The north west has just been battered by some of the worst rain storms in history. Roads are mangled, bridges are buckled and hundreds and thousands of people are flooded out of the their homes.

We are lucky here in Silverdale. We escaped pretty unscathed and even maintain our power.

I was witness to some of the damage though. …Washed out at the Hawkshead Christmas Fair at the weekend, the Saturday evening saw us virtually swimming through huge puddles in my trusty red berlingo submarine to return home. It was only on our return on the Sunday in Ju’s truck that we realized the full extent of the flooding. Many roads were shut and we had to perform one or two slightly irregular manouvres to keep us on the right road. The Lyth Valley was awash. Poor homes with water up to the window sills……woodpiles, deck-chairs and garden toys floating across the A590 where there should not be a high water mark.

Such sad scenes.

There was angry water at Newby Bridge and boats in odd locations. But we made it back to Hawkshead. The sun came out rather weirdly and locals ventured out to do the annual carol sing and parade.

What an horrendous weekend. As I said on facebook, ‘twould be nice to see friendly faces coming to say ‘hi’ to cheer us up but no-one, no-one should try. What a relief to get home but horrible to see the devastation left behind.

Our house in Scotland flooded 10 years ago so I know what it feels like and I really want to do something to help.

So this is just to let you know, ‘Debbie’s Shed is open for business and that I intend to donate 50% of all my sales between now and Christmas to a local flood charity. Just drop by. I am working hard fulfilling my Christmas orders at the mo’ so am usually in and have lots of other bits and bobs for sale.

Please come along, shop local and handmade and help me do my bit for the flood victims.

All the best folks, Debbie