Skip to content

Micro Processor 2 Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Dazmasterflash: Its about time someone new hid some caches around Boston

More
Hidden : 3/20/2011
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

Beware - This cache is located near to lots of water. If you have small children, please be cautious. You are looking for a magnetic nano. You will need to bring your own pen. Please ensure the cache is secure when replacing Well Done Hairy-Jim for FTF!

Formed in 1935 by Act of Parliament, the Witham Fourth District IDB is responsible for over 700 km (440 miles) of watercourse and 7 pumping stations, covering an area of some 40500 Ha (100,000 acres). The Board’s area is bounded by the River Witham on the southwest, the Wash on the southeast with the River Steeping and the Wolds to the north. The Board is an independent authority responsible for land drainage and flood protection and is funded by levying drainage rates on local farmers with additional income from local and central government. There are over 120 similar bodies throughout England and Wales. Although the current Board was formed in 1935 it has a history that goes back much further. Its predecessors were various Drainage Commissioners and Courts of Sewers that were responsible for local drainage prior to 1935. The Board has in its possession records going back over 200 years, whilst the earliest reported written record of drainage in the area are details of a meeting of Commissioners of Sewers to determine the need for ditch cleaning work near Wainfleet in 1272. During the 11th and 12th centuries monks made attempts to drain the land and build flood defences. Sea defences referred to locally as the “Roman Bank” date from this period. Although Romans occupied the area there is no proof of drainage works. The infamous King Canute allotted Common Rights in the Fens, although we have no record if it was here that he carried out his most illustrious of acts! The 17th century saw the first major attempts to drain the area and brought the fen Commoners (“Fen Slodgers”) into conflict with the drainers (“Adventurers”). The fish and fowl the fenland population needed to survive were dependant on deep water but the Adventurers desired land for agriculture and water to scour the Witham to keep it free for navigation. So controversial was the issue the arguments went on for years and even resulted in rioting in Sibsey! Reports from the 18th Century stated that in summer, the East Fen had 18 inches (450mm) of water on the surface and 6 feet (almost 2 m) in The Deeps. Wildmore and the West Fens were covered with nettles and thistles. At this time Sir Joseph Banks of Revesby acted as a mediator between potential reclaimers and the Fen men. In 1799 John Rennie submitted a report that was to become the basis of the Witham Fourth drainage system. Subsequently various Drainage Acts were passed to raise the necessary funds to finance the works proposed by Rennie. In 1806 the Hobhole Sluices were opened and in conjunction with the 22km Hobhole Drain extending northwards from the sluice, provided the main drainage channel for the District. The system worked well initially but peat shrinkage and the poor condition of the River Witham Outfall led to more flooding in the mid-1800’s. It became apparent that due to the very flat nature of the area it would not be possible to drain the low land effectively using gravity alone and the decision was made to install pumps some 15 km north of the sluices at Lade Bank. In 1867 the Lade Bank Steam Pump Act was passed and in 1868 the Lade Bank Pumping Station was opened. The first pumps installed at Lade Bank were steam driven, the 90 ft chimney from the boilers still a prominent land mark visible for miles around. Coal to fuel the 6 boilers needed to drive the 2 pumps (turning over at a heady 36 rpm!) would be delivered by barge. Opened in 1868 the steam-powered station remained operational for 72 years (the boilers having been replaced once in 1902). Lade Bank Pumping Station In 1940 a new pumping station was built alongside the steam station. Containing 3 diesel engine driven pumps it replaced the old steamers that unfortunately have been scrapped. Seventy years on and the diesel engines still provide the main flood defence for the East Fen, an area that contains some of the lowest lying land in the district (at high tide the sea level can be as much as 6m or 20 ft above the level of the land!). To bolster the output of the station additional electric pumps were added in 1963 and 1990. The total capacity of the combined pumps is 17 cumecs (17 tons of water a second or enough to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool in 30 seconds!). Here is some brief history of the Station (Taken from Witham Fourth website) 1867 Witham Drainage (Fourth District) Act passed which provided for steam pumping engines to be installed at Lade Bank 1940 New Lade Bank Pumping Station commissioned oil engines. 1963 36 inch diameter electric Pump commissioned at Lade Bank. 1990 Two additional electric pumps at Lade Bank Pumping Station commissioned

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gurerf ybgf bs zrgny gb frnepu sbe n zntargvp anab. Jura lbh unir tbar penml naq bss gur envyf lbh jvyy cebonoyl svaq vg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)