A grand day out to celebrate the 225^th anniversary of the completion of the Swansea Canal and the 70^th anniversary of Coed Gwilym Park

Preparations began at 7am. A marquee was erected on the all-weather court to hold the planetarium, 23 stallholders, organised by 4 Seasons Markets, set up camp down the east side of the playing field and the stage with inflatable canopy was positioned behind the football pavilion. One team attach signage and photograph consent information to the fencing and railings. Stewards are at the gate directing vehicles to their destinations, or to the allocated car parks. Amberon highway traffic control arrives, cones are placed at the entrance of the park as far as Capel Road.

Many other organisations, including the Canal and River Trust, Ospreys Rugby, Vale, the Clydach Historical Society, circus skills and activities offered by the Welsh language school, mini-sports run by the Clydach football team, the Clydach Heritage Centre, the Friends of Coed Gwilym Park and Swansea Canal Society were busy setting up too.

The party began at 10am and here a few tasters of the day’s events:

Beer tent run by Friends of Coed Gwilym Park

Clydach Bowls Club taster sessions

4 Seasons Market stalls

Vale’s Clydach Nickel Refinery

The Rock Project

Mini-sports by Clydach Football Club

Canoes and kayaks were available free of charge due to generous support from the Canal and River Trust. 90 adults and 139 children went on the water, throughout the day. To commemorate the 225 years of the canal, the 225 Miles Challenge was started: 168 certificates for one mile paddled were issued by Canal and River Trust, the remaining 57 (miles) certificates will be continued on the following Sunday and completed by the Clydach Rugby club.

Swansea Canal Society stall offered craft, cushions, aprons, peg bags, 225 T shirts, and pens. Clydach Heritage centre gave out orienteering sheets, with instruction on how to complete. Videos were running on the screen and local history talks. On the grass in the shade, children’s tables and chairs were out for colouring pictures, fun puzzles and pens. They sold out of everything! The Community Pavilion was heaving, the queues were out the door. The volunteers worked so hard throughout the day, with no let-up, to feed hoards of hungry, and thirsty, people.

A few more photos of the fun:

We hope that everyone had a fantastic time at this event that sought to bring the community together. We were so lucky with the weather that made everything go with a swing.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of Vale’s Clydach Nickel Refinery, Official Sponsor of Party in the Park, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm Community Fund, the Canal and River Trust, Amberon Traffic Management, Capel Road Garage, Wheelhouse Audio Events, John Jones and Matthew Bailey, Brigitte Rowlands & Gordon Walker {Councillors for the Clydach Ward}. Photos courtesy of Keith Griffiths, Peter Russell and volunteers.

And last but not least, we are so grateful to the many, many volunteers from so many organisations that worked tirelessly to arrange and run this event. We all enjoyed ourselves – we hope you did too.