Watchet, Williton and Quantock Advertiser, October 2019

4 OCTOBER 2019
Dear Readers
Light in the darkness
Now the kids have settled back into school and the weather is starting to change
towards the colder end of the mercury, I am going to talk about keeping warm.
Sounds odd I know, but some of the following devices might be of interest. Cold
hands? How about a heated mouse mat! For less than a tenner you can now keep
your fingers lovely and warm https://amzn.to/2kLf751 If you want a mouse as well,
there is this beauty https://amzn.to/2kn3il4 The first world problem of cold coffee?
Not anymore. A temperature controlled mug is what you need. Not cheap at £150 but
controlled by an app, it allows you to keep your coffee hot https://amzn.to/2msvV15
Here in Murcia, Spain, we have had the worst flooding in more than 100 years. 7
deaths and 3,500 people evacuated by emergency services. I have seen some
horrific videos, and amazing rescues. Some friends of mine, Richard and his wife
Leisl, have lost everything. His heartbreaking video can be seen here
https://bit.ly/2kKe0CF taken after he finally managed to get back to his home two
days after they were evacuated. His friends have rallied around and a gofundme page
was created that is at nearly £15,000, to help them rebuild. What I find most
amazing is that there are people donating who don’t even know them. Sometimes
technology can be a good thing, to bring light to the darkness.
In the local resort at La Torre Golf, they have used technology and Whatsapp groups
to organise help to those who really need it. The flood defences buckled and
hundreds of homes and garages were flooded along with the Hilton Hotel. With the
group which was created, people are able to ask for help, and also offer it. Organising
everything from showers, and washing, food and drinks to help those on clean-up,
and get shopping for those who have lost their cars.
Technology speeds up the dissemination of information and that is essential. I had
cause to use an app to report an incident to the local police. Within a few minutes I
was “chatting” with an operator, sending video in real time so they could determine
the urgency of the situation. These apps and services are part of everyday life, and
when used properly can be a huge help to people.
As always, please drop me a line if you have any specific requests or need some
advice. That’s Andy at ICT@lyntonadvertiser.com
advertise@watchetadvertiser.com 01598 752788