We were delighted to have six volunteers from the Marks and Spenser’s ‘Spark Something Good’ initiative with us at Clydach Lock to help rebuild the tow path wall alongside the old blacksmiths yard. They all work in the Fforestfach store and we thank them for giving up their time to be with us. Even more so, as the weather was appalling when we started work at 9.30.

We had demolished the ugly brieze block wall the previous Sunday, so as the rain eased and finally stopped, we were able to start erecting the wall with local stone.

The wall to be rebuilt by M&S, CRT and SCS.

Of course, none of these materials would have been with us were it not for the Canal and River Trust who provided the stone, lime, sand and cement and, not least, arranged with M&S to come to the Swansea Canal. CRT, M&S, SCS, Whitethorns Day Care Centre and our Artist in Residence, Cheon Pyo Lee, were all working together in a great celebration of community engagement.

Michelle brought her scale models of a restored Clydach Lock and a Swansea Day boat with her and these were displayed on the tow path (and briefly in the canal itself!).

These models had been a feature of the SCS Clydach Library Exhibition which ran from February 20th to the 24th. This was very successful and The Evening Post came to see it and their report and pictures can be seen at:-

http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-designer-s-canal-model-floats-renovation/story-28793036-detail/story.html

Later on in the day we were joined by the M&S regional representatives of the Spark Something Good Campaign who had travelled from London to see all their SSG projects in Swansea.

In all, a most succesful day with ten bags of litter also collected and numerous tree branches taken out of the canal. Not to mention the sumptuous catering courtesy of M&S, and the bakers of the Canal Society.

Thanks to everyone involved.