After the almost constant and extreme rain and storm-force winds of the last few weeks, it was a pleasure to enjoy a sunny and mostly dry morning. We worked both in Coed Gwilym Park and around the Swansea Canal Centre.

The first major task of the day, sadly without photographic evidence, involved a group led by Gordon that cleared two fallen trees blocking the canal in Coed Gwilym Park. Weather permitting, boating can now be resumed.

The second big job was carried out by Sharon, Chris M and Bert. They removed huge amounts of irises that had been cut mechanically by Glandŵr Cymru but left floating in the canal downstream of the Vale works. These rafts of debris probably contributed to the flooding of the works during the torrential rain on Sunday.

Moira, Jan, Chris G and Lynn cleared around the stone barge.

Sue repaired and repainted the mural at the Canal Centre. A small patch of painted mortar had fallen off but her artistic skills made for an invisible repair.

Martin cleared the ground beneath the railings where the cycle path merges with the towpath.

Andy did what he could to pull out the clumps of irises that had wedged themselves in the aqueduct.

Moira, Jan and Chris C walked along the towpath, clearing the edges as they went.

Mike C walked down to the Canal Centre picking up rubbish as he went.

Tea was taken outside the centre, just dodging a short shower. Jan W provided the scrumptious cakes.

After tea, “Nellie” was drained and pulled up to dry land.

The group was lucky to have been given a brand new small boat that Gordon collected from the factory where it had been stored unused and unloved for many years. Bob gave it a jolly good wash, somewhat ironically as he had spent all the morning baling out the trip boat. The boat was then safely parked on our small trailer. It will probably be a replacement for “Nellie” when she eventually falls beyond repair.

A back-breaking task was to retrieve and stash safely the remaining telegraph poles. They will be used to edge new flower beds.

Moira, Chris G and Sharon planted some pansies around the boat basin, supervised at all times by Anna and Roxi. They also transplanted a couple of giant plants from one side of the basin to the other. These plants worked well as a quick, initial covering for the new beds but are now running rampant so need to be thinned out.

Phew, what a busy day! Congratulations to our tireless team of volunteers!!