ARE you old enough to remember the long, hot summer of 1976?
It was the country's driest summer in more than 200 years, and things became so bad a Labour MP, Denis Howell, was made Minister for Drought in the August. The Prime Minister gave him the job of persuading the nation to use less water – and he was even ordered by No10 to do a rain dance on behalf of the nation.
Howell responded by telling reporters he was doing his bit by sharing baths with his wife, Brenda. Within days heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, and he was made Minister of Floods instead.
We've had quite enough rain this past couple of weeks so here instead is a selection of scorchers from that baking summer – the fun and games of the Cockermouth Lions' Riverside Revels in 1976.
Recognise anyone you know? Share your memories at letters.carlisle@cnmedia.co.uk
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