Canal king revels in his cruise control

A delighted but shocked John Lund — nominated for passing on local knowledge aboard his cruises down the Huddersfield Canal

One man’s lifelong passion for Oldham and its historic waterways have earned him a Pride in Oldham nomination.

John Lund, (49) first stepped aboard the Pennine Moonraker canal boat in Uppermill 19 years ago when he joined his father-in-law in his Saddleworth Cruises business.

The boating enthusiast has since taken thousands of punters on enchanted cruises to Dobcross, come rain or shine.

He was nominated by Peter Yates, who said: “I’ve lived in Oldham all my life and I only went on the canal trip for the first time a few weeks ago

“John is such a brilliant person in the way he delivers his speech on the boat and gets people interested.

“He really is an unsung hero for the local area.

“He’s done a lot for education by informing people of local history and delivering a unique experience.”

John started working on the canal in 1991, and later went on to buy the business from his father-in-law John Bradbury

Thrilled to have picked up a nomination, he said: “I am absolutely shocked.

“The historical elements of the trips I run are immense and I feel great pride in being able to pass this on to locals young and old.

“People do not realise what we have on our doorsteps. I go to work every day on one of the most beautiful canals in England, in my opinion.”

John, who lives in Springhead, has welcomed a varied bunch of locals aboard his boat in the past two decades, including culture-seeking tourists, MPs during the restoration of the canal and hoards of schoolchildren eagerly setting sail on the Santa specials.

But the business owner has been no stranger to his share of choppy waters.

In 2008 his boat ‘Dizzy’ was declared a complete write-off after it was stolen from the mooring and set on fire by vandals.

John also admits he has had to work hard to keep his business afloat during the recession.

He said: “We have had to work through tough times in the past few years but amid all the unrest you cannot forget that we live in a beautiful part of the country.”

“I’m grateful to the people who have been on the trip and have enjoyed it — I feel really lucky to have my job.

“Each season brings something beautiful and different to offer when you’re working outside.

“It makes you feel alive.”