Our annual “Pirates” event on the canal threatened to be a complete wash-out this year. The morning started with mist in the air, then drizzle, then heavy rain so we wondered what would be next. Even the ducks looked anxious!

Undaunted, the pirate volunteers soon had everything shipshape and Bristol fashion.

A few brave families set sail in the morning downpour but mercifully the rain eased in the afternoon and soon the canal was busy with swashbuckling boat-fulls.

All the junior pirates were awarded with a goody bag generously prepared by the Friends of Coed Gwilym Park.

The Shaw family, who set sail in the worst of the rain, were kind enough to write “Great day despite the weather. All the volunteers were fantastic too. My daughter is only two, she was great getting involved”. We are so pleased that they all had fun and grateful to have permission to use their photos.

After a wet start, the day turned out to be a great success with many families having a fun day out on the canal. We are indebted to the UK Government for funding the event. We can’t wait for “Pirates 2025” – we have already ordered the sunshine!