We were on vacation in the UK and went to spend two weeks in Northam, North Devon with my Mother-in-law.
On a Monday we decided to spend a couple of days in Boscastle. When we got there, we booked into The Riverside and got the room number 1, with a view down the valley, towards the sea.
We left the car in the car park and went for a walk to the right of the river up to the top, where we sat on the grass to see the countryside and take in the view out to sea. We noticed that there were grey clouds over the hills inland. We even took some photos before we returned down to the village.
Clouds gathering behind Boscastle
Passing by the river we observed dark water flowing towards the sea, though the birds were restless, some families were walking happily along the banks as it was not raining at that time.
The first flood water arriving
We all looked on in wonder, before the real flood arrived
We had a leisurely drink at The Wellington, then went to top-up our parking ticket, which was about to expire. By now, a lot of water was coming out of the entrance to the car park. Whilst my husband continued up to retrieve our car, so as not to get my boots wet, I went back and stayed close to the shops where there were some chairs and tables.
As my husband was taking a while I went to look over the wall into the car park to see the chaos. With the water rosing, people were holding each other’s hand to cross the street. I, who didn’t want to get my boots wet, now had water above my knees!
I started to get worried, many people next to me started walking hand-in-hand close to the wall, pushing away tables and chairs that were floating by.
Then the downpour started!
When I came out of the water and up over the bridge I sheltered under the minimal overhang of the roof of The Otherworld shop. I watched in horror as cars, a white Mercedes and the whole Visitor Centre tumbled down the river towards the sea. Almost in front, on the higher side of the street there was a house, and someone waved at me, inviting me to come in and shelter. Inside they gave me towels and a lot of affection but soon we heard a knock on the door, a man asked us to leave and we all trooped outside to a gardening shed. It wasn’t long before we heard the noise and felt the downdraft of the helicopters overhead. Then someone else arrived saying that due to the danger we could not stay there so he led us up through gardens and steep streets.
It was a devastating moment, I saw a woman carrying a youngster in her arms and we were guided by a person who knew the place well and took us up to the Community Center.
At the entrance there was a list where we could write our name and the name of any companions who were missing.
I spent around 5 hours there with other people, where I received a sweater, hot tea, jam sandwiches, and a lot of attention. I didn’t know what time it was, but I think it was around 9pm when I heard my husband’s voice asking for me and someone answered: “Yes, there’s a South American lady over there”. He called out to me in a loud voice. I got up and went towards him. It was emotional. We hugged each other in tears and heard applause from the others. He was the first ‘missing person’ to show up!
That night we couldn’t stay at The Riverside and returned to Northam very late, without our luggage.
As soon as my Mother-in-law opened the door she said: “I was watching something horrible on TV about Boscastle”. After a few seconds she said: “Jenny I’m so sorry!”
P.S. In December of the same year we returned to Boscastle and met two police officers who presented the council with a cheque to help the Community and there I met the same man who helped us get out of a dangerous place and accompanied us to the Community Centre.
The inspiration for this article: We are going to the UK in August 2024 which is 20 years on from the horrific scenes I witnessed at the Flash Floods in Boscastle. My husband and I intend re-visiting the town to hopefully finish our previously interrupted stay.
Janete Marques Fulford, Santa Branca, SP, Brazil.
