Crossword

WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont)

brought it back in contention. It would bypass us very closely mimicking pipes carrying water between Thirlmere and Manchester across the Bowland Fells. All that needs to be done to get the water flowing is to agree the price of a bucket full! Twentieth century engineers are not the first to hit on schemes to transport water. Emperor Augustus’s Water Czar, Agrippa, would reshape the Roman system with Frontinus, (Governor of Britain AD 74-78) making sure it worked. Of Rome’s aqueducts, ‘cut and cover’ masonry channels, following the contours of the ground, made up 90% of the mileage with tunnels and arches only as necessary. The first aqueducts were in total 106 miles long. Rome was expanding fast and the need for water with it. Public bathing was popular - reminiscent of today’s hot tubs - and more supply was demanded by affluent citizens. But in 125 BC only one inadequate aqueduct was added. Finally, Agrippa was appointed to get a grip on the situation and he repaired and added capacity to all existing aqueducts and extended distribution throughout Rome to a million cubic metres of water a day. Enter Frontious who knew the system intimately according to the surviving account he left us. He understood the need for making plans for all aqueducts so, as he said, he had everything before his eyes, understanding the volumes of water being carried, its rates of discharge, its purity and the need for regular shutdowns for repairs and diversions when demand varied. With his team of 700, yes 700, repair men he was especially hot on leaks and illegal tapping into the supply; ‘Compare’ he exclaimed, ‘the extensive structures of my network with the idle pyramids or useless, though famous, attractions of the Greeks!’. Chairmen of our Water Company’s take note.

Roger Brooks

CROSSWORD (ans page 51)

Across

3. Slightly open (4) 5. Fall, in America (6) 7. A fruit (5) 8. 2d convenience (6) 10. Period between Stone and Bronze (4, 3) 13. Result; final situation (7) 15. Structure; method (6) 16. Light brown cloth used in uniforms (5) 17. Rectangle (6) 18. Hide; coating (4)

Down

1. Nine number square puzzle (6) 2. Open to all (6) 3. Structure of the body (7) 4. Greek letter (5) 6. Present; in this place (4) 9. Gradual wearing down (7) 11. Snuggle; cuddle (6) 12. Collects leftovers; learns (6) 13. Mighty trees (4) 14. Appreciate; acknowledge (5)