In the small, rural town of Ramsey, with a population of just 8,000, the torrential downpour flooded 30 homes.
Emergency services dealt with the incident, which happened two days before Christmas, prompting Ramsey Rotary Club to step in to help families whose festive season was ruined.
“The excessive water following heavy rain caused flash flooding to 30 homes in the Field Close, Slade Close and Station Road areas of the town and quite close to the town centre,” explained Rotarian, Richard Hyde.
“Several homes were occupied by young families and a few had no contents insurance.”
In the small, rural town of Ramsey, with a population of just 8,000, the torrential downpour flooded 30 homes.”
Both Ramsey Community Centre and One Leisure Ramsey were opened as community support hubs for residents that had to be evacuated.
In Slade Close, the electricity had to be turned off for the safety of residents while the water was pumped out.
The British Red Cross were also on site at One Leisure Ramsey to offer support and the local food bank was preparing emergency food hampers for collection and distribution.
A couple of the families were housed in bed and breakfast accommodation over Christmas, thanks to the District Council.
The British Red Cross were also on site at One Leisure Ramsey to offer support and the local food bank was preparing emergency food hampers for collection and distribution.”
And because several of the families had lost many possessions in the floods, Ramsey Rotary rallied together with the Ramsey Neighbourhood Trust to find toys for the children.
Richard added: “The community centre was soon filled and answered by a generous community. The hall was filed with bedding, towels and a huge amount of toys.”
Ingeniously, the Rotary club used their Santa float, which had been travelling around the town and Fenland villages shortly before Christmas, to deliver toys to those families affected.
“The Ramsey Neighbourhood Trust spent a couple of days wrapping the gifts, all noted with the ages and sexes of the children,” said Richard.
“Then the Rotary float set off on Christmas morning with Father Christmas, to deliver the items.
“Father Christmas was warmly welcomed and with enthusiasm. It was an all-round community project.”
