Doug’s DIARY

November draws to a close, and I’m sitting here by candlelight, writing this diary, with my long-unpractised, illegible handwriting. Storm Arwyn ripped through the countryside four days ago, taking with it many beautiful old trees, Hannah’s gardening gloves and our electricity supply.

My middle son, Joe, and his partner Kayleigh arrived at our cold, dark house a couple of days ago to visit for a short break. No power, on top of a still undrinkable water supply and a leaky roof. I thought they might have regretted their decision to visit, but they are up for the adventure and Pippin and Fred are so excited to see their big brother and ‘sister’.

The devastation of the storm has put the lights out across the region, and Scottish Power is working night and day to gradually rectify the faults. We