Micro Processor 1 Traditional Cache
Dazmasterflash: Container is lost.
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Beware - This cache is located near to lots of water. If you have small children, please be cautious. You are looking for a nano. You will need to bring your own pen. Please ensure the cache is secure when replacing. Well Done Cdmurray 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. 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. Improvements had been made to the outfall sluice in 1887 but as they were still subject to being closed at high tide the drainage of the District was still subject to problems however it wasn’t until extensive flooding in 1947that the Board resolved to build a pumping station at the outfall of the Hobhole Drain. At a total cost of £350,000, Hobhole Pumping Station was commissioned in 1957 and houses 3 No. 88inch (2.23m) diameter Allen vertical mixed flow pumps, with each pump capable of moving over 9 tonnes of water a second (333 cusecs). Each pump is driven by a 6 cylinder vertical two stroke Allen engine producing 770 bhp, consuming approximately 80 litres (18 gals) of diesel per hour. When tides permit, doors can be lifted to allow water to discharge by gravity. This station was constructed in a new cut just to the south east of the now redundant old sluices. Following floods in 1981 it was decided to further increase the capacity at the Hobhole outfall and in 1988 Hobhole Electric Pumping Station was opened. It consists of 4 No. 850mm diameter Flygt submersible axial flow electric pumps sited in the old outfall sluices. Care was taken to ensure as much of the old structure remained as was possible. These pumps are capable of moving 2.1 tonnes of water a second (75 cusecs) driven by 267 hp (200kw) electric motors. The total cost of these works was £680,000. The cache is located near Hobhole Pumping Station. This is a important building that pumps excess water out into the wash to drain the lands of Lincolnshire and prevent flooding. If it were not for places like this East Lincolnshire would still be under water. Here is some brief history of the Station (Taken from Witham Fourth website) 1806 Hobhole Sluice opened. 1867 Witham Drainage (Fourth District) Act passed which provided for steam pumping engines to be installed at Lade Bank, and for channels etc. to be constructed to allow West Fen water to flow to Hobhole Sluice instead of Maud Foster sluice in adverse conditions. Pumping station commissioned in September. Witham Outfall improvement Act passed to authorise channel improvements. 1948 Nunns Bridge constructed first restressed concrete structure in Britain. Wainfleet/Wrangle reclamation scheme funanced by frontagers. Hobhole Pumping Station scheme approved. 1957 Hobhole Pumping Station commissioned and old sluice sealed off. 1988 Electric pumping station at Hobhole commissioned
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Natyrq Pbapergr Cbfg
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