This week, 24 willing volunteers came out on a very pleasant mid-March day to work on the canal. We were back in Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach with a variety of tasks to undertake. We broke into small groups, rolled up our sleeves and got to work.

Bob, John and Dominic continued work on the Society’s canoe trailer and, after a few final adjustments, were able to test-load a few canoes. This is a significant step forward as it means that we can now put boats in the canal at any location, and even travel to other bodies of water.

Mike and Michelle walked 1 km up from the park where it had been reported that a tree was down over the canal. They were able to clear the tow path. CRT have been notified and will remove the tree.

Also on the scene were Gill and Eifion, two volunteers from Sustrans. They had heard about the tree blocking the tow path which doubles as Route 43 of the National Cycle Route. A very pleasant couple and enthusiastic volunteers for Sustrans.

Further down the canal at Pont John Bridge, three intrepid volunteers, Gill, Martin and David, launched ‘Nellie’, one of the work boats, and did some litter picking and vegetation pruning. Looks like Gill has found a very relaxed way to undertake canal maintenance.

Several volunteers were busy working on metal shelving for our implement store. With so many tools acquired it is important that we look after them properly. ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’.

Back at the park, Gareth & Gareth were busy running the mixer. They had volunteer John D. as a new apprentice this week. Hope the young lad managed alright. Andy and Mike shared the dumper duty.

The repairs to the canal bank progressed well this week. One hundred and thirty ‘sand & cement’ bags were laid to form a foundation, and the bank advanced by fifteen metres. Several metres of attractive coping stone were also completed. The camera caught a moment with Sue doing her customary sterling work on the canal bank repair with five fellows looking on!

With so much activity, it was soon 11.30 and time for a well-deserved short break for tea, coffee and home-made cake. Afterwards work continued until 1.00 pm. A magnificent effort by everyone. Many thanks to all.