Fancy a holiday in the countryside for £5 a day? It is possible this summer, foot and mouth permitting, but there is a catch: you will be expected to spend most of the day up to the knees (or higher) in mud and water, working like a 17th Century navvy.
Volunteers are being sought for 20 restoration projects on Britain's canal system by the Water Recovery Group, the national body which coordinates amateur work on the canal system.
As well as simple labouring, there are quite complex tasks involved like re-hanging lock gates or driving dumper trucks and excavators - equipmnent not available to the "navigationeers" who built the system two centuries ago.
The holiday is, officially, free - but volunteers are expected to contribute £5 a day to cover food and accommodation costs. These holidays have built a big reputation for their "after-hours" social life - and nearby pubs have enjoyed a lively trade from volunteers who have built up a mighty thirst in need of quenching.
For more info and a free brochure, phone 01923 - 711-114 or log onto the WRG website:
www.wrg.org.uk
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