The annual Neath Port Talbot Culture and Heritage Information and Volunteer Fair was held in Victoria Gardens, Neath on Saturday 1^st June 2024. It gave local community and volunteer groups the opportunity to talk about what they do now, their plans for the future and how the community can be involved. The weather was pleasant but a little chilly at times, which might have contributed to the relatively small number of visitors.

The Swansea Canal Society had an attractive stall that featured the “By’yere Tapestry” created to commemorate the 225^th anniversary of the canal and a new picture board that showed our volunteers at work, kids in action, our canoe hire and progress with the Buried Lock in Clydach.

John was on hand to demonstrate the dark arts of canal bridge construction to visitors young and old.

Roughly thirty individuals and families spent time chatting with us. They were interested to learn of our activities and were particularly fascinated by the tapestry, a truly community-based project. They were equally impressed by the progress to restore the Buried Lock. Many visitors reminisced about the canal as they remembered it. For example, one man pointed to the tapestry and said “This is where I fell in” and another spoke of walking along the very narrow path behind the Buried Lock before we reinstated the towpath.

A very successful day that gave local groups the opportunity to showcase their activities. The members of the public were very supportive of all the groups’ activities, wishing them well for their future projects.

The Swansea Canal Society is most grateful for the Shared Prosperity Fund grant, that is administered by Swansea Council. This substantial grant has allowed us to expose the Buried Lock.