On Friday 9^th January, following storm Goretti, Bewdley Rotary member and Santa Sleigh main driver, Rob Baker, had a power cut at his home from 1.00am for most of the day.

Rob stated, “As I live in a rural area of the Wyre Forrest there is no mobile phone coverage unless the Wi-fi is working from the modem.

With no electricity the new “improved” Digital phone system doesn’t work and neither does the LPG central heating. However, I had a brainwave as the Santa Sleigh was still on my drive with a 2KVA inverter and fully charged batteries.

I managed to couple the modem, computer, telephone and boiler up to the Sleigh and I was able to keep warm and to contact people.

When I did venture out I had to cut up, by hand, two trees that had fallen across the track to give me and others access the minor road in Button Bridge. Luckily the council had cut up several that were across the main road to Button Oak.”

Rob Baker and the Sleigh (left) with Club Secretary, Tony Smith (centre), and Bob Hill the other main sleigh driver (right)