As we look back on an extraordinary year for the Trust, we’re delighted to share some special messages from our patrons. Their reflections capture the pride, progress, and community spirit that have shaped our work throughout 2025, and offer heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, supporters, and partners who continue to drive our restoration forward.
Sir David Suchet CBE
Vice President
As we approach the end of 2025 I want to thank every LHCRT volunteer for your incredible hard work in restoring the canals. It’s been a hugely successful year with significant progress made on the Lichfield Canal, topped off by much deserved recognition with the Beacon Award.
Thanks to all members, funders, donors and supporters who, together, are making such a positive difference for the community.
Robbie Cumming
Patron
As someone who makes a programme about canal history (ok, and what I find wrapped around my propeller) I can tell you firsthand – without you, myself and thousands of other boaters would not be able to enjoy the canals as they are today. Ok, maybe enjoy is a little much when it’s the tenth time in half an hour going down the weed hatch – but you get the point. On many of the canals I have travelled along this year, it seems they have one thing in common. People – just like you volunteers – who were not only generous enough in their time and effort, but had the vision to see what could be, not what was left in ruins. Doing something about it rather than just moan about how bad it’s gotten. I’m in awe, of you LHCRT volunteers, and the thousands of hours you’ve put in throughout 2025.
So a huge shout out to everyone involved in front line construction, operations, green and grounds volunteers. As well as those behind the scenes managing comms, events, finance, governance, grants, land, maintenance, marketing, planning, technical and more besides. You should be feeling so proud – keep up the good work and best of luck in 2026!
I also have a little thank you for the LHCRT members who provided invaluable support of the restoration over the last year. Your subscriptions, donations and attendance at events have contributed to fantastic progress in 2025. The combined efforts of the volunteers have again extended the Lichfield Canal and we can look forward to seeing more of it in water before too long.
Membership has grown again this year, which is fantastic and shows how momentum is building on the support of founder and longstanding members. Together you’re an important part of funding the creation of a fantastic community asset for generations to come.
Very best wishes for the new year and keep cranking!
Chris Coburn MBE
Patron
It is impossible to put into only a few words admiration that does justice to the LHCRT volunteers. How easy it would have been, back in the day to get the ball rolling, when what is being achieved now was just a vision in Eric’s mind. Feasibility of the project proven by subsequent volunteers’ efforts and persistence, seen with foresight, would have been a gift from Heaven. The fight with Government was such that when won there was actually exhaustion and little energy for celebration, simply relief that crossing of the M6 Toll would happen. Such a pleasure today that every new success along the way to reaching our destination is celebrated. And so you who press this wonderful project forward are the engine within LHCRT. The joy with every move forward multiplies the energy generated. Tamworth Road in water soon, for all to see. The benefits in and around Lichfield to become obvious. “Well done” are insignificant words of congratulations.
Thank you too to the members! Without members we wouldn’t have the bulk of support and appreciation organisations such as ours need. Fundraising is all important and while the hands-on success comes from the volunteer engine, that work does need fuel! Members are essential to support the incredible success of LHCRT fundraising. No organisation is seen to be serious without numbers of members, and better still members from around the globe. I am not from the Midlands – that gave us clout in early days to highlight what the benefits of a successful L&H restoration would be to the national waterways system as a whole and in particular to many less well off quarters.
2025 has been a great success story and Tamworth Road in water soon is so exciting! Please keep up your support and have a wonderful Christmas.
