A 71-year-old man spent over 1,000 hours restoring a historic canal in England, helping reconnect it to the River Thames.

A 71-year-old former carpenter from Melksham, David Peatfield, has dedicated over 1,000 hours to restoring the historic Wilts & Berks Canal through the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, helping rebuild 19th-century structures at Pewsham Locks. The trust aims to reconnect the canal from Melksham to Cricklade, eventually linking to the River Thames near Abingdon, passing through towns like Chippenham, Calne, and Swindon. Peatfield, inspired by a volunteer appeal, now assists with roofing, solar panel installation, and sponsored tile projects. The effort, involving volunteers with diverse skills, seeks more help in bricklaying, engineering, project management, and fundraising.