A pleasantly warm day today and the threat of rain came to little or nothing. We met in Pontardawe to clear the canal between the Herbert Street and Holly Street bridges. We were somewhat restricted by the absence of Gordon, who had been called away to meet our local manager Lee Brain from Glandŵr Cymru, and, more importantly, our work boat “Nellie” but we did the best we could from the towpath.

A tree had fallen into the canal but luckily not over the towpath. Alan and John cut off what they could reach with our long-handled pole saw.

Phil and Lance dragged out clumps of grass and weed.

Dave cautiously cut buddleia that was growing from the canal wall. Anna was on patrol, poised to plunge in to rescue him if needed.

The ladies trimmed overhanging boughs.

Martin also tackled the buddleia.

Tea was taken with cakes provided by Jan P, our third and final debut baker. She produced four wonderful creations so was deemed to have passed the culinary initiation with flying colours.

After tea, the ladies washed the fencing at the aqueduct. A bit of soapy water and a great deal of elbow grease made a huge difference.

Chris, Mike and Lance continued to tackle the weed. Many wheelbarrows full of debris were trundled away so clearly the absence of “Nellie” had not proved to be too much of an obstacle.

Sue and Andy pulled out a couple of patches of grass from the canal close to Herbert Street. Paul stopped off for a chat on his way back from a doctor’s appointment.

Jan’s lovely photo of a clear canal and towpath showed how much we achieved from the bank. A good morning’s work.