Before Adam and Chris got together, Adam's love for the UK’s waterways had already taken root. From a young age, he was drawn to the peacefulness, beauty, and history of the canals that crisscross the countryside. That passion led him, at the age of 19, to join the National Trust as a volunteer, where he helped maintain and preserve one of the most picturesque stretches of canal at Newark Lock.
Early Beginnings: A Love for Waterways
Adam's fascination with canals wasn’t just a passing interest. He’d always been captivated by the tranquility they offered, the rich history behind each waterway, and the sense of connection they provided to the countryside. It was no surprise when he sought out ways to get involved and give back to the very places that had inspired him.
Volunteering at Newark Lock
At 19, Adam joined the National Trust’s volunteering group, dedicating his weekends to working along the canal at Newark Lock. His work primarily focused on maintaining the canal’s towpaths and keeping the area clear of overgrown bushes and debris. Armed with clippers and a strong sense of purpose, he’d spend hours clearing the brush and ensuring that the towpaths remained accessible for walkers and boaters alike.
What might have seemed like hard, thankless work to some became a source of joy and fulfillment for Adam. Each cleared path, each lock maintained, felt like a small contribution to preserving the beauty of the waterways for future generations. Volunteering gave him a deeper connection to the canals, reinforcing his love for the waterways and the people who use them.
The Community of Volunteers
Working with the National Trust also introduced Adam to a community of like-minded individuals. The camaraderie he found among the volunteers was something he cherished. Each person brought their own reasons for being there, whether they were canal enthusiasts like Adam or just locals who wanted to give back. The shared experience of working on the canal fostered friendships, as they swapped stories, shared their appreciation for the waterways, and worked towards a common goal.
A Lasting Impact
Looking back, Adam’s time volunteering at Newark Lock not only deepened his affection for the canals but also helped him develop a strong sense of responsibility towards preserving natural and historical spaces. His experiences there were formative, laying the groundwork for many future adventures along the UK’s waterways.
Even now, after years of boating together and exploring different canals, Adam’s connection to Newark Lock remains special. It was a time when his love for the waterways went beyond admiration and turned into action—a time when he made a lasting impact on a place that had long captured his heart.