THE unpredictability of weather is one aspect of our lives which we can rely on.

A howling hurricane in Florida had scarcely calmed when torrential rain sent many of our readers scurrying indoors.

But in one area of Leigh, people grabbed the sandbags and prayed. Fortunately, the waters parted before any damage could be done to a church which has just undergone expensive repairs, after being swamped by flash flooding less than eight months ago.

Let us hope the problem can be resolved before the rainy season sets in and Plank Lane and Bickershaw people can sleep soundly in their beds, instead of dreading the sound of raindrops.

The weather did take a turn for the better last Sunday, and a wet morning brightened to allow hundreds of people to enjoy simple pleasures at a country show on the outskirts of Astley, on the A & T MW recreation ground.

Amazing how many people are ferret fanciers and, judging by the amount of beer shifted on the day, a good time was had by all. No trouble either, say the show organisers proudly, even though one or two beefy blokes were seen to be swaying slightly at the end of proceedings.

Seems it's a bit riskier staging a christening in these parts!