St Jude's storm, the aftermath.

Being situated in an odd corner that isn’t quite Sudbury and isn’t quite Acton, in times of challenging weather we always seem to be first to lose our power and the last to get it back!

This hasn’t been entirely true this time because it is clear that quite a lot of people in Suffolk are still without electricity and ours returned just after lunch today. Nonetheless we have learned to be prepared and have accumulated over the years a good array of stoves, candles, battery powered radios and camping equipment (which has never been used in the open air, and has never seen a tent!).  This all makes an electricity free situation more or less bearable, indeed almost enjoyable - for a while.

I don’t generally listen to BBC Radio Suffolk, finding it a little cosily repetitive in the normal scheme of things.  However the broadcaster really came into its own over the past two days, providing up to the minute news and advice.   I was impressed by the way that, sensing the frustration and real need of residents, they tried hard to act as a go between with the National Grid and its customers who were left both literally and figuratively ‘in the dark’ .

The station also broadcast some really uplifting stories about people helping their neighbours.  I was particularly struck by the short interview this morning with the owner of the Artisans Tea Room in Assington, who, blessed with an on site generator, was offering to fill thermos flasks and hot water bottles for local residents.

Not all people offering help in times like this necessarily have your interests at heart.  A message has been sent out by Trading Standards to warn those who need damage repaired after the storm to be wary of rogue traders going from door to door offering to help.  Check out anyone offering you their services here