The Trust has its own channel with updates; I won't go back until a few years have passed as restorations are a very slow process and essentially the story would remain the same for a long while. I'll return once there's been substantial changes that make a worthwhile "then and now" comparison.
@@LHCRT came back to see this amazing video again. I wondered what the progress was, saw this comment and instantly subscribed. Great work over at Lichfield!
David, this video is what separates you from the other narrowboat channels, and typifies the difference between those who are just "doing their own thing", and one who also contributes as a productive member of the floating citizenry. Well done! 👍
This is bloody incredible! The sheer human endeavour is as great this time around, as in the 1700's, with just wheelbarrows and shovels. I am particularly interested in the original brickwork, it would have been made by hand. I did this job at Godlingston Swanage for 18yrs and personally made 3 million bricks with my bare hands, with a drop of sweat running from my brow, down the bridge of my nose, onto each freshly struck suface of each brick during the Summer and Autumn's , each year. I am immensely proud of these people's dream .
As an American, I watched this wonderfully educational vlog while thinking how this is so different from the USA. Firstly, the cost would be 40 billion with overage. Secondly, the volunteer status would be completely foreign; when some corporation could make lots of money gouging the government. I truly enjoy living vicariously through your eyes. Keep up the great work. 🥰
Unfortunately, I fully agree. Here on the left side of the Pond we seem to have lost the ability (at least on a large scale) to preserve or restore our history for the sake of anything other than profit. One of the most impressive points made in this video is that even those portions of the canal not yet under restoration (or even purchased from their current owners) are protected... I'm fairly confident that if his was here in the U.S., almost the entirety of the original canal would have long ago been paved over or become a shopping center. Bravo to our friends across the Pond!
To put history into perspective, this canal was hand dug and in use around the same time my country, Australia had just been discovered with small settlements at Port Jackson. Truly amazing.
You are a tremendous voice for the canals, and what they potentially mean to the future of Britain. You are an unbiased reporter of fact as a fundamental principle of your journalistic endeavor. You are a friend to the canals, the narrowboats, and the narrowboaters who represent such an important part of the British culture. I feel your attraction to being a central player to the success of this project; it desperately needs to be publicized. Do that. And enjoy the cut, for us all.
How can people not like this, another section of canal to stroll along on summer days, picnics, dog walks, cycling, canoeing even, seems like the only good thing happening so far, keep up the good work
Bloody hell! From a delightfully meandering vlog (and sometimes not-a-vlog) about life on the cut to suddenly ITV/BBC pro telly standard segment. Your professionalism shows - bone dry, cucumber cool, down to earth TV professionalism! Impressed!
You Brits are fantastic, I almost want to go live on a canal Boat. I actually have a choice for my retirement; Canal Boat, Sail Boat or go to southern Missouri to live in the country along a small stream. But I am going to visit England, Ireland and Scotland for my vacation.
Much as I enjoy your "regular" vlogs David, I have to say that this was probably one of the more fascinating ones. What a fantastic (and fascinating !) project - I really hope they manage to complete it.
I absolutely admire all the individuals volunteering to rebuild the canal immensely. It is quintessentially English to maintain the past or rebuild it. Absolutely marvellous!
Being an American, I am absolutely fascinated with the English canal system and the idea of living on a narrow boat and "cruising the cut". Seems like a wonderful lifestyle. If anything is worth restoring it's things like these canals, it's is part of the English culture and contributes. much to the charm of the country. I, myself can't think of a better way to retire. Maybe one day ?
Just remember, it wont be Sun shining everyday, maintenance, fees, Winter, not trying to put you off, I was around this stuff from 1974- 1985, hire one long term first. IMO.
@@CruisingTheCut Money poorly spent. Why aren't the water authority (who will just walk in and claim it once finished) footing any of the bill? I'm an ex canal volunteer and I've seen first hand what the main objective is ....
I don't get why some people here are negative about this project, it looks like a lovely cause and the fact that people volunteer for this kind of thing says a lot about the community. Hope it still in progress with all the covid 19 crisis.
I love it when people care enough about something to restore it. Whether it's an old steam train line or a race track or canal. Hats off to them for getting stuck in. I hope it's going well nearly a year later. Thanks for the vid.
Me too. These things were damned hard work with just spades and manual work when they were originally built and I think we should respect that by maintaining them. I get concerned by the tumbled down dry stone walls over the hills and moorlands in Wales, Yorkshire etc.
Harry Ward I think it’s a amazing system. These canals have been around for a long time and still used today. How many countries have a canal system like this? It would be cool if the U.S. has a system like this all over the country, but I would assume it would get trashed by a lot of people.
David what a superb job you do certainly shows your journalistic flair.... Those excavations are superb reminds me of digging out channels for the M1 before I drove on it for the first time.... They wouldn't have had JCBs then... but how they would have marvelled at these machines.... And yes these would have been the motorways of the time.... plus railways of course.... Damn good job David you are a star!!!
i would like to say that i think this has got to be one of your best and most interesting postings to date. i have now subscribed, thanks again, regards Jakob....
I have donated to this project, thanks to seeing this video. With half a million views so far, I believe that many others would also have donated too. Well done for a top class video.
I have recently moved into Lichfield and very quickly become interested in the canal. I take frequent walks along it seeing progress. I always wondered about the crossing of the main road by the railway and am glad that someone had the foresight to have the tunnel put in place. You're all doing an excellent job 👍👏👍
I watch this vlog with curiosity. Although I can't understand everything because of the language barrier (I have to translate some words), I really like it. Greetings from Poland.
Savannah Georgia, USA, we have the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society that is preserving the canal that used to take barged goods from the Ogeechee River to the Savannah River where the port is. Hasn't always been easy, but its a nice resource, mostly rural area with beautiful views, walking trails, and wildlife.
The canal system is such a brilliant resource and piece of infrastructure. It's wonderful that some filled in parts are being restored. Wish the US had something similar.
Dear Sir! I really enjoy your combination of vlog types, from the traditional travel while vlogging, to the hour or two of nature sounds filming, no vocals, to this special report on issues re canals. All so informative, interesting, & enjoyable! Well done, as per usual! Bravo!
Incredible to have such a huge civil engineering project being done by volunteers, my hat off to everyone of them. What a way to keep the cost down. There has been no results posted over the lottery saying yes or no. I hope they approve the funds they are asked for.
After watching this I wanted to get up on the table and start waving my union jack flag out of pride and yell at passers by to watch this video whilst telling them that "this is us, this is what we can do". Excellent video and very informative and a big round of applause to all those anonymous volunteers beavering away to preserve our common heritage. Ill definitely be sending the trust a few quid.
What a marvellous project and how fantastic of you to publicize it, David. We’re going right over to the link to donate. We can only imagine how amazing it will be to one day cruise this historic section of canal.
As a kiwi I’m absolutely fascinated with the UK🇬🇧 canal systems, I watch every blog I can find on people who live and travel these waterways in their canal boats and all documentary’s on the history and restoration projects… I wish I had £40m to donate as my dream is to one day visit the UK and travel all her canals… I love UK history and find the place truly magical🇬🇧🇳🇿
Outstanding report on this project. I am learning so much about the UK that I never knew before I recently discovered the UK canal system. It is wonderful to be learning the history not commonly known to someone has not studied that kind of history of other countries.
I nominate you as my low key hero of the day, Id love the entire network to be rebuilt, ideally with a new branch going past the back garden, granted the neighbours will have to move, but still, I like to think in its own small way, your contribution takes me a step closer to my deluded dream.
One, as an American, I am amazed at the attempt to restore a past. I can't believe what we have done with our rail road right of ways... Two, is the community efforts to get these things done with many different parts of society involved. Three is the focus and four is the forward thinking. Knowing a roundabout was going to be built, anticipating it and building a tunnel in advance by a decade. That is not the way we do things here. Thinking ahead is anathema to how America does things. We are as I call it, all tactical all the time. My though is that it relates to our "youth" on the world stage and how we had to do everything from scratch as we pioneered our continent. Irrespective, wow.
What an incredible undertaking by volunteers. I love the word ‘ gongoozler’ too. Who knew there was such a title for idle spectators?. I am most impressed with the whole reconstruction, and would love to, one day maybe, cruise through the canal and give the gongoozlers a cheery wave.
Beautiful vlog. I am a dutch civil engineer and it never ceases to amaze me how narrow and shallow those brittish canals are. Here on the continent the smallest commercial barge measures 40x5x2 m. You could float several narrow boats in its hold with ease.
Hi Peter. These canals were constructed in the 18th century using primitive tools and manpower. One of the biggest problems constructors had was water supply. Constantly changing contours meant locks, and many, this used up lots of water and the summit pounds could run out so water conservation was a major issue, so the canals and locks were narrow. Another reason was that our country is small and journeys short unlike the Netherlands whose canals connected to a continental system of navigable rivers and waterways requiring much larger vessels. Finally it also came down to money, narrow canals were cheaper.
This is fantastic. As Australians we have revisited England and her canal systems several times and have always thoroughly enjoyed our canal boat voyages. Indeed my Grandmother in 1907 with her sisters went to the little school at the top of the Tardebigge locks! Their names are still in the School registrar. Rebuilding this canal I think will greatly help the Birmingham navigations and possibly the water supply issue. It so wonderful to see such vision. All the best.
What determination and spirit! I salute you all. My dream is to travel England as much as possible by it's canals. You will also do so much for nature, attracting a lot of aquatic life. My prayers for you all, from India.
When I was in England I thought the canals were incredibly beautiful. I’m happy to see the Country feels so strongly about their heritage. It’s just the sort of thing that attracts travelers like myself.Fantastic !
I wish that the US would do this for our NY and Erie Canal systems. We need leadership who sees value in the water ways such as the Soo locks, and the Mississippi river system.
Very well researched vlog David, I was aware of the restoration and crused past it earlier this year. It's good to actually see and listen to the people involved and view the progress they've made rather than scratch around for the info online. I will now keep one eye on this project and look to donate.
canals were dug by hand by "Navies". , Irish men who specialised in digging. the average Navi could dig out 3 ton in a 12 hour shift.love the fact that the canals are being used & restored. it's a great tribute too those men that the canals they dug are still being used & appreciated 150+ years later
Bloody brilliant! Your vlog needs to get on the BBC to gain support for this amazing project. Very, vey interesting. Why is not the government stepping in to fund these projects, think of the jobs and the pride in ones country it would generate. A grand job lad, give yourself a cheese butty.
A very commendable project that benefits the local community as well as future boating traffic, so well done to all those involved and ignore the negative comments
Great and professional video and shows English people at their best. Restores my faith in the ability of our people and our underlying good nature and willingness to make things better - gives me hope that we can return to this after the horrid brexit stuff & the division it is causing. Don’t worry about the funding, you will get there. With volunteers, local authority support and lottery funding, the benefits to the local economy, the proven competence & delivery of the team the money will continue to come it. Time and patience. I wish I lived closer as I’d come and volunteer. Amazing job!
All donations are welcome, I'm sure, but if you can afford to fly from Australia to the UK regularly, maybe you could afford to donate just a little more than £10? Don't take this the wrong way, please, I'm not criticising, just gently suggesting in the friendliest possible way. I live a long way from the Midlands (although in the UK), but I donated a few hundred spread over two years.
Goodluck to all the volunteers in this project! What a lovely way to 'give something back' you can all tell some great stories and boast about the work you put into this! your grandkids and indeed kids will be proud! well done!
Truly jaw dropping. To see they thought ahead in putting in culvert when anew road was built. I had not head of this project before, and I live down the road in Brownhills, so well done in getting this some attention. I take my hat to every single person who has lifted a finger for this project, not only are they giving back our heritage, but the leisure, health and well being for many people for years to come. I hope all your names are etched on plaque at the end of this and your names go down in history forever. I travelled the canals in my youth on my parents narrow boat, and I am fortunate enough to live by the canal now. I I look out and see people enjoying it, we have swans, ducks, geese and it gives you a good sense of well being. Just a note the Brownhills canal festival was reinstated this year, look out for it next year and get a stall here to raise awareness and funds.National Lottery get your cheque book out, and good luck to you all. I will pop by soon.
Hi. We were at the Brownhills festival this year. It was brilliant. Are you on any other social media? Please follow us, if you are. (We quite often get a mention by BrornhillsBob too.)
Thank you David for your wonderful vlog and for so eloquently talking about the work of the trust. I do hope you also enjoyed your visit to our “secret” city.
Wonderful restoration reminding us of our history and looking forward to the pubs and mooring spots for tourists renting boats this will be a money maker for the local communities the restored canal passes through.
I have been following the restoration of the canal from Stroud to Saul Junction and the dedication and work ethic of the volunteers is most commendable!
This all gives me hope for the Chesterfield Canal, of which there are 5 miles left to finish. They'll need to make 17 new locks where once there were none, but they're getting there slowly. That, in turn, is an improvement over 3 years ago when they had 8 miles to go and HS2 were just ignoring their requests for bridge heights.
i’m in Australia and love this channel . in my opinion the best of the canal boat channels. like mini docos each and every issue . keep up the good work !
I came across this by chance and use to go to Lichfield all the time until last month. I'd pass by the canal near the Esso station on London road and always said that's a dried up canal or filled in. Glad to see such good work going on along there. As I have no need to travel to Lichfield anymore, I'll pop by once in a while to see how it progresses. Wishing all the success to those involved for a great piece of English history.
As a fan of the canals from America, I sincerely am so happy to see them working on new(old) canals. I thought what was done was done and there was no new work being done.
So much admiration for all of those volunteers, many of which will never seen the completion of the project, and great love for those that appreciate their history and want to restore it into a working canal for the rest of the world to enjoy.
I'm sure there are some folk who spend their days disliking all and any videos (probably without watching them) simply because they get a thrill from seeing the 'dislike' count increase by one...sad people.
Another excellent and interesting vlog. It’s a real shame that parts of the canal were shut down. Crazy times. It’s great to see volunteers reopening new sections.
Thank you for this vlog, a very interesting insight into the work done by the volunteers. I have to take my hat off to them, a huge undertaking, one I wouldn't have thought possible with only a volunteer workforce. I hope their dreams come true and we see you cruising this cut in a few years. Wow..wouldn't that be wonderful.
It is incredible the amount of work you have have done with volunteers. Keep at it secure your heritage and in return you will procure family fun and nature walks enhancing everyone’s life.
Could we have an update?
The Trust has its own channel with updates; I won't go back until a few years have passed as restorations are a very slow process and essentially the story would remain the same for a long while. I'll return once there's been substantial changes that make a worthwhile "then and now" comparison.
Please do subscribe to our channel.
@@LHCRT Done! :-)
@@LHCRT done👍👍
@@LHCRT came back to see this amazing video again. I wondered what the progress was, saw this comment and instantly subscribed. Great work over at Lichfield!
David, this video is what separates you from the other narrowboat channels, and typifies the difference between those who are just "doing their own thing", and one who also contributes as a productive member of the floating citizenry. Well done! 👍
Thank you!
He is awesome!
@@LHCRT Yes he is !
Cheers, David!
What Gilbert Franklin said, David. You write the best information and explanations.
This is bloody incredible! The sheer human endeavour is as great this time around, as in the 1700's, with just wheelbarrows and shovels.
I am particularly interested in the original brickwork, it would have been made by hand. I did this job at Godlingston Swanage for 18yrs and personally made 3 million bricks with my bare hands, with a drop of sweat running from my brow, down the bridge of my nose, onto each freshly struck suface of each brick during the Summer and Autumn's , each year. I am immensely proud of these people's dream .
Thank you.
Never in my life did I imagine they would be building more canals in England! This is going to be awesome
Thank you.
As an American, I watched this wonderfully educational vlog while thinking how this is so different from the USA. Firstly, the cost would be 40 billion with overage. Secondly, the volunteer status would be completely foreign; when some corporation could make lots of money gouging the government. I truly enjoy living vicariously through your eyes. Keep up the great work. 🥰
Unfortunately, I fully agree. Here on the left side of the Pond we seem to have lost the ability (at least on a large scale) to preserve or restore our history for the sake of anything other than profit. One of the most impressive points made in this video is that even those portions of the canal not yet under restoration (or even purchased from their current owners) are protected... I'm fairly confident that if his was here in the U.S., almost the entirety of the original canal would have long ago been paved over or become a shopping center. Bravo to our friends across the Pond!
I admire this crowd - cheerfully tackling a seemingly impossible task - good luck to them.
Thank you!
To put history into perspective, this canal was hand dug and in use around the same time my country, Australia had just been discovered with small settlements at Port Jackson. Truly amazing.
Thank you.
David that was excellent your professionalism shines through.
Your BBC experience is showing :-) Well done
These old canal waterways are real gems of our early transport system, well done guys.great job.
I can see you going back to your old job. Your style is just perfect, interesting documentary. Thank you.
Wow. Your journalistic experience really comes to fore in the production of this one. It's TV worthy. Nice work 😁
You are a tremendous voice for the canals, and what they potentially mean to the future of Britain. You are an unbiased reporter of fact as a fundamental principle of your journalistic endeavor. You are a friend to the canals, the narrowboats, and the narrowboaters who represent such an important part of the British culture. I feel your attraction to being a central player to the success of this project; it desperately needs to be publicized. Do that. And enjoy the cut, for us all.
Crikey. Thank you :-)
Well said 👍
How can people not like this, another section of canal to stroll along on summer days, picnics, dog walks, cycling, canoeing even, seems like the only good thing happening so far, keep up the good work
Thank you.
Bloody hell! From a delightfully meandering vlog (and sometimes not-a-vlog) about life on the cut to suddenly ITV/BBC pro telly standard segment.
Your professionalism shows - bone dry, cucumber cool, down to earth TV professionalism! Impressed!
Haha thank you :-)
You Brits are fantastic, I almost want to go live on a canal Boat. I actually have a choice for my retirement; Canal Boat, Sail Boat or go to southern Missouri to live in the country along a small stream. But I am going to visit England, Ireland and Scotland for my vacation.
Much as I enjoy your "regular" vlogs David, I have to say that this was probably one of the more fascinating ones. What a fantastic (and fascinating !) project - I really hope they manage to complete it.
Thank you. We will! 😊
I absolutely admire all the individuals volunteering to rebuild the canal immensely. It is quintessentially English to maintain the past or rebuild it. Absolutely marvellous!
Thank you! 😊
Being an American, I am absolutely fascinated with the English canal system and the idea of living on a narrow boat and "cruising the cut". Seems like a wonderful lifestyle. If anything is worth restoring it's things like these canals, it's is part of the English culture and contributes. much to the charm of the country. I, myself can't think of a better way to retire. Maybe one day ?
Agreed with you!.. this is awesome.. I live in Missouri..
Just remember, it wont be Sun shining everyday, maintenance, fees, Winter, not trying to put you off, I was around this stuff from 1974- 1985, hire one long term first. IMO.
@@markholroyde9412 I'm sure they are aware that to do something involves cost and that weather exist.
I lived on a narrowboat for 3 years its a wonderful life. You should come and holiday on one. I met lots of Americas holidaying on the canal system
The quality of your documentaries is amazing. Eat your heart out, BBC.
How fantastic to think volunteers are doing all that works. Also your reporting skills are has expected fist rate.
Well done, I will donate £40. Xx
That's a great donation!
Thank you !
@@CruisingTheCut Money poorly spent. Why aren't the water authority (who will just walk in and claim it once finished) footing any of the bill? I'm an ex canal volunteer and I've seen first hand what the main objective is ....
I live in Florida and its my life goal to become the Governor of Florida and build so many Canals, Florida will be the new Venice.
More miles of Canal in Birmingham alone than Venice.
I'm in Clearwater. We got plenty of canals... they just have gators in them.. lol!
I don't get why some people here are negative about this project, it looks like a lovely cause and the fact that people volunteer for this kind of thing says a lot about the community.
Hope it still in progress with all the covid 19 crisis.
We did have to pause during lockdown but we're back in action now.
I love it when people care enough about something to restore it. Whether it's an old steam train line or a race track or canal. Hats off to them for getting stuck in. I hope it's going well nearly a year later. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you.
Me too. These things were damned hard work with just spades and manual work when they were originally built and I think we should respect that by maintaining them. I get concerned by the tumbled down dry stone walls over the hills and moorlands in Wales, Yorkshire etc.
England is such a beautiful country, and the canals are by far one of, if not the, best way to traverse the land.
Harry Ward
I think it’s a amazing system. These canals have been around for a long time and still used today. How many countries have a canal system like this?
It would be cool if the U.S. has a system like this all over the country, but I would assume it would get trashed by a lot of people.
David what a superb job you do certainly shows your journalistic flair....
Those excavations are superb reminds me of digging out channels for the M1 before I drove on it for the first time.... They wouldn't have had JCBs then... but how they would have marvelled at these machines....
And yes these would have been the motorways of the time.... plus railways of course.... Damn good job David you are a star!!!
Thanks David for a fascinating vlog. What a massive task the volunteers have undertaken ! All credit to them.
Thank you.
Excellent camera work and superb editing. Your professionalism shines through.
i would like to say that i think this has got to be one of your best and most interesting postings to date. i have now subscribed, thanks again, regards Jakob....
Thanks!
" You can do anything with money as long as you have plenty of it," Profoundly insightful quote.
From Australia I wish them all the luck and good fortune. A worthy endeavour if ever I've seen one.
Thank you!
Fascinating retracing if the old canal and its locks. Never underestimate the power of a few dedicated people with an idea!
And lots of spades and wheelbarrows...
Thank you.
I have donated to this project, thanks to seeing this video. With half a million views so far, I believe that many others would also have donated too. Well done for a top class video.
Thank you so much!
Brilliant and truly fascinating, a nice little chunk of history and will donate to such a good cause.
Thank you!
How very interesting! Makes you have a new appreciation for those who originally built the canal with no modern equipment!
I have recently moved into Lichfield and very quickly become interested in the canal. I take frequent walks along it seeing progress. I always wondered about the crossing of the main road by the railway and am glad that someone had the foresight to have the tunnel put in place. You're all doing an excellent job 👍👏👍
Cheers, see also my more recent update video on their progress as well as their own social media for regular updates!
I watch this vlog with curiosity. Although I can't understand everything because of the language barrier (I have to translate some words), I really like it. Greetings from Poland.
Savannah Georgia, USA, we have the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society that is preserving the canal that used to take barged goods from the Ogeechee River to the Savannah River where the port is. Hasn't always been easy, but its a nice resource, mostly rural area with beautiful views, walking trails, and wildlife.
The canal system is such a brilliant resource and piece of infrastructure. It's wonderful that some filled in parts are being restored. Wish the US had something similar.
Dear Sir! I really enjoy your combination of vlog types, from the traditional travel while vlogging, to the hour or two of nature sounds filming, no vocals, to this special report on issues re canals. All so informative, interesting, & enjoyable! Well done, as per usual! Bravo!
Thank you
@@CruisingTheCut you are most welcome!
Incredible to have such a huge civil engineering project being done by volunteers, my hat off to everyone of them. What a way to keep the cost down. There has been no results posted over the lottery saying yes or no. I hope they approve the funds they are asked for.
We're still waiting. Fingers crossed.
After watching this I wanted to get up on the table and start waving my union jack flag out of pride and yell at passers by to watch this video whilst telling them that "this is us, this is what we can do". Excellent video and very informative and a big round of applause to all those anonymous volunteers beavering away to preserve our common heritage. Ill definitely be sending the trust a few quid.
Thank you.
I live in the US and will try make a donation. Anybody who works for free deserves to be awarded.
Thanks Derrick! I've replied to your email.
What a marvellous project and how fantastic of you to publicize it, David. We’re going right over to the link to donate. We can only imagine how amazing it will be to one day cruise this historic section of canal.
Bless you, they will be very grateful! Hope you're both well.
Thank you so much!
As a kiwi I’m absolutely fascinated with the UK🇬🇧 canal systems, I watch every blog I can find on people who live and travel these waterways in their canal boats and all documentary’s on the history and restoration projects… I wish I had £40m to donate as my dream is to one day visit the UK and travel all her canals… I love UK history and find the place truly magical🇬🇧🇳🇿
If and when you come over rent a narrow boat out for a week or two, amazing!
And here I am in the Netherlands watching a few brits restore a canal. Very interesting to watch
I absolutely love this. What a great mini documentary.
Outstanding report on this project. I am learning so much about the UK that I never knew before I recently discovered the UK canal system. It is wonderful to be learning the history not commonly known to someone has not studied that kind of history of other countries.
Just donated 100GBP to the trust. Hope they succeed in their restauration😊
Cheers,
I nominate you as my low key hero of the day, Id love the entire network to be rebuilt, ideally with a new branch going past the back garden, granted the neighbours will have to move, but still, I like to think in its own small way, your contribution takes me a step closer to my deluded dream.
David, give this man a heart immediately!!
@Franz Superb, they will be very pleased. Cheers
Thank you so much!
Useful VLOG showing what it takes to make and to restore a canal.
One, as an American, I am amazed at the attempt to restore a past. I can't believe what we have done with our rail road right of ways... Two, is the community efforts to get these things done with many different parts of society involved. Three is the focus and four is the forward thinking. Knowing a roundabout was going to be built, anticipating it and building a tunnel in advance by a decade. That is not the way we do things here. Thinking ahead is anathema to how America does things. We are as I call it, all tactical all the time. My though is that it relates to our "youth" on the world stage and how we had to do everything from scratch as we pioneered our continent. Irrespective, wow.
Just shows you what True Grit is in this country.
What an incredible undertaking by volunteers. I love the word ‘ gongoozler’ too. Who knew there was such a title for idle spectators?. I am most impressed with the whole reconstruction, and would love to, one day maybe, cruise through the canal and give the gongoozlers a cheery wave.
Thank you.
I’m glad people desire to save history. Your children will reap the rewards of your work. I hope donations come in to complete the entire canal.
Thank you!
This is just fantastic! I hope they restore it all, expand the canals ❤
Bravo for the volunteers. We greatly admire your canal engineering legacy, with several examples here in Canada.
Thank you!
Beautiful vlog. I am a dutch civil engineer and it never ceases to amaze me how narrow and shallow those brittish canals are.
Here on the continent the smallest commercial barge measures 40x5x2 m. You could float several narrow boats in its hold with ease.
Hi Peter. These canals were constructed in the 18th century using primitive tools and manpower. One of the biggest problems constructors had was water supply. Constantly changing contours meant locks, and many, this used up lots of water and the summit pounds could run out so water conservation was a major issue, so the canals and locks were narrow. Another reason was that our country is small and journeys short unlike the Netherlands whose canals connected to a continental system of navigable rivers and waterways requiring much larger vessels. Finally it also came down to money, narrow canals were cheaper.
This is fantastic. As Australians we have revisited England and her canal systems several times and have always thoroughly enjoyed our canal boat voyages. Indeed my Grandmother in 1907 with her sisters went to the little school at the top of the Tardebigge locks! Their names are still in the School registrar. Rebuilding this canal I think will greatly help the Birmingham navigations and possibly the water supply issue. It so wonderful to see such vision. All the best.
What determination and spirit! I salute you all. My dream is to travel England as much as possible by it's canals. You will also do so much for nature, attracting a lot of aquatic life. My prayers for you all, from India.
Thank you.
When I was in England I thought the canals were incredibly beautiful. I’m happy to see the Country feels so strongly about their heritage. It’s just the sort of thing that attracts travelers like myself.Fantastic !
Thank you.
This video... I really dig it! ;)
All joking aside, I love seeing history restored, reutilized, and coming back to life like this!
It's amazing what they did under that ruoundabout. Not so much by the tunnel itself, but for the planning and foreseeing they had.
Yes, that was the bit that got me. It shows just how much commitment they had from the start. I have no doubts that they will achieve their goal.
Thank you.
This is what's lovely about England, the restoration of an historical national treasure is largely done by people just mucking in.
Indeed :)
I wish that the US would do this for our NY and Erie Canal systems. We need leadership who sees value in the water ways such as the Soo locks, and the Mississippi river system.
Very well researched vlog David, I was aware of the restoration and crused past it earlier this year. It's good to actually see and listen to the people involved and view the progress they've made rather than scratch around for the info online. I will now keep one eye on this project and look to donate.
Thank you. You can find us on most social media channels to keep up to date on our progress.
canals were dug by hand by "Navies". , Irish men who specialised in digging. the average Navi could dig out 3 ton in a 12 hour shift.love the fact that the canals are being used & restored. it's a great tribute too those men that the canals they dug are still being used & appreciated 150+ years later
Thank you.
Bloody brilliant! Your vlog needs to get on the BBC to gain support for this amazing project. Very, vey interesting. Why is not the government stepping in to fund these
projects, think of the jobs and the pride in ones country it would generate. A grand job lad, give yourself a cheese butty.
I think the Government is currently distracted (but let's not go there)
Many in the government seem to be against pride in the country, unfortunately
Woah, steady, let's not go down that rabbit hole, this is not the place for that discussion; narrowboats and canals only please, no politics.
A very commendable project that benefits the local community as well as future boating traffic, so well done to all those involved and ignore the negative comments
Thank you!
Great and professional video and shows English people at their best. Restores my faith in the ability of our people and our underlying good nature and willingness to make things better - gives me hope that we can return to this after the horrid brexit stuff & the division it is causing.
Don’t worry about the funding, you will get there. With volunteers, local authority support and lottery funding, the benefits to the local economy, the proven competence & delivery of the team the money will continue to come it. Time and patience. I wish I lived closer as I’d come and volunteer. Amazing job!
I just donated £10 to the trust. I hope to visit the canal my next visit to the UK from Australia and see it completed. Great informative video.
Thank you so much!
All donations are welcome, I'm sure, but if you can afford to fly from Australia to the UK regularly, maybe you could afford to donate just a little more than £10? Don't take this the wrong way, please, I'm not criticising, just gently suggesting in the friendliest possible way. I live a long way from the Midlands (although in the UK), but I donated a few hundred spread over two years.
What a fantastic group of people giving their time energy and skills for all future generations to enjoy.
Thank you.
Goodluck to all the volunteers in this project! What a lovely way to 'give something back' you can all tell some great stories and boast about the work you put into this! your grandkids and indeed kids will be proud! well done!
Thank you.
Truly jaw dropping. To see they thought ahead in putting in culvert when anew road was built. I had not head of this project before, and I live down the road in Brownhills, so well done in getting this some attention. I take my hat to every single person who has lifted a finger for this project, not only are they giving back our heritage, but the leisure, health and well being for many people for years to come. I hope all your names are etched on plaque at the end of this and your names go down in history forever. I travelled the canals in my youth on my parents narrow boat, and I am fortunate enough to live by the canal now. I I look out and see people enjoying it, we have swans, ducks, geese and it gives you a good sense of well being. Just a note the Brownhills canal festival was reinstated this year, look out for it next year and get a stall here to raise awareness and funds.National Lottery get your cheque book out, and good luck to you all. I will pop by soon.
Hi. We were at the Brownhills festival this year. It was brilliant. Are you on any other social media? Please follow us, if you are. (We quite often get a mention by BrornhillsBob too.)
Thank you for that history lesson. It was very nice to know.
Happy boating David,
Chris from Missouri
Thank you David for your wonderful vlog and for so eloquently talking about the work of the trust. I do hope you also enjoyed your visit to our “secret” city.
I really like Lichfield!
The work getting done is brilliant and well done to all the volunteers...thanks for sharing
Thank you.
Wonderful restoration reminding us of our history and looking forward to the pubs and mooring spots for tourists renting boats this will be a money maker for the local communities the restored canal passes through.
Thank you.
It is nice to see recent comments from a 6 month old vid. Cheers to Cruising the Cut for the popularity of his well done videos!
It is awesome!
You Brits are wonderfully determined and just a tad whacky, though we from Downunder love you for it!!
John - yes, we have water!
These volunteers really are remarkable people - restoring something very special for future generations!
Thank you.
I have been following the restoration of the canal from Stroud to Saul Junction and the dedication and work ethic of the volunteers is most commendable!
Not too long 'til we've got canals going through roundabouts, too. Except ours will be visible to the cars, not underneath it!
Amazing people and (almost) unbelievable project. I've made a small donation.
Excellent!
Thank you!
This all gives me hope for the Chesterfield Canal, of which there are 5 miles left to finish. They'll need to make 17 new locks where once there were none, but they're getting there slowly. That, in turn, is an improvement over 3 years ago when they had 8 miles to go and HS2 were just ignoring their requests for bridge heights.
Good luck for eventual completion... Shout out here for the Cromford Canal, only couple of hills between us!
Just stumbled across this video. So glad I did. Fascinating. Good luck
i’m in Australia and love this channel . in my opinion the best of the canal boat channels. like mini docos each and every issue . keep up the good work !
I came across this by chance and use to go to Lichfield all the time until last month. I'd pass by the canal near the Esso station on London road and always said that's a dried up canal or filled in. Glad to see such good work going on along there. As I have no need to travel to Lichfield anymore, I'll pop by once in a while to see how it progresses. Wishing all the success to those involved for a great piece of English history.
Thank you.
I have really enjoyed your videos. I’m from North Carolina USA so this is all new to me and extremely informative. Well done.
You should visit the city of Lancaster in Lancashire, England and medieval Lancaster 🏰 castle.
Well done video. I hope you're advertising the canal restoration helps thim out greatly. And it would be nice if BBC would rebroadcast it.
😊
Excellent. Interesting, informative and inspirational. Many thanks, I've made a small donation.
Thank you!
As a fan of the canals from America, I sincerely am so happy to see them working on new(old) canals. I thought what was done was done and there was no new work being done.
So much admiration for all of those volunteers, many of which will never seen the completion of the project, and great love for those that appreciate their history and want to restore it into a working canal for the rest of the world to enjoy.
Thank you!
An interesting vlog from your usual ones... Do more of these.
I wish I could but they take a lot more time and effort than the usual ones. I do them when I can!
Thanks and now, time for a cheese sandwich....
We love all of his vlogs, but we do like this one the best... obviously we're biassed.
When it comes to preserving one’s national heritage, the UK is a country with few peers.
That is so impressive.
Fantastic, well done, can't understand why a few dislike this
I'm sure there are some folk who spend their days disliking all and any videos (probably without watching them) simply because they get a thrill from seeing the 'dislike' count increase by one...sad people.
I am in awe of their enthusiasm and ambition! Thanks for making this video.
Thank you.
Great to see that they are restoring things like this, as a dutchman it really warms my heart seeing this infrastructure being restored!
Thank you!
Another excellent and interesting vlog. It’s a real shame that parts of the canal were shut down. Crazy times. It’s great to see volunteers reopening new sections.
Thank you!
Absolutely fantastic! I hope you get it completed!
Thank you!
Thank you for this vlog, a very interesting insight into the work done by the volunteers. I have to take my hat off to them, a huge undertaking, one I wouldn't have thought possible with only a volunteer workforce. I hope their dreams come true and we see you cruising this cut in a few years. Wow..wouldn't that be wonderful.
Thank you. We'll get there and David can be one of the first to cruise it.
It is incredible the amount of work you have have done with volunteers. Keep at it secure your heritage and in return you will procure family fun and nature walks enhancing everyone’s life.
Thanks David.