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South Wales Argus
12-07-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
A look back at Newport drought of 1976 with archived pictures
As of early July 2025, reservoir levels across England are showing signs of strain. Hafren Dyfrdwy's region is at 69.1% capacity, with some reservoirs like Cae Llwyd at just 19.4% due to ongoing refilling. Severn Trent Water reports levels around 71.1%2, while Yorkshire Water's reservoirs are only 55.8% full 26% below normal. The UK faces a growing drought threat. Following the driest spring in 132 years, parts of Yorkshire and the North West are already in drought status. Thames Water warns of hosepipe bans as demand surges and rainfall remains low. Without substantial rain, restrictions and crop losses are likely. 2nd September 1976 South Wales Argus paper (Image: South Wales Argus Archive) With this mind let's take a look back at one of the most severe droughts Newport faced in 1976 In the summer of 1976, South Wales, like much of the UK, was grippe Argus reported it as one of the longest heatwaves in living memory, triggering the most significant drought for at least the last 150 years. From June through August, the skies withheld their usual downpours. Across England and Wales, there were 36 days without recorded rainfall. In south-east England, 1976 saw 36 days of zero average rainfall between June 1 and July 24, a stark contrast to more recent dry spells1. Temperatures soared past 32°C for 15 consecutive days somewhere in the UK, with peaks reaching 35.6°C in Southampton and 35.9°C in Cheltenham. The effects rippled through South Wales. In Abercarn, fears mounted over the slurry pond at Chapel of Ease, which threatened to slip onto a nearby school. Councillor Bill Davies stood beside the slurry pond below Pantside tip, held back only by sandbags, a vivid image of the community's vulnerability. The drought wasn't just about parched lawns and sunburnt afternoons. It was a test of resilience. Lord Nugent, chairman of the National Water Council, launched the Save Water campaign on August 31, urging the public to conserve every drop. Sunshine hours in June 1976 averaged 207.4 across the UK, making it slightly sunnier than June 2022, though both were outshone by June 2018. The River Thames pictured on August 17 1976 (Image: PA media) For those who lived through it, 1976 wasn't just hot, it was historic. It was the summer when rivers ran low, reservoirs cracked, and communities came together under a blazing sun. And while newer generations may marvel at recent heatwaves, those who remember 1976 know that it set the benchmark for what a true drought feels like. While the broader UK drought picture is concerning, Newport and the South Wales region are currently not under drought conditions. According to the Welsh Government, water resources across Wales, including Gwent are within expected ranges for this time of year, and there are no significant concerns about prolonged dry weather or impacts to supply.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Racepoint Global Expands Client Roster with Acoustic
Today, earned-first marketing agency Racepoint Global announced the addition of Acoustic to its client roster. Acoustic, a global marketing and customer engagement provider for B2C brands, has selected Racepoint as its agency of record. Racepoint will provide a range of earned-first communications services, including media relations, thought leadership, and brand storytelling. Acoustic's next-gen customer engagement platform, Acoustic Connect, helps brands optimize customer engagement by giving marketers a real-time understanding of individual customers, including their preferences, frustrations, and intent. With a product suite that balances automation and personalization, Acoustic empowers brands to connect with their audiences through data-backed insights and cross-channel marketing strategies. 'As brands navigate the challenges of delivering authentic, impactful customer experiences, Acoustic is at the forefront of one-to-one customer engagement,' said Scott Opiela, Chief Marketing Officer at Acoustic. 'We're excited to partner with Racepoint to amplify our story, build our brand presence, and showcase how our technology enables meaningful customer relationships.' 'Customer expectations are higher than ever, and brands need smart, scalable solutions to build lasting relationships. Acoustic stands out by empowering marketers with software that enables personalization at scale,' said Bill Davies, CEO at Racepoint Global. 'This partnership reflects our collective commitment to breaking through the noise and guiding brands to build authentic, data-driven connections with their customers.' About Racepoint Global The communications landscape is in constant flux, rife with challenges — and opportunities—for brands. Racepoint is an earned-first independent marketing agency that makes people take notice. The tech-forward boutique creates unforgettable narratives that grab attention and steal customers from the competition. Founded by Larry Weber, Racepoint's work has driven business impact for blue-chip brands for over twenty years. About Acoustic, L.P. Acoustic, L.P. is a global marketing and customer engagement provider delivering solutions that give brands a deeper understanding of their customers and the ability to act in the moments that matter. Our mission is to help brands build closer customer connections through data-driven visibility and personalized engagement. Our customer engagement, digital analytics, and retail pricing solutions are purpose-built to enable marketers to build, scale, and optimize customer experiences throughout the customer lifecycle, from discovery to post-purchase. With 25+ years of MarTech experience, our team of trusted experts is focused on helping brands across industries exceed expectations and build meaningful, lasting customer relationships. Learn more about Acoustic at SOURCE: Racepoint Global Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/02/2025 10:13 AM/DISC: 04/02/2025 10:12 AM
