For the first work party of 2026, last week’s having been cancelled due to dangerously icy conditions, we were welcomed by heavy rain so we reorganised ourselves to accommodate the weather. John Gw and Peter attempted to retrieve important documents from the cabin at the Clydach lock site, but were thwarted by an unopenable lock (key not water!). Chris M led a team to remove a tree from the towpath by the Mond lock.

The rest of us went to the canal behind the Police Station in Clydach to remove a fallen tree. Lee from Glandŵr Cymru joined us to add a bit of muscle. Gordon used his chainsaw to great effect while the chaps used a combination of brute force and pulley power to haul everything out of the water. A bit of final tidying by James and the job was done.

We all went back to the Canal Centre for tea and lovely cakes baked by Jan W.

After tea, we went back to Coed Gwilym Park where we made a start on cleaning out the canoe store that once again had been flooded by the winter storms.

A great start to the New Year, but we are all looking forward to some dry, warm weather!