The Winter Of 63

The current cold spell inevitably brings back memories for those of us of a certain age of the winter of 1963. For anyone between fifty and sixty this was one of the outstanding periods of our childhoods or teenage years. For us, the winter of 63 was the big one. The mother of all winters. The winter against which all other winters since would be judged. Starting with a huge snowstorm which rolled in not long after christmas 1962 and lasting until another big snowstorm that turned to rain ended it at the end of february, the period between was one of undingly sunny days where the temperature struggled to get near freezing and nights when you would be probably as warm in a freezer. We travelled to school at Broadclyst through snow canyons along Park Road towards Red Cross along narrow tracks cut through the snow and ice by the snow ploughs. Icicles hung from the trees and treacherous surfaces were always ready to lead to the downfall of the unwary.



The youth of the village responded to this unprecedented event by pressing into service every item that could be utilized as a makeshift sledge. Teatrays, old car bonnets, lumps of old galvanised sheeting were all comandeered and put to good use on the slopes around the village, particularly as I remember, the field opposite Park Close that appears to have been terraced at some stage. The giant steps gave the sledges that extra bounce. Bums were battered and hands and feet brought close to the edge of frostbite, but I doubt that so many of the youth of the village from that period had such fun in their lives before or since.



Inevitably though, you can have too much of a good thing and by the end of february, I suspect that a good few of us were secretly relieved when the thaw came, especially as the ensuing chaos meant a day off school. That being said, patches of snow could still be found on the hills until easter.



I think that unconciously many of us have been waiting for another 63 type winter ever since, a winter where the normal rules are suspended and we could let our hair down in the knowledge that everyone else wasa doing the same. There have been some other major winter weather events such as the great blizzard of 78 and some periods in the early eighties when snow prevailed but all proved to be damp squibs in the end, Given climate change its probably unlikely that we shall see anything like 63 again and if we did I doubt if our ageing bodies would stand up too well to the wear and tear of being bounced down a hill on a sheet of galvanised metal. Its the case then, that we can only hold on to our memories of when the sun glared down onto frozen snow and when Silverton got as near as its ever likely, to a winter in Siberia.

Charity Event.

We understand that a member of staff at SPAR is intending to take part in a charity skydiving event later in the year. More details when available.

If anyone has details of news or events they would like covered could they please contact me direct, or by email at jtc48@@talktalk.net

Worrying Times.

There has been much talk in recent days about the threat that the recession poses to the pub trade locally. Although there seems to be no immediate threat to our local village hostelries, there are persisrant reports that at least two pubs not far away could be under imminant threat of closure. Whateve the truth of thyese reports it is undoubtedly the case that one of the major institutions that defines English village life is now under very serious threat of being reduced to a shadow of its former self. Perhaps if large amounts of cash can be found to keep the banks afloat the Government might wish to take steps financial or otherwise, to help save a part of the backbone of community life.

Another Noteable Birthday

During the holiday period, Mrs Molyneux of The Meads reached her century. The blog sends its congratulations on this remarkable achievement.

Back To The Grindstone.

So, the christmas season of 2008/09 passes into history and those with jobs to go to return to their workplaces. They will either have tales to tell of having had a quiet holiday, or boasts of what they can remember of the wild times they have enjoyed over the past fortnight or so. Doubtless there will be exaggerations on both sides of the coin. What some people might think of as 'a quiet time' might be regarded as an orgy.

There will also be those who will just be glad to get back to work to get clear of their nearest and dearest who they have been cooped up with in closer proximity then normal for an extended period. There are those for whom absence, most of the time, really does make the heart grow fonder.

Back In Action

The blog has had a couple of days off to reorientate itself after the excesses of the holiday period. Normal service will now be resumed.

No One Escapes.

As normal, The christmas season was marked by a wave of colds and flu which few seem to have escaped. I must admit that I have been fortunate so far, but I expect its only a matter of time. Perhaps its a good excuse to move christmas to june to escape the winter bugs, but if we did I suppose we would all be down with hay fever.

New Year photo's

As requested by some of our readers, we are now posting a number of photo's of the new year celebrations in the village the highlight being the one of a very happy Louise from the Lamb Inn and chicken co op. And being a gentleman I shall mention nothing about knicker elastic.

The Morning After

Small bands of the hardened drinkers and those who had enjoyed a quiet night, gathered in the pubs at lunchtime. As far as is known, last nights celebrations passed without incident except, no doubt, for the usual hangovers and regrets about what embarrassing incidents one might have been involved in.

None of these things trouble your blogger. We observe rather then participate.

In many respects, I am a camera.

New Year In Silverton

new year was seen in traditionally in the village at midnight. Despite the cold weather a good crowd assembled in the square at midnight 'Auld Lang Syne' was sung, kisses exchanged and fireworks were exploded. Surprisingly, none of the young ladies who were scantily dressed for the occasion appeared to be suffereing from hypothermia but they did seem to have come prepared with a good deal of alcoholic lubrication. Celebrations continued well into the early hours, although it all proved too much for one well known face who was found asleep in the early hours in the Lamb Inn resteraunt

Some photos of events will be pposted, hopefully tomorrow.

Happy New Year

Heres to a happy and prosperous new year to all followers of the blog, wherever they may be.