“The snow might miss Croydon but that won't keep Southern trains running. There'll be couple of snowflakes somewhere down in Sussex and it'll be chaos for days.”

“No snow in Selsdon, please. I need to get out and there is one day when we need to leave at 4 a.m. to get to the airport.”

“It Can Rain Snow Do what It wants, But Not Before or on Friday....”

“will there be enough grit ...... or not enough ..... or too much or enough grit but gritting lorries unable to get round?

Get the excuses ready now.?”

“I'm used to snow in my French home and the parish council prepare for it from early November - marking out edges of roads with poles so the snowplough can see them, and clearing the roads from first snow to the spring thaw. In Autumn we stock up with bottled water in case the pipes freeze, put a gentle heater in the cupboard where the water pipes go upstairs to ensure they don't freeze, buy more woolly socks, paraffin and firewood (wood burners being our main heating), as well as good stocks of non-perishable food and filling up two chest freezers. We change the car wheels for the ones with winter tyres, get out the snow shovels and warm up some spiced wine. When it's really cold (-15 forecast next week) we close the window shutters and stay indoors, going out only to the village shop or to let the dog romp around snowy fields. We also check on the candle supply and automatic torches which come on when power is off, as power cuts are frequent in an area where most power lines run overground. These precautions aren't a big deal, just a response to the changing seasons in a place where the summers are hot and the winters are cold. Even the dog adjusts, sitting patiently to have snow bobbles brushed off her legs and whiskers as soon as she comes indoors.

At the Croydon flat we are unlikely to have a big freeze, being insulated by the flats above, but many of the same precautions are taken to ensure my Mum doesn't shiver, starve or dehydrate, being housebound anyway she can sit comfortably and enjoy the view. We can't expect all roads to be kept clear, though, it is easy to cope with snow if you know it's coming, but Croydon can't tell, hence the problems. I think we'd all complain if a snow team were patrolling the town all winter when there was no snow. Likewise, drivers aren't used to driving on snow and ice, so if you feel scared just don't go out. Buy some decent boots and walk instead, it's part of the fun.

At least in Croydon the snow only lasts a few days - here it can be white for months!”

“oh i hope we dont have snow up to now our winters been incredibly mild also very dry with far less rain than normal.”

“Ha ha I agree with Wendy - I was looking forward to a snowday or two!”

“Boooo! We have really had fun and enjoyed the way it helped bring the community together here in Coulsdon,

Wendy”