In the PiP one can see the irrigation of potato fields in the background. Severn Trent, our water authority, has not brought a hosepipe ban in yet. There are deep aquifers underground in Shropshire, but they have advised their customers to be very sparing with hosepipes.

We are not using our hosepipe to water borders as I want to see what plants survive the drought, so that I can give a talk to our local garden club.

I think farmers are exempt because they are providing food for the nation.

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home!
All is safely gathered in
Ere the winter storms begin.

This hymn was written by Henry Alford (1844)

How times have changed. This harvest was safely gathered in at the beginning of July, and hopefully the winter storms are not upon for a few months.