True story

Nothing to do with epi but I found this article a few months ago. Appeared in the Daily Telegraph I believe. *** Stone Thrower's Guide to Cut Coastal Erosion *** In these days when global warming is a growing worry for all responsible citizens, a clarion call to help stem coastal erosion was certain to fall on receptive ears. So when the quarterly newsletter, 'Your Dorset' magazine fell on doormats inviting people who were going for a walk on the beach to pick up a pebble and throw it inland, it was bound to spark interest. The article in the latest edition of the newsletter, sent to 200,000 homes, spoke of special stone-throwing events to help stop the shoreline's retreat. It read: ''Next time you go paddling at low tide pick up any suitable stones and throw them carefully towards the land. "To encourage responsible throwing the county council ranger service, in conjunction with Natural England, will be organizing events and issuing official T-shirts to registered throwers'' However, when people who were intrigued by the idea contacted Dorset County Council for details the truth emerged – the whole thing was the work a public sector prankster. It was written ‘’as a joke’’ and somehow found its way into the magazine. A council spokesman said an investigation had been launched and controls had been ''tightened''. The Council says that 'Your Dorset' is sent to every home and business in the county four times a year "to keep you informed about the work of the Council and how it contributes to the quality of your everyday life". Harry May, who runs mackerel fishing trips out of Lyme Regis, was not taken in. "In the 21st century nothing surprises me but it is difficult to think of anything more stupid," he said. But not everyone was against the idea. Before the truth emerged, Jim Knight, the West Dorset MP and minister, said he would welcome such a move. -------------- It is getting late and I am off to bed......... Chris