please
come and join us .... Canal Volunteer Group ..
.. We
need your help
please
come and join us ..
.. Our next Canal Volunteer `Clean Up Day` is ..
12th September 2010 Five Locks - Pontnewydd
..We will meet in the car park adjacent to Pontnewydd Park ..
.. Forthcoming dates for 2010 ..
All sessions start at 10 a.m
17th October - Ty Coch
21st November Five Locks - Pontnewydd
Quick chat, grab tools and away we go .. approx.1 hr later stop for a `hospitality break and natter`, then back to work and finish 12.30-1.00p.m
Remember to dress suitably, stout footwear and gloves (No designer wear please) ... sense of humour, most welcome
Our Future ... 
... In Our Hands.
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.. The result of our efforts 8th August 2010 .. |
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.. Canal Section in front of Cwmbran Retail Park .. |
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.. The result of our efforts 11th July 2010 .. |
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.. Canal Section - 5 Locks Pontnewydd .. |
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N.b. A big thank you to P.C.S.O. Zaihd Rouf for for his support and to a new `volunteer` Chris from Fairwater ..
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.. The result of our efforts 6th June 2010 .. |
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.. Canal Section - Ty Coch .. |
N.b. `A big thank you` to Pontnewydd Sea Cadets for the loan and use of the dinghy.
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.. The result of our efforts 9th May 2010 .. |
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.. Canal Section - Maendy Way to 5 Locks Pontnewydd .. |
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.. The result of our efforts 11th April 2010 .. |
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.. Canal Section in front of Cwmbran Retail Park .. |
: I have just viewed your canal update for April 2010. it seems that you are losing the battle, why on earth do irresponsible idiots dump so much rubbish in the canal? You and your group have done some fantastic work and you would think by now that people would start to realise how fragile and precious our canal is but alas, no they don't, I couldn't believe how much stuff was shown in your picture it's unbelievable isn't it!. But I suppose your work MUST go on as its only you and your group that's doing anything whatsoever, I can`t begin to imagine what would happen to our canal if you stopped.Graham Pattimore comments
The Canal Volunteer Group `stand` at the `Community Fun Day`5th September 2009 - Glenside Community Hall and field - Pontnewydd ..
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Here I am, (webmaster) explaining to local residents our aims and aspirations of the Torfaen Canal Volunteer Group |
Me, Heather and her beau Hugh .. `proper posers` .. but all in a `good cause`. |
The Mayor and Mayoress of Torfaen C.B.Council Cllr. Robert Jones and his wife, visit our stand. |
..To follow the Canal Volunteer Groups endeavours click on each of the dates below ..
* 29th November 2009 * 25th October 2009 * 20th September 2009 * 16th August 2009 *
* 12th July 2009 * 10th June 2009 * 10th May 2009 * 19th April 2009 *
* 15th March 2009* 15th February 2009* 18th January 2009 *
* 23rd November 2008 plus 2008 Tidy Wales Award *
* 19th October 2008 * 14th September 2008 *
* 13th July 2008 * 1st June 2008 * 27th April 2008 *
* 30th March 2008 * 24th February 2008 * 20th January 2008 *
* November 27th 2007 * October 21st 2007 *
* September 16th 2007 * July 15th 2007 * June 24th 2007 *
* 20th May 2007 * 22nd April 2007 * 18th March 2007 * 11th February, 2007 *
* 14th January, 2007 * 3rd December, 2006 * 5th November, 2006 *
Hugh Woodford, introduced everyone to each other, whereby we all shook hands, smiled and instantly forgot each others names ... isn't it strange, I have no problem recalling the names of the Trumpton Fire Brigade .... Pugh, Pugh, Barney Mc.Grew, Cuthbert Dibble and Grubb ! ... but what the heck, we were volunteers and were about to embark on a mission to enhance a section of canal and feel proud of our achievement on completion.
Our tasks for the day :-
Weeding around the Moorings.
Painting of the mooring bollards.
Painting two steel benches.
Painting railings at the Moorings and at the `Cwmbran Tunnel`
Painting the two `Mile posts`
Painting a Litterbin.
Painting a `water point`.
Collecting floating litter - made possible by a volunteer who brought along his canoe.
.. Armed with shovels, brooms, paint, brushes, litter pickers, bags, and a `lifted spirit ` we set to work ..
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
After 5 hours, with a couple of `pit stops` to refuel our bodies, along the way, our intrepid group called it a day. During that time we had `gelled`, remembered each others names, Hugh, Nigel, Judy, Arthur, Ryan, Jan, Ricky, Cheryl, Jody, Rob and Hmmmmm, I apologise, memory lapse again; told each other our `life histories` and even suggested bringing along a `bar-b-que` for the next session ......
isn't it nice to be amongst friends ... And the result ...
... Achievement, Enhancement, Pride and Friendship ...
.. Click on each photograph above to enlarge ..
Simon Jenkins, enjoys an early morning cuppa, dressed in his pyjamas , whilst admiring the freshly painted bollards and surrounding area.
I met Simon, on Monday morning 25th September, he told me he was `holidaying afloat` on `
Red Wing` a hired boat from Red Line Boats at Goytre Wharf, Llanover; and resided in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Accompanying him was his wife and two friends from Sheffield.
Ty Coch to Pentre Lane. The weather conditions were `cold, with bright sunshine `.
The Canal Volunteer Group met at Ty Coch - 10a.m., where our mission, this time was vegetation control, painting railings and weight limit signs near Pentre Lane.
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
Slowly but surely, our `volunteering efforts` are making a positive enhancement to an important asset, both in an industrial and historical sense, coupled with a greater environmental awareness.
Adjacent Pontnewydd Park, Mount Pleasant, Pontnewydd. The weather conditions were atrocious.
The Canal Volunteer Group, this time consisting of Hugh Woodford (Canal Warden T.B.C.Council), myself, Judy, Steve, Chris, John and welcome newcomers, Darrel and Audrey, met near `The Cascades` Pontnewydd at 10a.m; our mission, this time was to selectively remove several Ash and Sycamore branches, brambles etc; adjacent to Pontnewydd Park, that were protruding from the canal bank and acting as litter traps.
Even though the weather was atrocious, heavy downpours and gusting winds, our intrepid group, plus support from the Council via `extra hands` and a lorry, battled on; working in unison from both banks of the canal cutting, removing and transporting the timber, brambles, etc; with the aid of the Council's newly acquired boat.
The boat, (Come in No. 3 ), I am pleased to announce, was an initiative that I suggested whilst conducting my monthly Canal Watch 2006 `observations` with Mr. S. Davies (Land and Drainage Officer T.C.B.Council). the next positive addition would be an electric outboard motor.
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
After three hours of quite strenuous, but enjoyable activity,
our little band of wet, muddy, bedraggled, hungry, but above all Proud `Canal Volunteers `, called it a day; once again demonstrating that each and everyone of us has the ability to make a `positive difference` within Society; and as Tesco would put it `Every Little Helps `.
Pontnewydd section, near Glenside Community Hall
The Canal Volunteer Group assembled at 10a.m. in the car park of Pontnewydd park, after wishing each other " a Happy New Year" and remarking on our `good fortune` weatherwise, of dry conditions and a blue sky .. Yipee! ; we picked up our tools. namely, loppers. bow saws, rakes, grappling hook and of course a couple of litter pickers, for this morning's `assault` and set off for an area of the canal bank near Glenside Community Hall.
This area had long been neglected and was in dire need of some TLC (Tender Loving Care), Steve, Rob, Jan and John volunteered for the task ... and after a couple of hours of `honest toil`, had made a big difference to that area.
Hugh and myself headed for a group of trees, mainly Hazel that surrounded the pond and Lock bank a little further on; Selective branch thinning was the `order of the day` here, allowing more light to the channel and encouraging further growth. The branches were then added to a habitat pile that Hugh had previously created when he cut down similar overhanging branches before Christmas.
Our last task of the morning (Lunch beckoned ) was to trek up to the Cwmbran Tunnel and `make safe` a storm damaged tree, by removing a considerably stout branch that had split from the main bough. This was to be a joint effort by the team, so with rope and grappling hook to hand, together with muscle, enthusiasm and `Team Spirit` we `huffed`, `puffed` and `strained` in unison, finally `man handling` the damaged branch to the ground, whereby we all enthusiastically set about it, with a common goal in mind, trimming the main branch and the final result was ..... Please click here
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
Throughout the morning several people stopped to enquire and offer appreciation of our efforts; we also met Rhys and Emily Hircum, from Pontnewydd, together with their Uncle, Andy Evans who explained their interest in nature and the environment via drawing and art, Rhys and Emily then selected pieces of wood for their latest `masterpiece` .... look out `Constable `
Pontnewydd section
Hugh Woodford makes an important telephone call to the Canal Volunteer Group
The Canal Volunteer Group assembled at 10a.m. in the car park of Pontnewydd park, this time to concentrate on an area of the canal bank adjacent to the park. Along this particular stretch, were areas of overhanging shrubbery that acted as a `litter trap` i.e. plastic bottles, cans etc. Our goal this morning was to cut these areas back to aid removal of the litter, and to prevent a `build up` in the future.
The Gwent Probation Service had arranged to join us and brought along, approximately 20 young offenders to carry out part of their `Community Service` requirements. The lads under supervision, `litter- picked` along the canal towpath and transported branches to a `chipping` machine they had brought along. After a few hours `toil` coupled with the Canal Volunteer Group's previous efforts; we all agreed that the stretch of canal between 5 Locks and Pontnewydd `cascades` looked `a lot better` for our collective efforts.
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
Broadweir Road /Star Street section - Old Cwmbran , the weather conditions were mixed, cold, snow, drizzle and sunshine.
The Canal Volunteer Group, met at Broadweir Road, Old Cwmbran at 10a.m; Our goal this time was to work our way along the canal sections adjacent to Broadweir Road and Star Street, the latter section in particular was quite an eyesore, due to the abundance of litter ...
why a `negative element` of society chooses to spoil the beautiful waterway and asset we have here in Cwmbran is such a shame.On the `positive` side, three new `volunteers` had previously contacted Hugh Woodford, to offer their help, which was appreciated and readily accepted.
Armed with `weed forks`, litter pickers, and my `long handled` litter scoop, which this morning was making it's debut we set about removing some of the weed along the edge of the canal banks and attempted to remove the floating litter. After a couple of hours we had successfully retrieved, three footballs, a lawn mower, a motorcyclist's crash helmet, a Supermarket trolley, several flower pots, a road bollard,
polystyrene trays and countless beer cans, bottles, both plastic and glass.... oh yeah, nearly forgot to mention - the disturbed duckweed was very smelly !!! ...
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
Pontnewydd from the Old Bridge End Inn to the intersection with Maendy Way. It was a fine morning.
The Canal Volunteer Group met in the car park of Pontnewydd Park at 10a.m and what a `turn out` several, `new` volunteers came along to join our `happy band` .. many thanks.
For some reason Hugh (our Leader) turned up in shorts, not a pretty sight, but he would easily win `top marks` in any `knobbly knees` contest ...
After some friendly banter ... (Hugh's knees again), We made our way down to the canal section, which starts a couple of hundred metres from the `Old Brigend Inn ` and ends at the intersection at Maendy Way.
Hugh outlined the mornings task, which included :-
Remove some tree saplings and ivy that were protruding from the walls of the Lock.
`Dig out` three steel bench frames that had `failed` the `test of time`.
Retrieve a cast iron bollard that had been removed from the towpath and `dumped` in the canal.
Remove `floating litter` which included a fire extinguisher, bottles, cans and bread wrappers, and a general litterpick of the immediate area.
Remove a plastic dingy from the Lock.
I am pleased to announce, that, with the aid of a `long reach extension pole`, loppers, rakes, shovels, litter pickers, a grappling hook, some sweat, (the ladies perspired ) and a good helping of `positive spirit`, we achieved our `goals`.
.. Click on each of the above photographs to enlarge ..
* Noticed on the day was an Orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines), patches of `Cuckoo flower` or Lady’s smock (Cardamine pratensis), which co-incidentally, is the food-plant of the orange-tip butterfly’s caterpillars; a nesting Moorhen and a `shoal` numbering approximately seventeen Goldfish (Cyprinus carpio).
.. Cuckoo Flower .. .. Canal Volunteer Group `Taking Care of Our Environment` ..
Pontnewydd section - Cascades to the recreation ground. The weather was quite sunny and warm.
The Canal Volunteer Group met in the car park of Pontnewydd Park at 10a.m and `posed ` for the `customary photograph`.
.. If you think our nets are big wait `till you see the size of our `Jam Jars` ..
.. Click on each of the above photographs to enlarge ..
Our `Mission` this month was to recover and remove various items that could be seen in the canal from the `cascades` to the recreational ground, this was achievable since the presence of the small leafed pondweed had receded; a general litterpick was also the `order of the day`.
Our `collective` haul consisted of three skate boards, four bikes, a traffic cone, a black bag of domestic rubbish, a childs jacket, toy pushchair, several bags of cans, bottles and miscellaneous litter and even a Cd/radio player....
probably the last tune it played was `Handel's `Water Music` !!!
Samantha and her mother Carol joined our `merry band` last month and when I discovered Sam was an Ecologist, my genuine interest in our environment, coupled with my frequent `quizzing` has prompted Sam to kindly contribute her notes on `sightings and things to look out for on the canal`. . . . thanks Sam
22nd April 2007 - Pontnewydd
Goldfish Cyprinus carpio 10+ Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 (nesting) Blackbird Turdus merula Numerous Wood pigeon Columba livia Numerous Bumblebee spp Bombus spp 1 Common frog Rana temporaria Numerous (tadpoles) The presence of both the fish and the tadpoles in the `holding` area indicate that despite initial appearances that the water quality is relatively good and not contaminated by pollutants such as oils, petrol and diesel which can be common in urban waterways.
The amount of bramble scrub and nettles and the presence of some Buddleia (butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii) makes the area suitable for numerous butterfly species including:-
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Red admiral Vanessa atalanta Peacock Inachis io Speckled wood Pararge aegeria The grasses in the area may also support some further species:-
Small white Pieris rapae Large white Pieris brassicae Clouded yellow Colias croceus Small copper Lycaena phlaeas Common blue Polyommatus icarus Numerous bird species will be present in the hedgerows either side of the canal and bats, especially Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) are very likely to be seen flying up and down the canal feeding on the insects that can be found flying just above the water at night. These are best seen just as the sun sets below the horizon on warm dry evenings between May to September.
20th May 2007 - Pontnewydd to Five Locks
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus 5 Germander speedwell
Veronica chamaedrys Frequent Bumblebee spp
Bombus spp 1 Common frog
Rana temporaria Abundant Common toad
Bufo bufo Abundant Pondweed (broad-leaved)
Potamogeton (natans) Abundant Horsetail (water)
Equisetum (fluviatile) Abundant The presence of Pondweed (broad-leaved) together with Germander speedwell and the huge numbers of tadpoles we saw again indicate that this section has a relatively good water quality and isn't suffering from high pollution levels.This section of the canal is very similar to the previous and is likely to have similar species potential although fewer butterflies are likely given that there is less bramble/nettle/Buddleia than the previous section.There is high potential for birds and bats in the area and I did spot one or two older trees with some holes in that have the potential to be used as short term roosts by some bat species during the summer when its warmer.
It is possible that bats are more likely on this stretch of the canal given all the trees in the area and the adjacent playing fields as these provide more feeding and roosting opportunities than further downstream so there could be more species and greater numbers.
.. Pontnewydd section from the footbridge (Pontnewydd Park) towards the recreational ground ..
(Webmaster)-
In closing, I would just like to add that it was pleasing to receive `words of encouragement and appreciation for our efforts` from a number of `passers by` and when You have a `quiet moment` consider this, " We all have something We can offer . . . . be it an hour of one's time, a helping hand, knowledge, friendship, support & encouragement ... the list goes on and on . . . . maybe You just need a little `nudge `? "
Five Locks section, Pontnewydd; the weather was overcast with the odd light shower.
The group this morning, amounted to eight, I (webmaster) was unavailable due to `inadvertently` booking a week's holiday in Llangranog, West Wales. The weather however, was my downfall ... as you are well aware ... Yuk !!!
However, the group carried on relentless ( I bet they missed my `cheeky but friendly` banter ) and began litter-picking around the bottom two ponds known as the `Cascades` and progressively, working their way along the section towards the Cross Keys Public House. They removed logs, branches and vegetation, using the grappling hook, forks and extension pole.The successful `haul` for their `mornings endeavour` included filling nine sacks with rubbish, removing a `newish` mountain bike, a `zimmer frame`, a couple of kiddies scooters, a couple of bicycle wheels, two carpets, a picnic table top, a section of chain link fencing, a pushchair and various other `bits and bobs`.
*Wouldn't it be nice to say "we had a non successful morning, whereby we found no litter, and nothing to `fish out of the water`" ... Ah well, we live in hope.
.. Click on each photograph to enlarge ..
Ty Coch section, the weather conditions were abysmal!
The `Group` this time, comprised of six `hardy souls` arranged to meet at Ty-Coch at 10a.m, the plan this morning was, originally to paint the railings, that due to time constraints, were missed out from our visit back in November 2006. Unfortunately the weather was atrocious! continual and `heavy` rainfall hampered the Group's efforts.
Painting was obviously out of the question but the Group spent over an hour removing vegetation with forks to increase the flow and used a grappling iron to haul wind blown trees and branches out of the lock.
Although the rain did not relent for a single minute there was never any question of ‘let’s call it a day’ and everyone worked until as much vegetation as it was possible to get to, was removed.
.. Apologies for no photographs this time folks .... underwater camera unavailable ..
Ty Coch section, the weather conditions were dry but overcast.
webmaster: If you're impressed by my `Fishing Net` wait till you see my `Jam Jar` ..
Our small but `Happy Group` met at Ty Coch and after some friendly `banter` including a potential `knobbly knees contestant`, we set about the mornings tasks, which involved vegetation control, litter removal and painting of barriers, hand rails, a cycle path marker and a gate. Hugh Woodford (Canal Warden) was also pleased to announce that we had been short listed for a `Keep Wales Tidy Award` (fingers crossed).
.. Click on each of the above photographs to enlarge ..
Ty Coch section, the weather conditions were dry, wind free and gloriously sunny.
.. I know we look like a `chain gang` folks, but we just had to show off our new `Canal Volunteer Group` waistcoats ..
At 10 a.m. the `Group` met at Ty Coch, the weather was glorious, Autumn sunshine and good company, what more could anyone ask for? Our task for the morning was to thin out some overhanging branches and general pruning along the canal bank. Armed with an array of loppers, saws and a grappling hook we made our way to the canal bank and after tentatively negotiating the barbed wire fence, set to with enthusiasm. After three hours of physical labour (No pain, no gain so they say), and a calorific `burnout` we all felt, we were indeed `part of a chain gang`! and were more than ready for our Sunday Roasts !!
David and John in the `thick of it`
Carol, our recruiting officer!
Yes your ,,, does look big in that!
Jan and Hugh tree surgeons
Steve off to the `woodpile`
(Webmaster):-
In closing, I would just like to add that it was pleasing to receive `words of encouragement and appreciation for our efforts` from a number of `passers by` and when You have a `quiet moment` consider this, " We all have something We can offer . . . . be it an hour of one's time, a helping hand, knowledge, friendship, support & encouragement ... the list goes on and on . . . . maybe You just need a little `nudge `? "
The annual Tidy Wales Awards ceremony was first staged in 1990 and are organised by Keep Wales Tidy with sponsorship from Environment Agency Wales and Visit Wales - the Welsh Assembly Government tourism department. They aim to encourage all sectors of the community to take hands-on action to improve their environment.
Torfaen Canal Volunteer Group
entered this year and were pleased to be informed, that we had been short-listed in the Public Sector category of the 2007 Tidy Wales Awards - representatives were invited to the Award Ceremony at the Orangery, Margam Park- Port Talbot, on Monday 12th November.A `Welcome Address` was given by Katherine Hughes, Chairman of Keep Wales tidy, followed by sponsors:- Chris Mills Director, Environment Agency Wales and Linda Jones, Head of Product & Programme Development, Visit Wales.
Jane Davidson, AM, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing also addressed the audience and then presented the individual Tidy Wales Awards.
Sian Thomas, BBC Presenter introduced the following categories:
- Pride in Our Communities Large Partnership Award.
- School.
- Beach Improvement.
- Business.
Public Sector. Tourism Industry. River Improvement. Best `Tidy Wales Week`-event. Long -term effort. Special Commendation. .. Tidy Wales Award Presentation Ceremony ..
Canal Group representatives;-
Steve and myself accompanied by Torfaen County Borough Councillor, Sarah Richards, M.B.E. receive our 2007 Tidy Wales Award `Finalist's Award` from Ms. Jane Davidson, the Welsh Assembly Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing.
.. Click on the image of the Certificate to enlarge ..
Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy commented
"These annual awards clearly show that people do care about their local environment and are prepared to make sacrifices to improve them. The efforts being made will probably not have a major impact on the global environment but if everyone in Wales did their bit we would be sending out strong signals to the rest of the world ".
Ty Coch section, the weather conditions were very favourable again, sunny and no wind.
.. Our group of ten plus `lampost ` ..
On Sunday the 27th of November at 10a.m, we met up at the Ty Coch section, it was a beautiful wind free, sunny morning and with with the myriad of autumn coloured leaves on the trees and under foot, set the positive mood for the work ahead. Our task for the morning was to carry on `where we had left off`the previous month, to thin out overhanging branches and general pruning along the canal bank.
We welcomed Graham, a new volunteer to our group and after donning our `high viz` Canal Volunteer Group waistcoats, hastily assembled for our obligatory `photoshoot.
This `yo-yo` has a long string!
No, girls this is not another `PhotoShoot!`
Steve retrieves a wayward branch.
Now, who is missing?
Graham is a `Happy Chappy`
.. Click on the images to enlarge ..
Ty Coch section, the weather conditions were showery and overcast.
.. `Our Happy Band of Misfits` assemble for the obligatory photoshoot ..
We met up at 10a.m at the Ty Coch section, the weather conditions were showery and overcast, although of course, that wasn't going to `dampen our spirits`. Our task this morning after the area had been assessed by Hugh (canal warden), was a general litterpick of the area, selective pruning and the removal of various logs and branches which were possibly impeding the flow of the canal and could cause problems by obstructing the culverts. If we did a `good job` then our reward would be simply, `satisfaction` a reward in itself .... oh yeah, and a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, courtesy of me (webmaster ... hey big spender ..)
.. Click on each of the photographs to enlarge ..
... why o why? ...
Meeting up at our usual time of 10a.m, and once again at the Ty Coch section of the canal, we assembled for our `monthly` and obligatory `photoshoot` ... `when o` when` are the `Celebrity Magazines & Hollywood Film makers` gonna `catch on` to our `potential` ... ha,ha ...
Anyway `back to earth `as they say .. This morning, under an overcast sky our task was to `lay out a line` and plant two hundred, 1 year old saplings, along the edge of the towpath in conjunction with Cwmbran Angling Association's `Waterways for Life` Project.
The two hundred saplings comprised of :-
100 Hazel, 50 Hawthorn, 25 Blackthorn, 15 Field Maple, 5 Spindle, 5 Dog Rose.After laying out the` line` and deciding on `which & where` the group got on with the `digging out` and planting; a
Bamboo cane was inserted adjacent to each sapling to act as a support,followed by a plastic `spiral` ,to protect the sapling from browsing and also to create a micro-climate which would protect the sapling from frost and aid the growing process.Heather, our latest recruit, came upon a Newt that was later identified by Kris (T.C.B.Council Ecologist) as a Smooth or Common Newt.
The Smooth Newt, is also known as the Common Newt Triturus vulgaris, or Lissotriton vulgaris and is the most common newt species of the Triturus genus of amphibians. (Wikipedia)
.. Click on the image to enlarge ..
Three hours later, honest toil, interspersed by friendly conversation, jovial banter and a stop for `refuelling `(Coffee, Chocolate, Bovril) we stood back to admire our `handywork`.
.. Hover cursor on each of the photographs for an explanation and `Click` to enlarge ..
