As we assembled at the Swansea Canal Centre this morning the rain was pouring down so we decided the best course of action was to have a nice cupatea. Mercifully, the rain soon stopped so we braved the wintry chill and ventured out to clear the cut around Pont John.

Lance and Phil put their backs into dragging muck from the cut either side of the bridge. Very hard work!

Chris G and Moira cut back brash and cleared the path edges.

Dave did what Dave does best – cutting twigs into smaller twigs!

Gordon took to “Nellie” to remove irises, a job that can really only been undertaken by pulling straight up. Bob and Gareth dragged out and barrowed away.

Chris M and Andy slashed bramble. The hand tools proved much more effective than the brush cutter that Chris used last week.

Mike F and Chris G tidied up the brash, adding to the ever-increasing waste pile.

Mike C was on hand to pick up the litter exposed by the bramble bashing.

Tea was taken in the comfort of the centre, with a wonderful selection of sweet and savoury treats baked by Chris G.

As we left the centre to return to work, the Daley gang delivered fencing to secure the yard behind the building.

Elsewhere, Sue sensibly remained in the warmth of Casa Ellis, where she cleaned and painted the billiard table iron that had been retrieved from the Buried Lock. It’s now looking magnificent.

Despite the cold and threat of rain, the volunteers did what they do best – cutting, slashing, pulling and dragging. Well done everyone.