a few small breaks for the rest of the year. Was this the rain gods revenge? The perennial war above our heads had continued unabated. The Continental forces (cool, often cold, clear and calm) came at first, then the Western team took over (warmer, wild, wet, and windy). The other day a reporter on TV mentioned that the jetstream had moved southwards. This high level river of air races around the world at mid latitudes, putting energy into the string of depressions to its north, and counteracting those to its south. The suggested two new factors are melting of the ice at the north pole, and heating of the ocean off Florida. Other things such as the spin of our globe complicate the full picture. David Durst
Hempstead 200 Club December’s bonus 200 draw: £25 D Spalton; £10 T Leask, E Buxton; £5 K Stone, J Smith, S Hannah & C Shade. January’s winners: £25 A Wallace; £10 W Mack; £5 J Loach, D Sanders & R Watters.
Hempstead Weather in 2012 As usual, here are my recent monthly readings for rainfall rounded to nearest mm. Month
2010
January February March April May June July August September October November December Year
2011 2012
59 56 34 84 47 21 44 18 44 31 4 104 16 13 45 51 81 109 33 64 85 112 75 49 76 24 45 87 39 82 86 22 94 34 57 98 715 499 811 (28.1'') (19.6'') (31.9'')
2003-2012 10-year average 59.8 49.7 42.3 39.6 49.4 74.3 66.8 76.4 45.1 70.1 72.5 59.7 706.2
Come and Sing Carols After an enjoyable evening singing carols, drinking mulled wine and eating Christmas goodies, we were able to send £50 to St Martins Housing Trust in Norwich. Thank you to everyone who came.
Matlaske News
The wettest year in my records was 2001 (879mm). Last year came fifth. Temperatures were below average. The unusually dry and warm spring brought cries of drought, and almost on the very day a hosepipe ban came into force the rains came and continued with
Poppy Appeal The village collection raised £65.84. Thank you to all who contributed. The District grand total was £11,314. DEW
Henri Bortoft It is with sadness we record the death of Henri Bortoft. Henri was an independent researcher, teacher, lecturer and writer on physics and the philosophy of science; in particular Goethian science. His latest book Taking Appearance Seriously was published shortly before his death. Henri and Jackie came to live in Barningham Place, Matlaske, ten years ago. They were familiar figures at Matlaske fête running the plant stall, often with their son Michael’s support. Our sympathy to Jackie, Aaron, Laura, Michael and the grandchildren on their sad loss.
CAST IRON COOKERS
Service & Repair Jon Cooper Dales House, The Street, Baconsthorpe NR25 6AB
Congratulations
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To Richenda on her confirmation.