What a change in the weather! The warm sunshine of the last few weeks was replaced by cool and overcast conditions. The threat of rain fortunately didn’t come to much so the volunteers escaped a severe wetting.

Today was a game of four halves. Firstly, the gardeners in Coed Gwilym park refreshed the beds with topsoil and soon had them looking their best.

Bob, Gareth and Aled rescued the old boat that had been set adrift by Clydach’s finest. They cleaned it as best they could but it seems likely that it has outlived its useful life.

The gardeners and boaters refreshed themselves with a hot drink.

Meanwhile, the gentleman volunteers cleared the canal in Pontardawe from the grid where the canal disappears up to Herbert Street bridge.

Sue and Andy walked from Holly Street to Bridge 7 pulling out branches, etc. and collecting rubbish as they went. They then returned to the Holly Street bridge where they cut branches from a fallen tree that had partially blocked the towpath. Removing the whole tree will need “Nellie” and a chainsaw.

We all then returned to the Swansea Canal Centre for a drink and snacks sweet and savoury prepared by Annette. Delicious as ever, although Annette seems to have a love-hate relationship with baking!

After tea, the volunteers cleared the forecourt of the centre and tidied the storeroom. All-in-all, a busy and productive day, with the added bonus of avoiding a soaking.