Yesterday and overnight we reached the required couple of inches of snow for the Brigg Blog Emergency Plan to kick into action with photos of wintry scenes. These views were taken between 8am and 8.30am today while trudging (in regulation wellies) to and from Dave Dent's Nisa shop, in Queen Street, for a selection of daily newspapers.
The hardy souls who man Brigg's Ocean Hand Car Wash are used to much worse weather than this and we observed the "Open" sign in place as they brushed off a bit of snow and ice from their premises close to the Monument - once the site of W. A. Sass's petrol pumps.
Plenty of lights on, and staff to be seen, at North Lincolnshire Council's Hewson House, too. You have to feel sympathy for public servants like our refuse collectors in weather like this. I've already put our green bin out and the boxes of paper, cans and bottles. Hopefully, conditions will permit them to get round and collect tomorrow - at some point. Let's all be patient, given the weather.
Years ago at the Scunthorpe Telegraph, during snowy periods, sub-editors like myself, preparing the news pages, used to get instructions from above (no - not God!) to slot in what they call in the trade a filler panel, which just read: Feed the birds.
Clearly conditions aren't too bad for our feathered friends at present. There's a fine selection of succulent berries (of the 'itching powder' variety) on a bush in our back garden, but birds of all types keep ignoring them. Given the temperature, they must now be approaching a sorbet dessert for birds. However, no takers so far. A haw finch (I think) with a beak well adapted for berries perched just a couple of inches from a group of them, only to fly off - totally uninterested.
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6 comments:
You didn't venture very far, Scribs!
St Helens Road to the Monument - bet you had to call in at the Brit for a warming brandy....and then had to be rescued by the local mountain rescue team!!
Rumour has it that Capt Oates (of Scott fame) was seen struggling in Barnard Ave in a snowstorm.
I did inform my informant that if that was the case, Capt Oates would now be about 135 years old.
But I was reliably reminded that freezing keeps things fresh!!
Finally, I hope yer photos make Georgie Mafia in Saudi homesick and green with envy.
None of that softy, sunny nonsense weather here - just good ol' British grit!!!
PS - Nige - shouldn't worry too much about the refuse collections.
Monday is Wrawby's day - all 3 lorries managed to struggle down and up Little Lane - entombed in a Artic-like deep stow without much difficulty.
The only problem I could see were that the black bin-lids were frozen shut and that the paper and cans were ice-bound fast in their respective containers.
Anyway, I now off to build an igloo - will I need planning permission if I fit a dormer window, Scribs?
It's me again, Scribs.....just thought, 'NIGEL'S SNOW WATCH' converts to 'HOWLING NEWSCAST' - most appropriate under the circumstances, eh!
Also heard a quote from the manager of the gritting team for East yorkshire " We are confident all the gritting possilble will be completed on time and stocks will not run out , unlike last year" .
His name ?
John Skidmore
True .......
Tuesday: 8:50am
The Big Society suggests we should look out for the elderly during this freezing weather.
How are you, Scribs? Keeping warm?
Let me know whether you need any shopping.
Nature Notes:
Being more serious, Nige - you mentioned in a previous blog about looking after the little birdies.
It is important for them to have access to water. Should folks feel the need to feed the dickies, please ensure there is some fresh water available - change regularly.
Secondly, if you feel the need to feed your local ornithological friends - remember there's both seed/berry and meat eaters. For example, the little robin loves worms.
A seed bell and a fat ball would be very useful. These food supplies supplement the birdies' normal diet and should be avoided when natural food supplies are plentiful (ie during the warmer weather).
However, in winter when their food is scarce, or difficult to obtain, if you start feeding them, please remember it is a commitment. The birds are likely to rely on your generosity, so if the food supply suddenly disappears, the dickies can become confused and suffer.
Please ensure that, once started, food is continously available throughout inclemently cold weather.
MAKE FEEDING SITES CAT PROOF
Finally, watch out for hedgehogs; they enjoy cat food. But if you discover one meadering about your garden at this stage, it probably need rescueing. They should be hibernating.
Additionally, check any bonfire b4 setting it on fire for a sleeping critter.
gmsmithy:
Nice one!
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