On Thursday, 8 September 2016 12:32:34 UTC+1, P.Chortik wrote:
"John Hall" wrote in message ....

I've just stumbled on a link to a PDF file of an interesting set of
slides (by the look of it) produced by Stephen Burt on the winter of
1962-3:

https://www.rmets.org/sites/default/...32013-burt.pdf
--
John Hall
"Banking was conceived in iniquity and born in sin"
attributed to Sir Josiah Stamp,
a former director of the Bank of England
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++
Memories of mine from that Winter in Merstham Sy include my father
discovering frost lingering within the exposed surface coal/coke bunkers
located outside the house as late as the end of April.
In late January of 1963 I had to take one of my 11-plus exams in Wellingtons
that were overlaid with plastic bags that went up higher than the footwear
otherwise the snow/ice would have
got inside them.That morning I think the temperature was down to -16c and on
reaching school the hands and feet were numb from the cold and I remember
one 'teacher' chastising me for resting my mittened hands on a roasting hot
radiator ,exclaiming I would get chilblains.....

Now there's a proxy for a lack of severe UK winters, the almost now unheard off term 'chilblain'. Other things I've touched before is the disappearance of the unwanted Christmas presents i.e. aunties woolly and very itchy knitted scarf or other items that you had to struggle not to show your disappointment when you unwrapped them, gloves and thick socks. However they did get used. My mother who is 86 this year is still in that mind set where she will buy the most ridiculous thick coat and still say " Aw that will keep you nice and warm in the bitter cold", brrrrr...". The fact that rarely need wrapping up nowadays seems to escape her. I thing she gets a nice feeling that people are kept warm despite the fact its never that cold anymore. Actually when you think back to say that winter 62/63 cars were sparse and most people went to work by train, bus, bike or walk. I mentioned my dads old firms Morris Van

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...al_JB_1957.jpg

And that thing in the winter invariably had to be started via the starting handle which would nearly always kick back and bruise your hand. I remember in the school Christmas holidays going to work with him and the inside of the van was as cold as when we set off. Buses were the same the old opened back RT's ad RM's were always bloody cold. So you'd wait freezing at the bus stop and then freeze when you sat down. It was also always a battle to clear the smoke out of the bus as one could choke and everyone smoked those days so you avoided death by choking by opening the window (unless someone moaned at you) or kept it closed and took your chances with hypothermia.

So indoors , going to work, waiting for the bus or train and then inside the cold got you always . In fact at least you got warm if you worked indoors.. bloody employers , eh?

P.Chortik wrote:

emories of mine from that Winter in Merstham Sy include my father discovering
frost lingering within the exposed surface coal/coke bunkers located outside
the house as late as the end of April. In late January of 1963 I had to take
one of my 11-plus exams in Wellingtons that were overlaid with plastic bags
that went up higher than the footwear otherwise the snow/ice would have got
inside them.That morning I think the temperature was down to -16c and on
reaching school the hands and feet were numb from the cold and I remember one
'teacher' chastising me for resting my mittened hands on a roasting hot
radiator ,exclaiming I would get chilblains.....


I spent that winter commuting 30 miles by motorbike from Largs to work at
Prestwick Airport. Although it was a cold winter it was very dry and almost
completely snow-free in that part of the country.

--
Norman Lynagh
Tideswell, Derbyshire
303m a.s.l.
http://peakdistrictweather.org

"Norman Lynagh" wrote in message
...
P.Chortik wrote:

emories of mine from that Winter in Merstham Sy include my father
discovering
frost lingering within the exposed surface coal/coke bunkers located
outside
the house as late as the end of April. In late January of 1963 I had to
take
one of my 11-plus exams in Wellingtons that were overlaid with plastic
bags
that went up higher than the footwear otherwise the snow/ice would have
got
inside them.That morning I think the temperature was down to -16c and on
reaching school the hands and feet were numb from the cold and I remember
one
'teacher' chastising me for resting my mittened hands on a roasting hot
radiator ,exclaiming I would get chilblains.....


I spent that winter commuting 30 miles by motorbike from Largs to work at
Prestwick Airport. Although it was a cold winter it was very dry and
almost
completely snow-free in that part of the country.


Same in Manchester, not much snow and a bit chilly. Quite benign really.
Having said that I remember taking my 11-plus maths in February IIRC, I
completed the paper quickly as the sums were extremely easy and spent an
hour just watching the snow fall outside. Couldn't wait to get out in it.
Once outside a good four inches had fallen and the walk home was interrupted
by snowball fights and a huge slide, which nowadays would be considered
lethal. Got chastised for being home late but I did pass for the Grammar :-)
First person in my family to get a decent education, my dad was so proud.
Now in winter, I watch the snow fall outside and cannot wait to get out in
it LOL :-)

Will
--
" Some sects believe that the world was created 5000 years ago. Another sect
believes that it was created in 1910 "
http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk/Hayt...antage_Pro.htm
Will Hand (Haytor, Devon, 1017 feet asl)
---------------------------------------------

Ah yes, chilblains! I used to get them every winter as a kid, but don't ever remember having cold feet, even though they are a very minor form of frostbite.
Nowadays I complain of cold feet in the summer!

"haaark" wrote in message
...
Ah yes, chilblains! I used to get them every winter as a kid, but don't
ever remember having cold feet, even though they are a very minor form of
frostbite.
Nowadays I complain of cold feet in the summer!

You perhaps need to exercise more.

Will
--
" Some sects believe that the world was created 5000 years ago. Another sect
believes that it was created in 1910 "
http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk/Hayt...antage_Pro.htm
Will Hand (Haytor, Devon, 1017 feet asl)
---------------------------------------------

On Thursday, 8 September 2016 13:34:14 UTC+1,
P.Chortik wrote:

emories of mine from that Winter in Merstham Sy include my father
discovering
frost lingering within the exposed surface coal/coke bunkers located
outside
the house as late as the end of April. In late January of 1963 I had to
take
one of my 11-plus exams in Wellingtons that were overlaid with plastic
bags
that went up higher than the footwear otherwise the snow/ice would have
got
inside them.That morning I think the temperature was down to -16c and on
reaching school the hands and feet were numb from the cold and I remember
one
'teacher' chastising me for resting my mittened hands on a roasting hot
radiator ,exclaiming I would get chilblains.....


I spent that winter commuting 30 miles by motorbike from Largs to work at
Prestwick Airport. Although it was a cold winter it was very dry and
almost
completely snow-free in that part of the country.


Same in Manchester, not much snow and a bit chilly. Quite benign really.
Having said that I remember taking my 11-plus maths in February IIRC, I
completed the paper quickly as the sums were extremely easy and spent an
hour just watching the snow fall outside. Couldn't wait to get out in it.
Once outside a good four inches had fallen and the walk home was interrupted
by snowball fights and a huge slide, which nowadays would be considered
lethal. Got chastised for being home late but I did pass for the Grammar :-)
First person in my family to get a decent education, my dad was so proud.
Now in winter, I watch the snow fall outside and cannot wait to get out in
it LOL :-)

Will
--
" Some sects believe that the world was created 5000 years ago. Another sect
believes that it was created in 1910 "
http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk/Hayt...antage_Pro.htm
Will Hand (Haytor, Devon, 1017 feet asl)
---------------------------------------------

I was in one of the first years of Grammar school in Essex.
Amazingly, new boys had to wear short trousers in those days.
Had a 30 min walk then a trip by train (fairly reliable diesel units along a ploughed line) that took about 30 mins out into the heart of the Essex countryside. Then a 20 min walk to school.

The worst part about school was playing sport in those snowy conditions.
Football was impossible because of the icy pitches, but we were sent on cross country runs. Across ploughes field that were solid rock.
Got back frozen to the bone and unable to do buttons up because of frozen hands.
My flies had to stay undone for a while.

O yes, and Jack Frost always left that wonderful pattern on my bedroom window.

We survived helped by hot water bottles.

If ever such a long spell of severe winter weather ever happens again in SE England the country will be in lock down. The transport system is enormous now compared to 62/63.
I know it is a tad selfish, but thank heavens for global warming.

Len
Wembury SW Devon

------------------------------------------------------------------------

SNIP
I was in one of the first years of Grammar school in Essex.
Amazingly, new boys had to wear short trousers in those days.
Had a 30 min walk then a trip by train (fairly reliable diesel units along a ploughed line) that took about 30 mins out into the heart of the Essex countryside. Then a 20 min walk to school.

The worst part about school was playing sport in those snowy conditions.
Football was impossible because of the icy pitches, but we were sent on cross country runs. Across ploughes field that were solid rock.
Got back frozen to the bone and unable to do buttons up because of frozen hands.
My flies had to stay undone for a while.

O yes, and Jack Frost always left that wonderful pattern on my bedroom window.

We survived helped by hot water bottles.

If ever such a long spell of severe winter weather ever happens again in SE England the country will be in lock down. The transport system is enormous now compared to 62/63.
I know it is a tad selfish, but thank heavens for global warming.

Len
Wembury SW Devon

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've managed to resist this thread until now, it was the short trousers wot did it.

I was in the 2nd year at Grammar School. Apart from having to wear short trousers, the only shelter at the bus stop was this telephone box http://www.turnstone-cottage.co.uk/1987Snow.pdf (2nd pic) The picture was in 1987, but it could easily be 1963. It rarely snows in west Cornwall, but on the few occasions it does it tends to have a good go. Another year We had to walk back from Penzance to Sennen (9 miles) because the road got blocked and the headmaster saw no reason to let us go early. Luckily we got a lift by a 4 wheel drive after 5 miles or so.

We were allowed to wear long trousers from the 4th year, just about the time the baggy surfer's shorts became fashionable.

Graham
Penzance

On 08/09/2016 15:22, Len Wood wrote:


I was in one of the first years of Grammar school in Essex.
Amazingly, new boys had to wear short trousers in those days.
Had a 30 min walk then a trip by train (fairly reliable diesel units along a ploughed line) that took about 30 mins out into the heart of the Essex countryside. Then a 20 min walk to school.

The worst part about school was playing sport in those snowy conditions.
Football was impossible because of the icy pitches, but we were sent on cross country runs. Across ploughes field that were solid rock.
Got back frozen to the bone and unable to do buttons up because of frozen hands.
My flies had to stay undone for a while.

I remember well from school games lessons not being able to do the
buttons up on my my shirt because my hands were so completely numb with
cold. I imagine that is the first stage of frostbite. This was late
70s/early 80s so a run of cold winters. I hated it, absolutely hated it.
Not that the bloody teachers cared, only in the most exceptionally cold
conditions was outside games cancelled.
I wonder if kids today have to go through that.

--
Col

Bolton, Lancashire
160m asl
Snow videos:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3QvmL4UWBmHFMKWiwYm_gg

On 08/09/2016 15:22, Len Wood wrote:
On Thursday, 8 September 2016 13:34:14 UTC+1,
P.Chortik wrote:

emories of mine from that Winter in Merstham Sy include my father
discovering
frost lingering within the exposed surface coal/coke bunkers located
outside
the house as late as the end of April. In late January of 1963 I had to
take
one of my 11-plus exams in Wellingtons that were overlaid with plastic
bags
that went up higher than the footwear otherwise the snow/ice would have
got
inside them.That morning I think the temperature was down to -16c and on
reaching school the hands and feet were numb from the cold and I remember
one
'teacher' chastising me for resting my mittened hands on a roasting hot
radiator ,exclaiming I would get chilblains.....


I spent that winter commuting 30 miles by motorbike from Largs to work at
Prestwick Airport. Although it was a cold winter it was very dry and
almost
completely snow-free in that part of the country.


Same in Manchester, not much snow and a bit chilly. Quite benign really.
Having said that I remember taking my 11-plus maths in February IIRC, I
completed the paper quickly as the sums were extremely easy and spent an
hour just watching the snow fall outside. Couldn't wait to get out in it.
Once outside a good four inches had fallen and the walk home was interrupted
by snowball fights and a huge slide, which nowadays would be considered
lethal. Got chastised for being home late but I did pass for the Grammar :-)
First person in my family to get a decent education, my dad was so proud.
Now in winter, I watch the snow fall outside and cannot wait to get out in
it LOL :-)

Will
--
" Some sects believe that the world was created 5000 years ago. Another sect
believes that it was created in 1910 "
http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk/Hayt...antage_Pro.htm
Will Hand (Haytor, Devon, 1017 feet asl)
---------------------------------------------

I was in one of the first years of Grammar school in Essex.
Amazingly, new boys had to wear short trousers in those days.
Had a 30 min walk then a trip by train (fairly reliable diesel units along a ploughed line) that took about 30 mins out into the heart of the Essex countryside. Then a 20 min walk to school.

The worst part about school was playing sport in those snowy conditions.
Football was impossible because of the icy pitches, but we were sent on cross country runs. Across ploughes field that were solid rock.
Got back frozen to the bone and unable to do buttons up because of frozen hands.
My flies had to stay undone for a while.

O yes, and Jack Frost always left that wonderful pattern on my bedroom window.

We survived helped by hot water bottles.

If ever such a long spell of severe winter weather ever happens again in SE England the country will be in lock down. The transport system is enormous now compared to 62/63.
I know it is a tad selfish, but thank heavens for global warming.

Len
Wembury SW Devon

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was in the Sixth Form so well past the short trousers stage. Living in
Southgate, north London, at the time and travelling to school in
Enfield. The 5 days of smog at the start of December had caused problems
with buses and I recall stumbling along following the line of the kerb
(I was on the pavement). However despite all the snow from late December
onwards the good old 107 bus just kept rollin'along. Not a day was lost.
The snow started on Boxing Day in calm conditions and fell for 24h. By
the end of that it had piled up to some 8" in depth with tree branches
and telegraph wires impressively festooned. After that there really
wasn't that much more snow in that part of N.London-despite forecasts of
'blizzards' and such like. It was a case of occasional falls of a
further inch or so which freshened up what had become a bit of a
suburban mess. Longer periods of dull and dry weather with temperatures
creeping just above freezing for a short time each day. Shorter periods
of clear blue skies with temperatures plunging overnight to close to
0degF one night. Occasionaly milder conditions would attempt to push up
from the south, without success, but on one of these we had a splendid
glazed frost as liquid precipitation turned to ice as it hit the lying
snow. Glaze thick enough to support the weight of 16 year old me.
Then, right at the end of February, conditions turned less cold. No
drama, just a gentle thaw as things warmed up. Then lots of football to
be played in order to catch up with the enforced break-some Double
Headers no less.

Something I prepared earlier
http://www.swanstonweather.co.uk/Pages/wwwlinks.htm

Right hand column, Mike's pages are still there-well worth a look.


--
George in Swanston, Edinburgh, 580'asl
www.swanstonweather.co.uk
www.eppingweather.co.uk
www.winter1947.co.uk