2nd June 1975 and 1953

[A Face like Thunder]

Today is the 45th anniversary of the famous 'snow stopped play' incident, when a cricket match between Derbyshire and Lancashire at Buxton was suspended after an inch of snow settled on the ground, much to the astonishment of colourful international umpire Dickie Bird. I was working on the 19th floor of one of central London's (then) tallest buildings and noticed what looked like sleet falling past the window. It was sleet as well but it did not settle. A few days later, the weather changed and the rest of the summer turned out to be among the best of the twentieth century.

Those with longer memories may remember the events of 2nd June 1953 when the Queen was crowned on a wet, cold and dismal day. She might have kept dry, but I am sure the thousands of spectators along the route would have preferred a day like today, 67 years later!