“Spooky” in Coed Gwilym Park, Halloween 2021

As we peeped cautiously out of our bedroom windows this morning, we wondered what we had let ourselves in for! The Friends of Coed Gwilym Park, the Clydach Heritage Centre and the Swansea Canal Society had decided to run a “Spooky” Halloween event in the park but the forecast was for torrential rain and howling gales. Nothing daunted, we met at 9:30 in the morning and got stuck in to setting up. Mercifully, the weather was reasonably kind with the foul weather limited to brief outbursts. And the local families turned out in droves – and costumes – to make the day a rip-roaring success.

The Friends of Coed Gwilym Park took charge of catering, offering burgers and hot dogs plus hot and cold drinks, pausing only occasionally to hang on grimly to their gazebos.

The Clydach Heritage Centre organised a fantastic Treasure Hunt in the park. The photo shows the recently installed display unit highlighting the Clydach War Memorial Hospital. A lovely addition to the Centre.

Sue sold craft items made by Canal Society volunteers. A good part of her time was devoted to hanging on to the goodies as the wind tried to scatter them throughout the park.

Here’s a couple of photos of the splendid Halloween costumes. Can anyone guess who is in the skeleton suit?

The Canal Society put canoes and kayaks on the water, with free trips for those in fancy dress. It looks like everyone had great fun, although some of the steering left a lot to be desired.

The day turned out to be a great success. Volunteers from three groups worked hard to run the event and local families had great fun, despite what the weather had to offer. The whole day was a brilliant example of a real community effort. We are already planning the next one!

Thank you everyone, volunteers and visitors alike, for making the day so special, and thank you to parents for permitting the photos to be used.