as a Lock Keeper during his exams. Peter is a friendly, engaging and reliable volunteer who encourages everyone. He has turned his skills to everything from learning new computer systems, to supporting the training of new volunteers, developing social media content and practical tasks like painting, graffiti removal and litter and debris removal. Peter enjoys encouraging others to volunteer for the Trust and follow his example.
