There's something in it for everyone!

This is a really fine small organisation. We do excellent work at the moment, and we already benefit a large number of people, young and old. And we're developing more.

We do this under five "projects" or "programmes":

• Education – especially for young children.
• Training – for young people.
• The Rickmansworth Festival, which we organise each year as a service to the Community.
• Attractive amenities on the canal, especially at Batchworth.
• Our historic boat, the restored "Roger".

The Trust is a voluntary organisation. We have one full-time and one part-time member of staff, and everyone else donates their time without charge. Our volunteers take part in a great range of activities, some only one and others several. But we all get the same great feeling of something worthwhile.

Our Mission

We excite and inform people about the heritage and present value of the canals around Rickmansworth, and help them take advantage of that value. 

Our Vision

Our vision is that everyone in Rickmansworth, Three Rivers District and the surrounding areas will know that there is something at Batchworth for them, and are attracted to come and use it.

How we do it

People who are passionate about the waterways develop and offer a range of exciting volunteer-based services at Batchworth Lock, for the residents of Rickmansworth and surrounding areas. We 

• Provide a programme to Schools Groups of young children ("Learning at the Lock").
• Offer other educational and work-experience programmes using our boats.
• Coordinate all the efforts required to present the Festival, under a volunteer Director and staff.
• Operate the Canal Centre as an information centre and small shop, along with other amenities including boat trips.
• We maintain and operate the famous and historic working narrow boat Roger.

So whatever your interest, there is something at Batchworth for you to do, and enjoy doing, for the benefit of all the residents of the area. We've identified a range of roles, some short term, some lasting a few weeks, and some going on indefinitely. Most of them are flexible, so that you can take part when you can.

And we know that we could do more than we do, so we're always open to suggestions as well.

Although we're only small, we're not just "in the margins" - we work closely with some large organisations, and support what they do: Three Rivers District Council, British Waterways and Veolia are the most prominent. Ours is a real, and increasing, contribution. But we do more, especially for our younger supporters:

• We train boat crews and captains in driving "community boats" like ours, and can award nationally-recognised qualifications.
• Our work gives real opportunities to gain experience of a wide range of skills, including first aid and working in a team.
• We can provide validation of time spent volunteering with us, so that it counts to the national scheme "v-inspired".
• We can find a role for people with a wide range of interests and capabilities.
• We will encourage our supporters to be "in charge" of the activities in which they take part.
• And most of all, we hope that this will be both different and fun!

Interested? Want to know more? Come and give it a try. The rewards are clear.

We have plenty of opportunities for you to see what we do, so that you can select the role which best offers what you seek from giving your time, skill and experience.

Many of the roles we've identified are described in the listing below this introduction.

But even if you don't see anything that appeals to you, ask!

Whatever your age, wherever you live: you can make a real contribution to our work!

Most of our volunteers join the Trust as Friends, but that's not essential. You're welcome anyway.

"Join Us"