343. The plan to deliberately breach a canal, to join it to a town.

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
  • Despite the name of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal, it doesn't actually go through the county town of Stafford so a group of volunteers are now trying to make that happen.
    See their website at stafford-river...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 321

  • @ian1957ruth
    @ian1957ruth 5 місяців тому +334

    That video made me think of the man or woman who plants a tree to provide shade. But knows he or she will never sit in that shade. The world needs more people like these.

    • @SecretSquirrelFun
      @SecretSquirrelFun 5 місяців тому +20

      We all need to be more like these people.

    • @realvargr
      @realvargr 5 місяців тому +12

      Well said!

    • @VanderlyndenJengold
      @VanderlyndenJengold 5 місяців тому +4

      I keep planting trees that I dig out of my allotment. I see an oak or a holly etc and I can't help but pot it on until it gets a final berth. Running out of space now though. I must have planted dozens of the things by now, and I can sit in their shade!

    • @caroleast9636
      @caroleast9636 4 місяці тому +2

      A bunch of squirrels regularly come into my garden. I recently found a small oak sapling sprouting from my lawn! I didn’t plant that, but I guess I know who did. I really don’t want an oak tree in the middle of my relatively small garden.
      I could’ve just thrown it out with the weeds but I’ll find it a more suitable home where hopefully it’ll grow and be enjoyed.

    • @stratocasterblue
      @stratocasterblue 3 місяці тому

      @@caroleast9636 Those oaks have a tap root about 2 feet deep in the ground before you ever see them sprout up above the ground so when they are a foot tall they have at least a 2 or 3 foot deep root thats why they can grow so tall and strong I have been unable to dig any up to transplant they are just too deep.

  • @dazedandconfused698
    @dazedandconfused698 5 місяців тому +192

    These videos are, in themselves, a precious archive of canal life. Thank you.

  • @natureseyemusic
    @natureseyemusic 5 місяців тому +16

    I've messaged them to volunteer as their PR / Comms Officer - all thanks to your video. Hopefully, they will get back to me soon.

  • @nbflyingfox4672
    @nbflyingfox4672 5 місяців тому +8

    Thank you David for another informative and interesting vlog. Well done to all the volunteers old and new for the passion you are putting into this project. I raise my hat to you all.. 😊

  • @charlesfinnlee7127
    @charlesfinnlee7127 5 місяців тому +107

    The UK canal network is truly an amazing thing to me. I have been hooked on this channel since day one and I very much appreciate the time and effort you put forth. If it hadn't been for this channel, I'd have never known that such a thing exists! In America, we would never be able to attempt a task such as this; even with an army of well qualified volunteers and zero expenses to the populace. Nothing can be done without a new tax! Thank you for taking the time and giving a damn. Cheers from Florida.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 місяців тому +15

      Cheers!

    • @smitm108
      @smitm108 5 місяців тому +12

      Exactly. Ditto. & also from Florida. Small World, eh? ….

    • @BidsOutdoorAdventures
      @BidsOutdoorAdventures 5 місяців тому +8

      Another Ditto and another Floridian! Thoroughly enjoy this channel. Modeled my own UA-cam channel after this one!

    • @marieascot
      @marieascot 5 місяців тому +2

      If you visit the UK visit Stafford, it has lots of history and it far more interesting than the Cotswolds or Stonehenge.

  • @andydelarue9344
    @andydelarue9344 5 місяців тому +11

    Morning Dave, you’re got the job, PR man . This is made for you.and you are made for this.

  • @YaaLFH
    @YaaLFH 5 місяців тому +50

    "I don't think any of us that are currently working on it will actually see that happen but that won't stop us trying."
    Hats off, ladies and gentlemen.

  • @dtay345
    @dtay345 5 місяців тому +23

    A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.

  • @mikem201
    @mikem201 5 місяців тому +78

    It's a grand thing you're doing David, bringing awareness to canal projects via your 258K subscribers. 👍

    • @stevetaylor8298
      @stevetaylor8298 5 місяців тому +6

      And to us non-subscribers. This one's in Australia.

  • @EmptyGlass99
    @EmptyGlass99 5 місяців тому +7

    The American (?) volunteer has quickly learned the secret of being a labourer in the UK - gallons of tea.

    • @TomTomicMic
      @TomTomicMic 4 місяці тому

      ......and biscuits for the sugar rush!?!

  • @SirTeabag
    @SirTeabag 5 місяців тому +32

    What an amazing group of people - including the materials donators. Restores my faith in mankind

  • @MaggiePrather
    @MaggiePrather 5 місяців тому +29

    This is what I love about the UK and its people. I was only there once---in 2013--and I absolutely fell in love with it all. These people are amazing and I admire their fortitude and determination to give their time to something they're so compassionate about. Thanks for video, David.

  • @simonbirt6121
    @simonbirt6121 5 місяців тому +7

    This has made my day, what an inspirational group of people.

  • @rosssharp1433
    @rosssharp1433 5 місяців тому +48

    What a splendid triumph for 'volunteerism'! A million £'s worth of achievement at a cost of £25K - stunning. I'll be there to watch the tape cut (I hope). Thank you for this, David

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 місяців тому +8

      I hope so too!

    • @rosssharp9988
      @rosssharp9988 5 місяців тому +4

      @@CruisingTheCut One of these days I'll bore you about the Cromford (and the Pinxton arm, and the Erewash, and the Derby......) Take care!

  • @zapfanzapfan
    @zapfanzapfan 5 місяців тому +5

    Lovely little project. I was gonna say, that'll take some dredging before the river is navigable, good that they have a plan for that.
    And projects like these keep those rowdy pensioners off the street and out of trouble 😉

  • @HydroMaester
    @HydroMaester 5 місяців тому +11

    The amount of volunteers for these types of projects, and the passion is just amazing! We could never get this many people to work together here in the States!

  • @monrezee
    @monrezee 5 місяців тому +41

    New video from David...proper Friday has started.

  • @mldadzgaming3938
    @mldadzgaming3938 5 місяців тому +7

    What a great bunch of people. This video warmed my heart and I hope my kids in the future get to cruise down this new network. They absolutely love the canal systems and the massive amounts of history behind them. Just yesterday we got back from a lovely week on the Birmingham and Worcester canal and did the Droitwich ring as well and a good old cruise up and down the river Severn. It's an amazing way to see the country and I'm saddened it's not in the governments interest to get as much funding as possible into maintaining it all. If you haven't had a canal boat holiday, I suggest you just dive right in and give it a go. Adults and kids absolutely love it.

  • @simonsutherland814
    @simonsutherland814 5 місяців тому +4

    From New Zealand, Excellent as usual

  • @arthuralford
    @arthuralford 5 місяців тому +33

    I'm impressed with how many of these projects there are. Rebuilding sections of canal with volunteers and on a shoestring. It's a community improving the community, over time. Hopefully when it's finally done we'll see the result and remember the people who made it happen

  • @MartinAhlman
    @MartinAhlman 5 місяців тому +16

    What a bunch of lovely people!

  • @mccleod6235
    @mccleod6235 5 місяців тому +4

    Great bunch of lads.

  • @owenrichardson1419
    @owenrichardson1419 5 місяців тому +5

    Great work gentlemen.

  • @HarryP457
    @HarryP457 5 місяців тому +10

    These folks, and those like them up and down the canal network, who give freely of themselves for no personal gain, other than the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile, are truly the salt of the earth. They are national treasures who deserve, but do not ask for, way more credit and recognition than they are given.
    Thank you David for again putting a spotlight on their fantastic work.

  • @janetbayford133
    @janetbayford133 5 місяців тому +10

    It is amazing that there are so many people across the country who give up their time on projects like this, voluntarily. It gives me hope, not only for the canal network but for the future of the country generally. I am humbled.

  • @robsin2810
    @robsin2810 5 місяців тому +4

    Well done David. I wish them well.👍🇦🇺🙏

  • @dennismatthews6660
    @dennismatthews6660 5 місяців тому +5

    Great storytelling. Thank you

  • @sianiswack633
    @sianiswack633 4 місяці тому +1

    That's quite inspiring to see all these people giving their time and energy and skills, and determination to keep building the canal. A thoroughly good thing.

  • @mrben6573
    @mrben6573 5 місяців тому +5

    I love that there are so many of these canal projects ongoing.

  • @consideredwhisper
    @consideredwhisper 5 місяців тому +9

    What a fantastic project. Thank you so much for drawing attention to it. And how beneficial it would be for people doing Community Service or for young offenders to be able to help out there and be part of a team building a better future for the town. Not to mention the mentorship of older chaps like these in the film.

  • @MrLangDog
    @MrLangDog 5 місяців тому +6

    Excellent promotion for the project. I really hope the fella who did most of the talking is still with us when it opens.

    • @johncarmichael8429
      @johncarmichael8429 5 місяців тому +6

      So do I … one of those men talking is my dad!

    • @MrLangDog
      @MrLangDog 5 місяців тому

      @@johncarmichael8429 Awesome!! CHeers from Florida.

  • @zenoelea8239
    @zenoelea8239 5 місяців тому +1

    What a brilliant story, heart lifting in these degenerate times. This project will help many people, mental health, socialising, etc.

  • @Transit_Biker
    @Transit_Biker 5 місяців тому +3

    These folks understand. Be the change. Wonderful video!

  • @OasisTV1000
    @OasisTV1000 5 місяців тому +3

    Excellent video of the volunteer work and dedication of the volunteers!

  • @japrods1
    @japrods1 5 місяців тому +13

    Glad to see that the obligatory bearded man was included. Us beards keep things going!! Doing a great job. Gd luck to them. Thanks. C&Lx

  • @Prism7511
    @Prism7511 5 місяців тому +2

    A lovely video. Its great to see all the canal projects across the country.

  • @mikecrawford7352
    @mikecrawford7352 5 місяців тому +18

    I’m impressed at the volunteers that do some many of the canal projects for free and that the projects run on donations. Everybody gets behind the heritage to improve it. Just so you can float at a walking pace and moor up within a few miles from where you started. I suppose you can’t build faster then you boat. Ah the good life.

  • @derekmills5394
    @derekmills5394 5 місяців тому +2

    The basin in water should give a few permanent moorings that would bring in a modest income to allow the completion of the project.

  • @Santafefrank
    @Santafefrank 5 місяців тому +2

    Thanks David 😊

  • @gordonchapman222
    @gordonchapman222 5 місяців тому +6

    'Deliberately Breach a Canal' That's a provocative title. I hope you'll be back to document it and film the first flow of water into the basin.
    Another fascinating and informative video thanks.
    The volunteers are a special bunch of people

  • @NeverlandSystemZor
    @NeverlandSystemZor 5 місяців тому +3

    This is as cool as "living history"... old history being brought back to life to live again... I LOVE THIS.

  • @dorothydotson7154
    @dorothydotson7154 5 місяців тому +5

    This restoration project is very hopeful since the work is a shorter distance as opposed the the ones where a long stretch is required. The volunteers are amazing.

  • @Fercough
    @Fercough 5 місяців тому +5

    Time, the most precious thing you can give a group like this.

  • @wdhewson
    @wdhewson 4 місяці тому

    I respect the work ethic of those elderly gentlemen............who are my age !!

  • @Simonsboxster
    @Simonsboxster 5 місяців тому +2

    What a lovely story - good luck all!

  • @crfsparky4338
    @crfsparky4338 5 місяців тому +3

    Love the locks name, thank you.

  • @fradoche
    @fradoche 5 місяців тому +4

    I'm always amazed at the dedication from these volunteers. God bless them for that work could not be done without them.

  • @VF-84
    @VF-84 5 місяців тому +4

    A great group of people all for a very good cause. Hats off to you.

  • @captainzeppos
    @captainzeppos 5 місяців тому +3

    Such wonderful people. Each and every one of them is a living example of the perseverance of the human spirit.

  • @kplante7881
    @kplante7881 5 місяців тому +3

    Very ambitious project. Seems proper. Thanks for sharing…!

  • @MortenHjrnevik-ti6sg
    @MortenHjrnevik-ti6sg 5 місяців тому +3

    Brilliant vlog..brilliant content…so love to see restoration of canals. Next must be Bury,Bolton,Manchester…keep them coming,

  • @steveroperfilms
    @steveroperfilms 5 місяців тому +15

    A very worthy project. Cheers to all involved.

  • @alsdouble
    @alsdouble 5 місяців тому +4

    What a great project.

  • @adrianlang6550
    @adrianlang6550 5 місяців тому +2

    Always enjoy these.

  • @christopherbutler7588
    @christopherbutler7588 5 місяців тому +2

    What a marvellous project and all those that help. Hope they manage to get some more funding for this project.😊Thanks for sharing 👍

  • @ascott6804
    @ascott6804 5 місяців тому +4

    Blessings to good deeds!! I'll keep up.

  • @cjbrewer7
    @cjbrewer7 5 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for the update

  • @glencrandall7051
    @glencrandall7051 5 місяців тому +3

    It's terrific to see projects like the. So many rely on the government to do things for them, but these people just charged ahead and did it themselves.🙂🙂

  • @vadmal5210
    @vadmal5210 5 місяців тому +9

    The cut is indeed a living part of history! Great

  • @trapshooter594
    @trapshooter594 5 місяців тому +4

    Brilliant work from everyone, the government should make it easy for groups like this with all the red tape, let’s hope they get the project done in time so those volunteers get to see the project finished.
    I would love to see you back there in your little boat when it’s opened, mind you the last I seen of your boat was you drilling holes in the back and we all can’t wait for the update on that work, let’s hope it doesn’t take as long as that canal 😂

  • @tomokra
    @tomokra 5 місяців тому +5

    I wish I could grow up to be an old man like that first fellow ... don't think I have it in me, but I wish I did.

  • @sysbofh
    @sysbofh 5 місяців тому +8

    Beautiful images. Excellent narration. A soothing back voice, a well constructed history - and a great topic! Yes, a CruisingTheCut video indeed. It really amazes me how he does it: always hit the spot.

  • @londonschoolofwigmaking5793
    @londonschoolofwigmaking5793 4 місяці тому

    Awwww I love it when the canal channels feature Great Haywood, Stafford and Rugeley. My Great Great Grandparents were boat dwellers in Great Haywood. I'm guessing they transported goods along the canals. I was born in Stone (like most people born in that area), and grew up in Rugeley. So I have lots of childhood memories of walking along the canal there.

  • @BoatTime
    @BoatTime 5 місяців тому +3

    Really love that you post and share canal stories and people like this! We love to see it 😊

  • @marieascot
    @marieascot 5 місяців тому +1

    AN excellent video. I am glad you gave exposure to this project. My ancestors were the lock keepers there. I wish I lived locally I would volunteer.

  • @davidjones8680
    @davidjones8680 5 місяців тому +12

    Top job David, another worthy cause brought to the attention of the wider world.

  • @zainalrahiman1532
    @zainalrahiman1532 5 місяців тому +3

    Your videos are therapeutic. Thank you😊

  • @bdh3949
    @bdh3949 5 місяців тому +11

    A worthy effort to keep those old codgers off the streets indeed. 😀

  • @charlesjordan8364
    @charlesjordan8364 5 місяців тому +2

    Thank you David. You're the best. I have learned so much from your vlogs.

  • @jeremymitchell995
    @jeremymitchell995 5 місяців тому

    This work is hugely impressive David...brilliant that you should highlight it so thank you for that and I second the motion of you as their PR guru.

  • @jj8526
    @jj8526 5 місяців тому +6

    Overwhelmed by the tenacity of these wonderful people. They're inspiring. This Vlog should be aired in civics classes (or whatever they're called now) in every school...❤ Well done David..

  • @dustybricks113
    @dustybricks113 5 місяців тому +7

    My city of Tucson is in the middle of the desert, but was founded as a port city via rivers to the ocean. They drained the holding ponds, destroyed the locks, and widened the river and canal system to make the current wash n drainage system. In combination with killing the beavers, it turned a high and mid altitude forest into cactus and shrubs... This was done on purpose to force railroad use instead of barges as well as to starve the native population from 3 million to less than 10 thousand. It also stops Phoenix from flooding as much, allowing to form a city where there use to be a lake.

  • @davidcook380
    @davidcook380 5 місяців тому +3

    Thanks for another wonderful video David

  • @JamesPhieffer
    @JamesPhieffer 5 місяців тому +10

    The older gentleman: "Keep him off the streets".
    "It's 10pm. Do you know where your grandfather is?"
    What an amazing effort. I'd love to see projects like this in Canada.

  • @leedesigner1977
    @leedesigner1977 5 місяців тому +5

    A very worth while and nicely put together video this is, David. Great job. And them volunteers are doing a grand job. Lee

  • @7Cherubim
    @7Cherubim 5 місяців тому +10

    What a truly brilliant idea, and all the best to them. I have to say I don't think you have done a bad video yet. Please keep them coming!

  • @jeffreysmith5018
    @jeffreysmith5018 5 місяців тому +1

    Very cool!

  • @richardfelton4292
    @richardfelton4292 5 місяців тому +7

    Great video, you really are good at telling these stories. Thank you 👍

  • @workingguy-OU812
    @workingguy-OU812 4 місяці тому

    Love this. Please keep covering it. Seems like the coverage, over time, will help popularize it and hopefully help get donations.

  • @nannag5801
    @nannag5801 5 місяців тому +4

    Great video David! It is so nice to see people dedicated to this project! Too bad there are not more young people helping with this! God bless the volunteers!!

  • @Kiwionwing
    @Kiwionwing 5 місяців тому +2

    Wow always amazing and admire the volunteer armies around like this

  • @timothygriffin1062
    @timothygriffin1062 5 місяців тому +4

    David, thanks for this video and letting people know about this very worthy endeavor !

  • @raisedonfm4106
    @raisedonfm4106 5 місяців тому +3

    This video is riveting! How amazing for a community to come together and accomplish so much public good on a mostly volunteer basis. In today’s narcissistic and cruel world, this story gives me such hope and joy. Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • @kevinbushey1879
    @kevinbushey1879 5 місяців тому +2

    Nice

  • @judithmatthews8460
    @judithmatthews8460 5 місяців тому +3

    They also serve who promote the good work!! Thank you for your support to this worthwhile project

  • @rswpt
    @rswpt 5 місяців тому +4

    these gentlemen are doing an outstanding job here

  • @soulewh
    @soulewh 5 місяців тому +4

    Regular updates on this would not only be great for your viewers David, I thoroughly enjoyed this video for one, but would also help them out with that “volunteer publicist”they were talking about lol

  • @Dinki-Di
    @Dinki-Di 5 місяців тому +1

    Well done those volunteers… and lovely to see the os visitor hauling bricks and enjoying tea. ☕️

  • @garylydement5020
    @garylydement5020 5 місяців тому +3

    Good to see things like this to keep the old codgers from running wild in the streets😄

  • @socialmediaavoider
    @socialmediaavoider 5 місяців тому +5

    I’m 5 miles away from this and has no clue it was happening

    • @marieascot
      @marieascot 5 місяців тому

      Well help carry those bricks then.

    • @TheRealBelisariusCawl
      @TheRealBelisariusCawl 5 місяців тому

      Your next post should be about what you’re now doing as a volunteer

  • @danschardein856
    @danschardein856 5 місяців тому

    Had the opportunity to visit Stafford on several occasions during Sister City visits with Stafford Virginia where I worked. Beautiful area and lovely people. Glad to see this important project that will enhance the charm of Stafford even more. Amazing it’s all being accomplished with volunteers.

  • @TonyAbbeyFETraining
    @TonyAbbeyFETraining 5 місяців тому +1

    This is absolutely heart warming. After a week of doom and gloom in the world, this has made my day!

  • @ilox11
    @ilox11 5 місяців тому

    Thanks, David, it is so good to see the little groups at work, all trying to bring the Canal Network back to some of its glory days. Such wonderful volunteers across the network, each doing their little bit for the greater good. They all should be congratulated, and your publicity for these projects is certainly welcomed.

  • @shamsshams20261
    @shamsshams20261 5 місяців тому +6

    If I lived on a narrowboat I would go there and spend 15 days as a volunteer, I consider it almost a duty as a user... And if I could only do one weekend, then only one weekend. They amazing people at work, congratulations. Thank you so much for sharing.

  • @derekmills5394
    @derekmills5394 5 місяців тому +2

    Love to know the hitsory behind that brick wall near the proposed entrance - was it part of the original "Stafford Arm"?

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 місяців тому +2

      Indeed it was! I should probably have mentioned that, oops.

  • @pamelajohnson9260
    @pamelajohnson9260 5 місяців тому +1

    Fabulous project

  • @davidpearson243
    @davidpearson243 5 місяців тому +3

    It makes you be proud to be British

  • @dave_a81
    @dave_a81 5 місяців тому +12

    This is brilliant to see - well done all 😊🎉

  • @cbeuck5024
    @cbeuck5024 5 місяців тому +4

    Hope this vlog encourages people to volunteer. Perhaps a group of locals (new volunteers) could adopt the project? Maybe
    "boaties" could work for a day or two? Jan Adelaide

  • @stephengardiner9867
    @stephengardiner9867 5 місяців тому +3

    It would be great to see a map of the original link and how it compares to the course of the new link. As always it is great to see the canals restored. Those who shut down and even filled in/destroyed some canals never foresaw their recreational potential with modern narrowboats built to order as "caravans on the cut" or even as mobile residences, marinas, support facilities and industries (and PUBS!). The original purpose that sparked their creation has been replaced by a new one. Dowdy old lock keepers cottages are probably selling for a pretty penny nowadays.