Another Tuesday, another chilly morning and another session clearing the cut between the bridges in Pontardawe. An excellent turnout of volunteers, including Duncan returning from sick parade, was soon hard at work. “Nellie” was launched and Gordon jumped in.

He paused on his way down to the big trunk to cut back overhanging deadwood.

The main job was to tackle the remaining significant obstruction. Gordon started on the off-bank before withdrawing so Andrew could guide the tug-team in pulling a huge section of trunk across the canal. In no time at all, the lumber was hauled from the cut, stripped of ivy and stashed tidily away.

Meanwhile, Andy leapt gazelle-like (actually, hauled tortoise-like) over the fence to tackle buddleia, his arch-nemesis. Luckily, he was joined by his identical twin who bravely fought the enemy from beneath the water. After tea, Gordon took over, his chainsaw proving much more effective than Andy’s hand tools.

Tea was taken with tasty treats baked by Margaret. Full marks to John Gw for delivering the goodies despite suffering from a very heavy cold.

After tea, Andy persuaded Mike to pick up a large pile of rubbish collected during the buddleia cutting.

And finally, Moira swept away the last of the debris

Two day’s hard labour cleared completely the canal in Pontardawe. No doubt future storms will bring down more trees but for now the canal is looking its best.

Later that afternoon, Gordon took the opportunity to check on progress with the boat basin behind the Swansea Canal Centre. Most of the giant blocks are in place and the concrete was poured yesterday. It’s taking longer than hoped to cure but another 24hrs should do the trick.