All I did was Google the word disaster . Straight away, up popped a link to this paper s very own Maggie Gibson. Incidentally, if you don t know about Googling and intend to live more than another five years, you ll have to learn. For those who don t kno

All I did was Google the word 'disaster'. Straight away, up popped a link to this paper's very own Maggie Gibson. Incidentally, if you don't know about Googling and intend to live more than another five years, you'll have to learn.

For those who don't know, Google is a search engine. It finds you information on the internet - and if you don't have e-mail and don't use the net, you'll be seriously handicapped in the near future. They're becoming as necessary as a phone.

Back to Maggie. Google was not implying that she herself was a disaster. Far from it. It provided a link to her recent report about the re-vamped Freedom Bridge roundabout in Wisbech and its little boats marooned on rocks.

Apparently the way it's turned out has upset its designers. In fact, I think it's good fun and I was seriously impressed that someone had had the wit to name the three boats after rabbit characters in the epic Watership Down novel. A nice touch.

Wisbech is in the midst of its annual Rose Fair of course. It's one of the great events of the Fenland calendar and well worth a visit tomorrow, even if you live in March and never set foot in Wisbech on principle.

It's set me thinking about the science of flower arranging and if I might progress beyond just stuffing a bunch in a jar. Once again, Google came up with pages of helpful hints, some of which make it all sound quite easy.

"Use wine and beer bottles. Add one stem per bottle and line them up on your mantelpiece for instant glamour."

This technical advice comes from the Flowers and Plants Association. It also suggests using teapots.

Hopefully the arrangements in Wisbech Parish Church are a bit more stylish.

Perhaps the church has taken to heart another hint: "Is your vase boring? If so, wrap a headscarf round it." There's more professional advice. "Lightly spray your finished arrangement with water. Don't spray it near an electrical appliance."

If experienced flower arrangers need this sort of warning, anyone can have a go. Amazingly, there's even an outfit called the Fens Food and Flower Festival Project which will give individuals and groups grants to help them hold their own flower festivals.