At their recent AGM the Inland Waterways Association presented David Carter with the Christopher Power Prize. The prize is presented annually in recognition of the person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.
The IWA citation reads “David Carter, Chairman of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, has made a major contribution to the restoration of the Montgomeryshire Canal over many years. For at least nine years, David organised the restoration work parties on the ‘Mont’, helping to bring a long section of the canal back into use as far as Crickheath Basin…. The result was a remarkable volunteer-led restoration effort that saw sections of canal reappear where they had effectively disappeared into farmland. David continues to lead the Society’s enhancement team, helping to maintain and improve the canal around Ellesmere. As Chairman, he also supports volunteers, works with CRT, councils and landowners, and takes on the many less visible jobs that keep the Society moving.”
Commenting after the AGM David said “I was very pleasantly surprised by the award but, of course, it’s the volunteers who should who should really take a bow. They face some very unusual and challenging civil engineering problems, but their hard work, dedication and good humour see the team through every time”.
The award comes with a carved wood trophy of an otter and a cheque for £1000.
Pictured is David receiving the award from IWA National Chair Mike Willis.