Why does mainland Europe NEVER grind to a halt, run out of salt and grit, deplete their national gross product on account of snow, deprive pupils and students of much needed education? Where I originate from people happily, every morning, shovel their way out the house and drive to work with their spikey WINTER tyres. No excuse there to take a day off work.

Now living at the South coast of England (golf stream and all that) I feel hugely cheated. I got all excited, looking forward to the snow of my childhood, the BBC weatherforecast promising riches, only to then deliver very little of it.

At least it’s cold and, like you, I too like that snug feeling inside (if only there was enough of the white stuff around to build a good old fashioned snowman complete with carrot nose and coal eyes).

Through gritted teeth yours,
U

PS Mulled wine is better than tea in these conditions