It was another day of déjà vu as our volunteers returned to the Buried Lock site this Tuesday. Diane and Jean headed for Coed Gwilym Park first thing to tackle weeds, thistles and a particularly imposing bramble in borders around the canoe store – sadly no photos of their efforts.

More déjà vu – Lance was on the mixer again (who knew!) this time ably assisted by Phil.

Chris and Sharon, and later Lance, continued facing the by-wash with stone. This sometimes feels like an endless job, but good progress is actually being made as we get ever closer to the outfall into the canal channel.

With plans to face the central boat basin wall in the near future, stones which had fallen into the basin were collected by Gary and Gordon, and stacked ready for use. A pump lowered the water level to make retrieval easier, and Gary lent a hand by digging out some water with a spade!

Mike strolled up to join us, picking litter along the way.

Break time looked more like a car boot sale, as hot water, cakes and crockery came in three different vehicles, for logistical reasons! Jan’s tasty treats were worth the effort though.

Most jobs continued after coffee, Kev barrowed yet more stone to the top end of the basin ready for walling work in coming weeks, and Gary dug out more silt and leaves to nourish the borders.

The weather held up throughout, as did our spirits. More of the same next week, before a change of venue.