Today’s work party was slightly depleted as several volunteers were in France enjoying the Rugby World Cup. Those that were present enjoyed a pleasantly warm and sunny day – with temperatures much reduced from last week. We concentrated on much-needed tidying tasks at two locations.

Before tea, Mike, Ronnie, Chris, Dave, Paul & Aled cleared the towpath downstream from Clydach Mond bridge. Mike brought with him his battery powered strimmer that proved to be just the tool for the job.

The significant growth of weed at the entrance to the Buried Lock site, including water mint and irises, was tackled by Alan W & Duncan in “Nellie” aided by Andy, John Grav, Andrew & Mike from the bank. Gareth and Aled took the weed to the compost heap.

Gill, Sue and Chris did a great job clearing rubbish and new growth from around the Buried Lock.

Tea was taken with delicious cakes baked by Chris. Paul gave us three corned beef pies baked by our chums from Whitethorns. We shared them out for our suppers.

A lovely day in super weather allowed us to make great progress with significant tidying. Later in the afternoon, two technicians from Kaymac Marine burnt out the sheet piling, which currently blocks the discharge route from the new by-wash, using oxyacetylene cutting equipment. After an hour of sparks and smoke the way was cleared, making it possible to divert the canal’s flow through the new boat basin and by-wash for the first time in the not to distant future. Kaymac Marine kindly did this for us free of charge.