How To Use A Lock Day: Tinsley

Tinsley Marina is hosting a How To Use A Lock Day on Wednesday 28 October, a workshop for anyone who's ever looked at a canal lock and wondered how the whole thing actually works. It's one of those things that seems simple enough from the bank, but when you're the one standing on the side with the wind in your face and a boat waiting, it's a different story.

If you've spent any time on the Sheffield canals, you've seen them: the heavy wooden gates, the windlasses, and the paddles that let the water in and out. The workshop is designed to take you through that process step by step. You'll get to see how the water levels are managed, how to open and close the gates without fighting them, and how to move a boat through safely. It's a practical session, so you'll be doing it rather than just watching someone else do it.

It's a good fit if you're thinking about getting into boating, or if you've already got a boat and just want to feel more confident when you're the one in charge of the lock. Even if you're just a fan of the waterways, it's a chance to get a proper look at the mechanics that keep the canal system moving.

The session starts at 13:00 at Tinsley Marina, on Lock House Walk in Tinsley, S9 2FN. It's free to attend, so you can just turn up and get stuck in.