We are flooded… again
Just exactly what we didn’t need at the Forum. Yet another flood. Our dehumidifier unit was still in daily use drying us out from the last water seepage into our ancient hut when our rehearsal was interrupted by the thunderstorms and awesome deluge that took place last Tuesday evening. The noise on the roof was enough to stop us hearing our lines and a peek outside revealed the water level rising fast outside our door. Uh.
We have a rehearsal hut that is unfortunately fronted by a tarmac area that seems to have been laid some decades ago with a slope that pushes water to our wall. Uhh. Yes we have a drain in front but that is a poor example of drainage design and actually acts as a debris collector and reservoir for filling the Forum. Uhh.
And yes we have been trying for three years to find builders to carry out repairs to our rotting wall base, collapsing door and a better drainage system. Builders, however, tend to operate on the mañana principle and after various attempts and quotes we are no further along. Our funds are extremely limited of course so any thoughts of bigger repair jobs or hut replacement / improvements are simply beyond our means and opportunities for grants have disappeared.
Our amazement at watching the deluge turned to horror when our feet became wet. The base is so rotten that water began to pour in and at one point looked like someone had stuck a hosepipe through the wall. It was impossible to stop and apart from an urgent removal of furniture there was nothing we could do to stop it. Uhhhh.
Sadly this happens too often, and we knew that we had to cancel any plans we had for Wednesday morning, grab volunteers and do the clear up before more damage was done. Had we not been there it is quite possible we would have discovered a complete disaster a week later, our next visit planned.
Fortunately we have the multi talented Mike who has come up with a proposal that might give us a more resilient repair and help prevent a repeat. Meanwhile, if we have local builders or retired builders looking to help us out then please contact us.
Meanwhile, the dehumidifier is back in use again and being emptied twice a day by our volunteers until further notice. UH indeed!
Before the final retreat, flooding in and more to come 
Phase 1 – 80 litres of water removed by Vax, underneath is another matter 
Clearing the drain of debris 
It might look better but it doesn’t work
Petuaria Players 