A change of scenery this week! The vols met in Coed Gwilym Park in brilliant sunshine where the tasks were to add to the garden and clear the cut in preparation for the upcoming hire season. Work continued both sides of the tea break.

Firstly, we welcomed two new volunteers, Pam and Phil, and Colin who rejoined us. Bob can be seen in the background fettling our trip boat. Cerys was particularly keen to greet Pat – ever hopeful of a treat!

Alan and Rowan created a stable canoe platform and headed off to cut overhanging branches on their way up to yet another fallen tree close to the carved tree. Aled, Chris, Colin, Duncan and Lance cut and dragged as much as possible but the main trunk will have to be removed by CRT.

The gardeners planted some fantastic acers donated by Anita and barrowed from Capel Road by Gareth. The hardest task was to release the established trees from their pots but after a bit of tugging they were planted and watered in. They will form an excellent addition to the gardens.

Andy and Sue combined forces to retrieve branches and retained litter from the canal near the riding stables. As usual, Anna and Cerys took great care to get in the way as much as possible.

Tea was taken with treats prepared by Annette. Her new, Mary Berry recipe for coffee and walnut cake was exceedingly toothsome.

New volunteers, hard work, lovely weather, great food, good company – life is sweet.