Ron Button's statement about the lack of rain in the South was well
illustrated by the fact that last night a forest fire did a lot of damage in
west Surrey. It laid waste a good few acres of trees and heathland due in
part by the strong winds over the last few days which quickly dried out
bracken; not too much rain so far this month and indeed in general during
December and the very strong wind yesterday evening. A contrast to north
west England's waterlogged conditions.

Ian Currie-Coulsdon
www.frostedearth.com