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We were very pleased to host another group of volunteers from Virgin Media Call Centre in Llansamlet this Sunday. The venue was Coed Gwilym Park with the weather dry and not too cold. After a cup of tea or coffee and cake, the introductions and induction were done by Peter, David and Martin.
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The volunteers split into three groups but the aim was the same; prepare this section of canal for the canoe hire business that must be up and running by April the 1st. Here David discusses strategy with Michelle, Liam and Paul, our photographer.

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One group of five wandered into the woods to litter pick with Gill. Each returned with a bag full of plastic and cans which will all be recycled.
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A second group were ferried to the off-side bank to clear up the clipping and branches that we had left on our last work day there. Here, Dave is given a lift in Michelle’s canoe
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Dave looks completely at ease on water but……
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…others looked happier to get back on dry land.

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A third group walked up the canal to do rhododendron removal. This invasive species, rhododendron ponticum, casts deep shadows and stops smaller plants thriving.
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The VM volunteers made short work of them.

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After lunch of home made soup and more tea, coffee and cake, we did a litter pick up the canal and removed branches and trees from the channel.
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Many thanks to Martin, Bea and Leanne for organising it all from the Virgin Media end.  A huge thank you to Gill for providing a fantastic soup kitchen, with additional cake contributions from Janet Williams and kitchen equipment from David. Thanks too to Michele and Gill for all the preparation they did yesterday and everyone from the happy band of willing volunteers. Here’s to the next time.

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