Well, it had to happen one day. Tuesday working party and the heavens opened and down came the rain. Undeterred by the weather, twelve volunteers came out to work in the relative shelter at Clydach Lock.

John and Alan did some work on the Society’s canoe trailer. They mounted and secured the canoe rack to the flat-bed trailer and checked out the electrical system.

Meanwhile down in the implement store, ‘Michelangelo’ Mike F. and Bob were busy painting the interior of the store. A coat of white emulsion to the interior brightened up the store and actually made it feel more spacious.

Litter Picker Supremo Mike C. was busy too. Despite the weather he was out there grabbing those pesky bits of litter and filled a large bag with discarded detritus.

Volunteer Michelle had been busy tidying up a small patch of ground alongside the canal near Herbert Street bridge in Pontardawe. Native plants will soon be planted in this small urban flower bed.

We stopped at eleven thirty for tea and coffee in the site office (Canal Society H.Q.), dried ourselves out and enjoyed some friendly chat.

Volunteers Martin and Michelle then headed off to Margam Crematorium to bid a respectful farewell to John Hutchins, the last full-time employee on the Swansea Canal. John was a wonderful man, and has been both an inspiration and a valued source of historical information to the Society. Martin and Michelle were there representing all of the volunteers of the Swansea Canal Society. Thank you John.