Storm Chandra, we laugh in your face! South Wales was battered and bruised overnight, as evidenced by the need for Alan to dash back home to fix his fallen fences, but it had petered out by the time the volunteers met at the Swansea Canal Centre. In fact, we enjoyed a lovely, dry day in the warm sun.

Most of the vols went back to the off-bank behind the Police Station where we cut back swathes of buddleia. Gordon used his chainsaw to great effect whilst the rest of us used hand tools to clear the brash and stash it neatly away.

Tea was taken back at the centre. Jan P prepared a superb spread of cakes and cheese scones that the vols devoured with relish.

After tea, there was more buddleia to cut. Anna did her bit by fielding Gordon’s sawdust and before you know it, most of the bank was cleared, leaving only Pete to finish off.

Chris, Moira and Sharon gave the centre an early spring clean. The single photo in no way does justice to their efforts throughout the morning.

This really was the morning we did not expect to have. The warm sun was an unexpected pleasure.