Thinking of the residents of Cockermouth in Cumbria and hoping that they can return to normal life as soon as possible after the floods, it struck me how powerful water is.

Even the East Wilder Brook that runs through Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe is swollen.

It changes from still pool to torrent with no warning . . .

. . . and although not very deep has the power to drag along anything in its way.

It commands my respect.