Worcestershire | Archive | 2003 | March | 31
From the archive, first published Monday 31st Mar 2003.
HEADLINES in the Journal exactly half-a-century ago were dominated by the Linton and Lynmouth flood disaster and the speedy response of Worcestershire people to the relief fund.
The edition for this week of 1952 explained: "There has been a generous and spontaneous response by Worcester and the county to the national appeal on behalf of the Lynmouth Flood Relief Fund.
"The North Devon coastal beauty spot was devastated by a cloudburst on Friday night, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.
"Forty-two houses, hotels and cottages were totally destroyed, 17 others will have to be demolished and 20 are seriously damaged, while numerous other houses are in urgent need of repair.
"A vast wall of water rushed from the hilltop carrying people, farm stock, furniture and huge boulders down to the sea. In Lynmouth, 20 persons were killed and many more are missing, presumed dead.
"The relief fund at Worcester was launched with a £25 gift from the Worcestershire County Cricket Supporters Association, and the Guildhall has seen a regular flow of citizens wishing to contribute their cash donations. An old lady who spent her honeymoon at Lynmouth was among the first to call at the Guildhall to leave money. Collections are also being organised in local factories and offices and by a wide variety of local organisations.
"Worcester's Deputy Mayor, Alderman W.H Norton said: `We are all shocked by the terrible disaster which has befallen such a well-known English beauty spot, and we deplore the great losses of the people. Many have lost their kin, their homes and their livelihood, and I am sure the citizens of Worcester will give generously to alleviate in some measure the sufferings of those stricken people.'
"Pershore Co-operative Fruit Market is providing immediate practical aid by sending a lorry to Lynmouth, laden with about seven tons of fruit, vegetables, eggs and canned goods.
"This initiative came from Mr R. A Wood, the market's general manager, who contacted the Red Cross and was told that Lynmouth people were in desperate need of fruit and vegetables. He posted a notice to this effect in the market, and the response of growers was magnificent. Within two days, they had sent along enough vital produce to pack the lorry. `I think the growers have shown a grand spirit,' Mr Wood, told our reporter."
The Journal also spotlight the "nightmare experience" of a family from Cradley, near Malvern, who had a dramatic escape in the North Devon Disaster.
Mr B.J Tringham, a teacher at Cradley School, and his wife and four young children, including a five months-old baby, were on holiday in a 100 years-old cottage at Challacombe near Lynmouth and had to be rescued through an upstairs window after being marooned for 17 hours.
"They had only arrived the day before the disaster to begin their holiday. Back home at Cradley, Mrs Tringham described how the flood waters had roared down the road and swirled round the holiday cottage. `The 3ft thick walls withstood the rush better than those of other houses in the vicinity,' she stressed."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008