Stories from the Bridge to the Locks

The inspiration developed during the first UK lockdown in March 2020, through daily walks with my daughter – which quickly became a non-negotiable. Blessed with the Peak Forest Canal just a stone’s throw from the house, she would ask each day; “Daddy can we go for a walk on the canal”? ​ During these walks, in conversations with others, I heard that many were discovering a newfound appreciation for this valuable facility on their doorstep. However, what was also apparent was a community suddenly kept apart; a polite ‘hello’ from a distance was now as close as they came. One woman acknowledged “It’s so hard, isn’t it?” as she wanted to engage more as we passed, and felt rude not to stop and chat. ​ Whilst COVID has brought out the empathy and compassion in all of us, and a focus on what matters to us (often the simple and free things), it also introduced a barrier to the stories and experiences of those in the community; the fascinating and emotional stories of those living on canal boats, running, cycling, or taking a gentle stroll. This felt like the perfect time to capture and represent these stories that sat directly behind my garden wall. Until now, for the wider community, the canal is considered part of the journey, not the destination. Even in such a short stretch of canal, there is so much interest and diversity amongst its users, but their stories aren’t told or shared. It’s part of the social fabric of the area, but uncelebrated. I aim to honour the space itself