Hi All, LT is almost back on Avon normal level, about 12 inches to go. Yesterday we had a walk around the river frontage and the debris that has settled on the banks is quite remarkable. Tons and tons and tons of it. wrecked caravans and contents seem to be the main contributors'. The Spirit of Freedom On Avon is sunk at her moorings on Workman gardens. This is a trip/restaurant boat and just the top of the wheelhouse is visible. I am no expert but I guess she will be out of commission for months? Millie, which moors over the other side by the flats was also sunk but has now been pumped out and is floating again. A mobile home is on it side in the park. The bridges are both opened to traffic and pedestrians. The bridge that was in danger was the Abbey Road bridge and not the Workman Bridge in the town centre, the one that mainly featured on the TV at the bottom of Port Street. The Spirit of Freedom, was listing badly and the worry was, if she came loose, her 40 tons would smash into the bridge and bring it down causing a huge tidal wave and bits of bridge flying everywhere. The river was flowing at between 40 and 50 MPH at that stage. The community spirit has been fantastic here and I must pay tribute to my mate Tony Sinderberry. Some of you may know Tony. When we arrived back to our road on Sunday morning, Tony was desperately trying to get his boat, Victoria, off the mooring pole that was lodged on the stern. The river was still across the road, about 2 feet deep. Victoria is moored neared to the bridge, so access was possible. With the help of others, with poles, ladders, ropes and sheer determination, she came off. By this time I had gained access to LT and was onboard, clambering on a ladder over the hedge and onto the gunwales. checking her out, all was well, all systems worked. Tony came straight down to ask if we were OK and I explained my plan. Tony had long ropes, lots of them. All day and night I stayed on LT and Tony stayed in his car. Each hour we checked the ropes and Tony gently untied each of the now 3 bow lines in turn and to keep pace with the river level. We were lucky, the mooring poles had bent over in just the right places and acted as a downward guide. The river flow, kept the stern in place. A centre rope was tied to my sons transit van and we had two stern ropes connected to another lamppost. Thanks Tony, without your help and guidance, we might never have pulled it off. Thanks also to my workmates who have put themselves out to help and to Jessops, who have given me absence with pay. My brilliant new electrical system has been wrecked, hope the insurance will cover that. Incidentally, after initial good vibes, we have still not had anyone round and it's now 5 days since I claimed. I know they are busy, but I feel they should be busy with me. Getting through to them is an achievement! There have been many many stories of devastation here and indeed round the country far worse than us. Within half a mile of my house, some 10 houses have had water up to the first floor. One house might have to be demolished, such was the force of the water. Amazingly, so far, no fatalities. There has been a few stories of selfishness, like the guy who insisted on using the gym at our leisure centre, even though it was crowded with evacuees. He'd paid his membership! cases of stupidity, people driving into flooded roads and moving barriers put up across roads because it's dangerous. There will always be the dickheads. Our emergency services and local council officials have been superb. Often putting there own lives at risk. Work way beyond the call of duty. The clean up continues, it's going to take many weeks, but we will get back to normal.
So, that's all folks. So glad that Mike, Dad and Julie and of course Kismet are well and unscathed. Knowing the spot where they were and knowing this river, I am not sure I would have stayed on board, so well done to them. Thanks again to you all. Thanks to all those who contributed to LT's success. Till next time. Did I really say that?. Perhaps I am starting to get my sense of humour back. Regards, Andrew & Wendy
