After the deluge of last Tuesday that caused the work party to be cancelled, we made a welcome return to the canal between the bridges in Pontardawe where we enjoyed no rain and even a little sun. The turnout was a little reduced as four of us had opted for the Bridge 8 restoration workshop.

The main task today was to clear an ivy covered fallen tree from the canal. Gordon used ‘Nellie’ to first make sure that no birds were nesting in the tree and then he and his chainsaw were able to cut the boughs and branches down to manageable pieces. The vols then dragged the wood onto the towpath and carried it away.

Gareth, joined by others between hauling branches, cleared the edge of the towpath.

Tea was taken with delicious cakes and rolls made by Christina – actually last week’s offering that she had sensibly stored in the freezer.

At tea break, Martin fell into conversation with Dave Evans who is the co-leaseholder of the old Mamas and Papas Night Club. It had fallen into a derelict state and Dave and a lot of other volunteers decided to renovate the building. It is now still called MAMAS but the letters are now an acronym for Mental Awareness Martial Arts. There is a Croeso Shed and cafe and the dance hall is now a venue for alternative therapies and lessons in Brazilian Jujitsu and other martial arts. Inside the main entrance is a beautifully decorated rickshaw. The transformation is great testament to local community renewal.

At the end of the day, Paul lead the charge to return our kit to Gordon’s van and trailer. Cerys decided she had had enough for one day.

The volunteers excelled themselves today: An important task completed and all in lovely conditions.