Coed Gwilym Park was the venue for today’s volunteers’ outing, with two important jobs on the to-do list.

Our trusty gardening contingent followed last week’s autumn pruning of the border opposite the Heritage Centre with a similar effort on the garden alongside the canoe store. All sorts of shrubs were chopped, trimmed or thinned, with some rosemary and others being replanted on bare patches around the borders to blossom next year.

Gary strimmed the grass strip by the towpath and hoed weeds from every nook and cranny around the concourse!

Our other group of vols worked behind the canoe store to create a base for a new secure store. Shuttering laid previously was filled with rubble and hardcore (extra was delivered by tipper by our friendly contractor) which was smashed and spread. And then we waited… and waited!

Coffee break filled the downtime, with jam sponge, shortbread and other lovely treats provided by Christina.

A 10am delivery of ready-mix finally arrived at 12.20pm! The whole team set about spreading, raking, shovelling and tamping to fill the formwork. Unfortunately we didn’t have quite enough concrete, so a bit of rework will be needed next Tuesday! The rain held off, which was a bonus, and the sections we did complete were looking good.

We could all be pleased with how much was achieved by both teams on what was a frustrating, but ultimately rewarding morning.