11th December 2020
Graham Voss is one of our best known volunteers. He looks after the towpath on the Derbyshire section of the canal, principally between Tapton Lock and Hollingwood Hub. He has been doing this for many years and today he clocked up his 1,000th hour of towpath maintenance.
A single run often takes him several hours because he stops to talk to walkers and cyclists and keeps them informed about the Trust’s activities. He always takes his faithful canine friend Benji in a special carrier on his bike. This provokes lots of interest and amusement.
Graham rides an electric bike that is supplied by Eco Voltz. He has all sorts of equipment carried in various ingenious containers. He collects litter along the canal, though usually there is not much. He also cuts back excessive growth round locks and bywashes, keeps overhanging braches and brambles in check and reports any serious incidents to the Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service Rangers.
Graham also cleans away graffiti if it appears on bridges or other structures along the canal.
Graham is also a volunteer with our Work Party at Staveley, but the hundreds of hours he clocks up there are counted separately. He can often be spotted driving dumpers.
To see Graham’s own Facebook post, click here.
If you would like to join us as a volunteer, click here for further information.
Graham clocked up his 1,000th hour helping in our Information Centre and Shop at Hollingwood Hub. Of course Benji came too!
Graham and Benji with the Eco Voltz bike at our promotional trailer in Chesterfield Market Place.
Graham delivering clay on one of our dumpers.