A Bad Day
A year of hard work washed away…
Over the past twenty four hours the English Lake District has experienced what is being described as the worst flooding in a thousand years. Our hotel there has been devastated after a massive refurbishment earlier in the year and the water has washed away all of the hard work we have all put into the place.
One of the kitchens is eight feet under water and the other has fridges floating through the kitchen and into the main restaurant which has flooded along with the new downstairs bar and brasserie.
My head chef has seen his house and all its belongings ruined and he has driven two hundred miles to our other UK hotel with only the clothes on his back.
The devastation throughout the region is unbelievable and in the early hours of today a policeman was killed protecting the public from crossing an unsafe bridge which collapsed under him from the force of the water. He was married with four children.
Miles,
It’s an absolutely horrendous situation. I was in Cockermouth only last year and it is so disturbing to see those same streets now underwater, with people being airlifted to safety and their homes and businesses ruined. I heard the same account of the policeman, PC Bill Barker, warning people away from the danger that subsequently took his life.
The very best of wishes to your head chef and anyone/everyone affected. I have no doubt that the strength of character in Cumbria will win the day.
GDave
November 21, 2009 @ 6:26 am
Miles,
I had no idea this had happened.
It shows a certain side of human nature as well I think. We see the news and understand what is happening but only when it happens to somebody we know does the full impact of events make its mark.
I’m going to check out the news up until reading this I had little idea of the seriousness of what was going on
Best Wishes
Rod
November 21, 2009 @ 8:11 am
Greedydave,
It really is awful, and there is more rain to come. Then it’s the clean up operation…
Miles
November 21, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Rod,
Thanks, Cumbria had in one day the same amount of rainfall London would expect in three months. Horrendous.
Miles
November 21, 2009 @ 9:17 am
Miles,
We were horrified to see the devastation on the news and hearing of the disaster that has befallen your hotel and chef, as well as the loss of life of the policeman. Like all things in life we only ever truly appreciate the effects when they hit us or someone we know.
I was brought up in a region in Germany where the town regularly floods badly and people keep having to face this on a regular basis. When 2 years ago a part in Germany got flooded that had never known any before, there was a national outcry and how people could cope. When subsequently speaking with folk in my hometown they all said: “We have this nearly every year, nobody bothers and we are left to get on with it”. They have nowhere to escape to and there houses would now not be bought. However, local people all help each other and find some strength in that.
We really are fortunate when we do not have to deal with this. My heart goes out to you all together with our very best wishes.
Anne
November 21, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
Oh, Miles!
I’m so sorry to hear this!
My best to you all - I hope you come through it all OK.
Laura
November 21, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
Anne/Laura,
Many thanks, I’ve passed your comments on to those concerned most directly with the flooding. I shall be visiting and will give you an update in due course.
Miles
November 22, 2009 @ 12:05 am
Miles,
High, fast moving water and being winched off the roof of your house must be like something out of a horror movie. Makes you wonder if anything can be done about the future risk of this degree of flooding, what it might cost and if it’s even possible.
After some very hasty carting about of sandbags here a year or so back, I wouldn’t want to repeat the experience. Needless to say, I wish all concerned the strength of character to rebuild what has been damaged…. easier said than done, I’d need an army of well-wishers to remind me constantly not to give up.
Cid
November 22, 2009 @ 12:55 am
Cid,
It’s a hell of a task ahead but we’ll get it done, no doubt about that.
Miles
November 22, 2009 @ 8:34 pm
Oh my gosh — I am so sorry to hear this bad news. It makes me sad, but all the more grateful for what I have on this day of Thanksgiving. Hang in there. Sending you good energy from “across the pond.”
Melissa
November 27, 2009 @ 1:20 am
Melissa,
Thanks, but that’s just the start of it I’m afraid….more later.
Miles
November 27, 2009 @ 10:33 pm