Hosepipe ban

[Andrew Hannah]

Does anybody have a view on the hosepipe ban, taking effect from today? In particular, does it affect those who hose their boats after sailing?

Presumably, the ban is less of an issue at inland clubs. But even then, it will affect those who are obliged to hose their boats before being allowed onto the water.

If the ban affects the olympic swimming pool, it would be rather funny to see the authorities fill it by using buckets!

[Duncan Ford]

Hi Andrew

I am sure that those affected by hosepipe bans will not be able to use a hosepipe to wash boats down.

Luckily, as far as I am aware, our area, including Thorpe Bay YC, is one of the few in the South East to escape a ban. Essex and Suffolk Water supply us and they are not one of the providers introducing a ban today. However, as you know, we are as dry as a bone here and I suspect it is only a matter of time. We will have to use buckets and sponge when it comes.

Regards

Duncan 1973

[Andrew Hannah]

Hi Duncan,

Thank you for reassuring me that the ban does not affect Thorpe Bay. Not yet, anyway. As you say, the ground is as dry as a bone.

I am sure, Duncan, you will remember, as well as I do, the drought we had around 1976. The country was at its wits end. The final remedy was for the government (Labour) to appoint Lord Howell to the Cabinet as Minister of Drought. It obviously worked. In a matter of days, there was a huge deluge of rain, thunderstorms and floods. Poor old Howell was redundant before he even got to his desk. The government didn't know what to do with him. So instead, he was asked to form another new ministry: the Ministry of Sport. We've been stuck with it ever since.

About the same time, Monty Python came up with the Ministry of Silly Walks.

Regards,

Andrew.

[SteveR]

Hi Andrew
want some water were flooded with the stuff

[Andrew Hannah]

Steve, thanks for the offer. But since the hosepipe ban came into force, we've had a deluge of rain! It's raining, as I write.