Richard Parry, CEO of the Canal and River Trust, thanks the volunteers.

The Canal & River Trust Board meets for two days every other month at a different location on the canal network across England and Wales. On the 23rd May the Board met in Wales, and the Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust hosted the Board and its guests for a buffet lunch and get-together at the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, on the Crumlin Arm of the Mon and Brec canal near Newport. John Davies, Michelle Davidson, Gordon Walker, Martin Davies, Toby Morris and Aland Williams from the Swansea Canal Society attended the event.

Nigel Annett,  the Chairman of the Glandwr Cymru Board of Trustees (The Canal and River Trust in Wales) explained the aim of this get together in Wales.

“I am very keen to use this occasion to draw attention to the canals in Wales – the canals that are open and well used,and those that could open with more support for the restoration efforts that are underway.  It is always remarkable to see the impact a restored canal can have on a community – well-being, environment, enterprise and much more.  This is what all we want for our canal network right across Wales”.

The buffet lunch was a masterclass in attention to detail. Even the paddle-shaped shortbread that came with the beautifully laid out cups and saucers was inscribed with the Mon and Brec name.  See below.

Mon and Brec shortbread paddles in regimented rows.

Caterers, take a bow. Our thanks go to CRT, the Mon and Brec Canal Trust and the 14 Locks Centre for putting on such a great spread and event. Do visit the Centre if you are in the Newport area. It’s in a lovely setting.

Toby, Alan and Michelle at the 14 Locks Centre.