390 replies to this topic

[Fang]

Is that true? Is there a rifle club around?

http://i695.photobuc...ltonheston1.jpg

Edited by Fang, 04 December 2010 - 08:56 PM.

[RetiredMember2]

http://i695.photobuc...ltonheston1.jpg

Looking good Fang! Nice rifle too Can I hole up with you next blizzard, will bring me own top quality Grappo and sleigh...

[charlie]

Frivolities aside I do think we have a germ of an idea here and I intend to work on it over the next week or two in between work stuff. Hope other Vners will contribute too.

The Homeless lady thread is great inspiration for what can be achieved via a small community forum, and the deaths of two pensioners in Cumbria during this cold spell, despite the close support of family and neighbours, is a salutary lesson.

We could end up with a checklist that not only could be distributed via email but also door to door.

A great idea, Charlie! Could we also start a car pool thread? I felt guilty driving in to work solo this week when others were struggling (hence my efforts to offer lifts to random strangers on the street!). From next week, I won't have the luxury of freelancing at a workplace with a car park for a while and will be struggling in to work again on public transport (if I don't work, I don't get paid, and can't work from home), so it would be great to know if, in the event of trains not running, I could catch a lift with someone who might be passing a tube or train station or bus stop with services that were running.

Two points re Charlie's list. Firstly, a query: Why is isolating an outside tap a good idea? And, secondly, a tip: As I hate long-life milk, I freeze fresh milk and leave it out overnight to defrost, meaning I never run out! Right - off to locate my stop cock...

Really like the idea of a car pool thread GillW - there are key services that have to be kept running during cold spells.

Charlie this is a brilliant thread! My sis and I were talking today about how 'in the old days when we were kids' EVERYONE cleared their path of snow as soon as it fell - so the pavements were nowhere near as dangerous!

On that note, thought you could add bags of salt to your shopping list - so that when you've cleared the snow it doesn't ice back up and you get sued by someone who slips......

The car sharing idea is a really good one GillW - especially as it would be pre-arranged so you wouldn't need to pick up randoms off the street lol!

And re cars - I try to turn mine over every couple of days for about 10 mins if I can't use it when its cold. My current car is fine but my old car's battery used to go flat if it wasn't used for a week so too many bad memories of hearing that lifeless click and having to beg jumpstarts from neighbours!

D

PS - think maybe this 'Big Society' thing is not a bad idea after all!

Good advice Denny - the car started first time today but I wasn't so sure. If it had been my 1992 Peugeot then I might have been in trouble. I'm sure there are some experts on the forum who can give sound advice on how to maintain your new and older cars during the cold weather.

Agree, Big Society isn't such a bad thing - it doesn't take much effort to look out for one's neighbours - even if it is just the ones living either side of you. As for clearing the path of snow it's pretty good exercise too and sometimes it has its rewards.

Edited by charlie, 04 December 2010 - 11:03 PM.

[Ziwa]

Its a fantastic idea to put this out as a reminder throughout the neighbourhoods.

After a chat with an elderly family member today, I'd underscore how much of a relief it can be if the more mobile among us offer to do a thing or two for the wibbly wobbly ones. The highlight of the week for our 84-year old was a younger neighbour offering to pick up groceries, which actually then evolved into a trip together to go out for essentials.

[RetiredMember1]

Charlie, I heard a tip on the radio that we might want to add to the car-in-snow list: apparently, letting a little air out of your tyres gives more grip on ice (something to do with more rubber touching the road). I'd like some advice from more experienced motorists on how to drive on untreated roads - I was nervous all week driving to work through CP's back roads, especially when my brakes 'failed' on approaching a major junction and I had to pull on the handbrake sharpish to avoid a collision.

[charlie]

Good suggestion - it's pretty hairy stuff driving in the snow and ice GillW - something that many of us are not used to. My dad (76) has been driving to the station every morning and back again in the dark through untreated snowy country lanes during the cold spell. It seems to be something that the older generation just take in their stride - perhaps it is just practice. I certainly wouldn't risk it. Think I will start looking at various websites such as Age Concern, the AA etc.to help us in compiling the check list.

[ChewderOde]

Heres one for the car list - where possible dont drive it - walk to the shops, station etc - will keep your blood circulating, improve fitness, and will have the added bonus of less carbon emissions, thereby reducing the chance of extremes in the weather (if you believe the majority of the climate change lobbyists / scientists)

and one for the clothing: Distress(ed) Flares

[charlie]

Totally agree with that ChewderOde and it should go on the list but I suppose much depends on where you live, how essential it is to get to the station or your place of work, what your occupation is and whether you need a car to carry out your work etc.....

Walking very much fits in with keeping fit and healthy and reduces our reliance on oil. Keeping to a family theme tonight my grandma is 94, never owned a car and still walks everywhere. But, I would not want her walking in the snow and ice. (As for her carbon emissions I'm not sure - I do know she gets occasional indigestion )

[misspoddy]

Charlie, I heard a tip on the radio that we might want to add to the car-in-snow list: apparently, letting a little air out of your tyres gives more grip on ice (something to do with more rubber touching the road). I'd like some advice from more experienced motorists on how to drive on untreated roads - I was nervous all week driving to work through CP's back roads, especially when my brakes 'failed' on approaching a major junction and I had to pull on the handbrake sharpish to avoid a collision.

If you are an unexperienced driver on ice and snow DON'T DRIVE! You put your life and those of others in danger. If you're lucky you just damage your or somebody else's car, if you're unlucky you might kill somebody. It is completely inexcusable to drive on icy roads without proper knowledge and equipment, like winter tyres, chains etc. Letting a bit of air out wont help much...
If you have a job where you HAVE to get to by car, buy the proper equipment and take a couple of hours training of driving on icy roads. I am sure the AA offers them somewhere.
My kid might be crossing the road you might be sliding down without any control over your vehicle...

[RetiredMember1]

Whoa there, Misspoddy! I have been driving for eleven years! Perhaps I should have qualified that - I meant specifically 'motorists more experienced at driving on snow'. I was thinking that our continental or North American cousins, more used to the extremes of weather, might have some sage advice. How many VNers have winter tyres and chains?! Clearly, I'm responsible enough to ask for tips and to drive at 10mph on untreated roads, so I don't think your child is in any danger. Your tone was unfortunate.

Edited by GillW, 06 December 2010 - 02:35 PM.

[misspoddy]

Sorry GillW, I didn't want to sound patronising, but this was the truly meant advise from a continental friend your asked for. I have been driving since over 20 years (sadly enough) and am your continental friend from Germany As soon as I step out of my door (past my car which I haven't touched since Tuesday) I see people sitting in their cars and doing ALL the wrong things when driving on ice and snow. It's driving up the wall. If you, or any other VNers for that matter, haven't got any winter tyres on your car, then you just shouldn't be driving your car in the current conditions. Full Stop. This is honestly not meant to be an attack or to offend anyone, it's just what I believe. I have been driving on ice and snow and took extra drivings lessons in Bavaria to drive on ice, but I STILL don't take my car as I can't afford the tyres. That simple.

[charlie]

Good to get the debate going on a possible category: PREPARING FOR AND DRIVING IN SNOW AND ICE

The section could start with a CAVEAT along the lines - It's is not recommended to drive in snow and ice...........................

I've found some:

WINTER TIPS from AA Breakdown Patrol of the Year

Plus the AA's own Winter Driving Advice - Coping with cold, snow, ice and floods

Reason for edit: I couldn't get the other link to work

Edited by charlie, 06 December 2010 - 03:23 PM.

[Hermit]

That is true of the Germans changing their tyres over to winter ones.
There is a German company that then used to sell the part worn tyres to the English at a realy good price.
I bought a set once for my old VW splitty, hardly any wear on them at all!

[RetiredMember1]

Thanks, Charlie. I've printed that off. Interestingly, this is what the AA says about tyres and snow chains:
- Don't reduce tyre pressures to get more grip – it doesn't work, and reduces stability. (Ignore the advice from the man on the radio!)
- It's rare to need snow chains unless you live in an isolated area hit with heavy snow, and where the roads are not cleared. They must be removed to drive on a metalled road without a reasonable covering of snow. (Misspoddy, I'd welcome your continental view on this - is it different abroad?)
- Consider changing to winter or all season tyres – these have a higher silicone content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions. (I heard yet another man on the radio - on Radio Four's Moneybox - say that his insurance company had cancelled his insurance when he informed them he had fitted winter tyres! It was reinstated after a complaint backed up by R$. The call centre had deemed them non-compliant!)

Edited by GillW, 06 December 2010 - 03:30 PM.

[misspoddy]

- It's rare to need snow chains unless you live in an isolated area hit with heavy snow, and where the roads are not cleared. They must be removed to drive on a metalled road without a reasonable covering of snow. (Misspoddy, I'd welcome your continental view on this - is it different abroad?)
[/i]

No, it's exactly the same over there actually. You only put snow chains on when you drive on... well snow. On ice or slush you'd damage your car. AND they are a total pain to put on. It's not done in 5 minutes. It is indeed very unusual to have chains on when driving in town as you will always have some cleared roads somewhere, even in London where it takes some time before they manage to get rid of the snow or in places where it actually REALLY snows but where they will be better prepared.

My point is, the conditions we just had for the last few days are really quite exceptional for London, yes it seems that it becomes more and more "normal" to have a few days of proper snow here too, but nevertheless, it's still very rare, and out of 365 days there wont be that many days where driving is unadvisable because of snow and ice... So why not just leave the thing at home? And as I said, if you can't leave it at home, get the right equipment and ideally some training too. It's actually quite fun and very helpful.
But no worries, to drive to Elephant and Castle and back you WILL NOT need chains