Mercury hits 30C at beauty spots
RESERVOIR A PERFECT SPOT FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES AS MERCURY HITS 30C
ONE of England’s hottest days of 2021 was recorded in Derbyshire at the weekend as scores of families and friends headed for the county’s beauty spots to enjoy the gorgeous weather.
A temperature of 30.3C was recorded in Coton In The Elms on Saturday, surpassing the 29.7C recorded in south-west London on June 14.
Tom Morgan, meteorologist at the Met Office, said temperatures were expected to increase even further yesterday, reaching highs of 33C in the south of the UK.
He added an extended hot spell of weather is expected to last for much of the week ahead, adding: “It’s going to mean that people are really going to feel the effects of the heat as we go through this week.”
At Foremark Reservoir near Repton, people were making the most of the sunshine when the Burton Mail paid a visit on Saturday.
Everyone was happy and there were no signs of any problems while we were there. In the past there have been issues as dozens flocked to the site, blocking roads around the Severn Trent-run venue when the car park was full. There were also issues
with people leaving litter around the reservoir. Tim, Lisa and Ben Murray, with children Wyatt, Toby, Vinnie, Elspeth and Kira, were among those making the most of the nice weather and spending the day at Foremark.
Ben said: “It was definitely a good idea to come to the reservoir as the water is keeping it a bit cooler and the kids have been enjoying climbing the trees.
“I thought it would be busier but it looks like it is starting to get more and more busy now. It was definitely a good idea to get out today.”
Peter Broadbent and son Archie were also enjoying a picnic at the beauty spot. Peter said: “It’s just the setting and it’s got the beach you can sit by the water and paddle in it. It’s a nice area. We thought coming a bit later it would be a lot busier but it was straightforward parking. No problem at all. I’m thinking people are just going or coming back from holiday.”
Gary, Karen and Ashley Sims, and Iris and Arthur Dickens, were making the most of some family time.
Gary said: “It’s nice weather and
There’s space to spread out but enough people to feel there’s an atmosphere.
beautiful scenery. We’ve brought my mum and dad out and having a picnic. It’s lovely and peaceful even though there’s quite a few people about. It’s not crowded and it’s relaxed.” Courtney Fletchercarruthers and Liam Crisp were there with children Peyton Crisp, three, and Nala, three weeks. They were pleased the venue was not too busy and Peyton was looking forward to dipping her feet in the water. Courtney said: “We’ve come for some sun, a picnic and family time. It’s not as busy as we thought it would be. It’s quite chilled. It’s better when it’s not rammed.”
Friends Jess Flower, Aleesha Heathcote and Milly Moss were also there. Aleesha said: “We’ve come because of the sunny weather. It’s about how we expected as it was like this last time. It’s a bit quieter. There’s space to spread out but enough people to feel there’s an atmosphere.”
Stacey Eastap and Dale Squires were enjoying family time with
L-kya and Keezai Squires.
Dale said: “We’ve just come here to relax and enjoy the weather. I’ve been here before and it’s about as busy as it was then. Everybody likes to come out in the sun.”
Max Mahyaddinov, security officer at Foremark, said: “It’s been quite nice and people are enjoying coming out for the day. People are not allowed to swim and some have not been looking at the signs. We’re not really having any problems as most are nice people and are being good.” Over at Mercia Marina in
Willington, people were also making the most of the sunshine. Peter and Susan Wright said: “We’ve just dropped our daughter off for a day out in Derby for an afternoon with friends so we came for a drive out. We’ll stay for a couple of hours and grab a coffee before we pick her up.”
Public Health England and the Met Office have warned people to take care during the hot spell, advising them to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen and not to leave children or pets in cars.
Aleesha Heathcote