A KEEN reader of the Times who lives in Australia this week said that he would happily exchange some of the wintry snow and cold weather that West Devon has been experiencing lately in exchange for the heatwave that has plagued Down Under.
Ron Hillier, a former print worker at the old Tavistock Gazette, who emigrated to South Australia many years ago, wrote to the Times from his home in Highbury.
'We are suffering very high temperatures close to 50 degrees C — breaking all records. There were ten days without a break of more than 45 degrees C, three of them 46 plus. I tell you, that's bloody hot — sorry about the naughty word but it's the only way to describe it,' said Ron.
'More than 30 people have died in our area because they did not rehydrate themselves, or put their air conditioners on, and the hospitals are very busy.
'My wife and I have moved into the lounge where the air-conditioner has been going night and day.
'So please, send a few ship loads of your snow and we will send you 20 degree C of our heat in exchange!'
Mr Hillier added that bush fires, many alleged to be started by arsonists, had burned to the ground many houses and killed much wildlife in his area.
He promised Times readers that he would raise a glass Down Under to everyone in his old home town — a glass that he has placed on his coaster engraved with a picture of St Eustachius Church!