LOCAL EVENTS - Local events cover a wide spectrum. Serious floods, fires, gales, snowstorms, wind storms, prolonged frosts, droughts, lightening strikes, hail, and excess heat immediately all spring to mind. Most of these, apart from some of the fires, were down to the elements and the climate. They were reported in the local newspapers, and were probably talked about for some weeks around the local area, while the subsequent damage was being attended to. Major crimes, or even not so major, in a parish could often involve several local people being called as witnesses, and others, if they were not in work, following the proceedings in the courtroom. It would have been an event to discuss, and mull over in the inn, or at work, or at home, for probably sometime ahead. Other events, such local farmworkers' strikes, organised by Union members and leaders, would have caused much heated discussion and fallings out among the workers and, of course, money worries in their homes. The demise of a big local farmer and employer, and the later sale of his or her farm could also effect many a worker, as often cottage homes were tied to employment.