Village celebrates first 'flood party' (From Witney Gazette)

Village celebrates first 'flood party'

2:50pm Tuesday 15th July 2008 in Witney By David Horne

A VILLAGE that was virtually impassable for three days in last summer's floods is getting ready to have a party to celebrate the event.

The Clanfield Tavern is hosting the first anniversary 'flood party' for villagers on Saturday, with a beer festival, pig roast and fun and entertainment, starting at 11.30am.

Clanfield was overwhelmed on the weekend of July 21 last year, when the main street became a torrent, and many homes were under three feet of water.

Tom Gee, Tavern manager, recalls: "No one that day who came for lunch could ever have imagined that what began as an English summer downpour would mean that they would be camping in the pub for up to three nights."

Stranded customers, however, were kept upbeat by soul singer Ruby Turner, who was trapped in the Tavern that weekend.

The flood party includes prize tickets for a forthcoming show of hers in Oxford, with Jools Holland.

Mr Gee added: "In fact, the devastation was such that some people are still to this day repairing the flood damage to their homes."

Latest estimates, taken from West Oxfordshire District Council's council tax relief figures, are that 91 homes in the district are still not occupied because of ongoing repairs.