Quite a cold start to the day today – the first frost of the winter – but nothing could discourage the volunteers. And we were joined by two new recruits, Chris and Jamie. Gill & Annette went to Abercraf to continue their research for the “225 in 2023” celebration. The rest of the volunteers split into two groups that amalgamated in time for tea.
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Painting the wall at the Clydach Canal Centre was completed, making it ready for the mural of a canal bridge, horse and barge to be created. Alan W was asked to pick out the person who stole his litter picker. The usual suspects, of course; Mike, Kath, Toby and Martin lined up in front of the finished wall. Martin chose an authentic nineteen-fifties Department of Employment trainee carpenter’s overall and hob nailed boots to get into the period feel.
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The rest of the volunteers worked in and around the Hidden Lock Site. The first question was “How many people does it take to start a tractor?”. Sadly, more than three! Better luck next week.
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Dave continued the task of removing vegetation from the wall running alongside the towpath.
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Most of the volunteers pulled weed from the cut. Andy & Sue worked upstream of the site whilst the majority – Chris, Jamie, Mike F, Gareth and Steve – were upstream of the Clydach Mond lock. Ronnie swept the towpath. Just look at the phenomenal amount of weed! The piles need to be left for a while so the wildlife can return to the water. They will be taken eventually to the compost heap.
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Time for a welcome break. The day had warmed up nicely by this time.
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After tea, Kath and Martin worked on the garden. They planted donations from Alan W as well as removing the dead vegetation.
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A chilly day, but the volunteers soon warmed up. It was lovely to welcome Chris and Jamie, particularly as one of them is below pensionable age! Well done everyone.
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