I can’t remember it so cold in November

OK, so it’s hardly news that it’s cold in November but I can’t remember anything quite like this.

There I was on a family trip to Castle Green park in the Ferry on Sunday.

This will be nice, I thought, the boys can have a swing, run around and get some fresh air.

Five pushes on the swing later, I realised my eldest, who is three, was in pain, involuntary tears running down his cheeks as his eyes struggled to cope with the below-freezing temperatures.

His younger brother went into shock, shaking as his gloves fell off and being left gripping an ice-cold swing bar.

And that was them appropriately dressed, which was more than could have been said for me — almost nine months pregnant and wearing a jumper not quite big enough and exposing some of my belly.

Actually, I felt bad — the eldest didn’t have gloves, the five lost pairs from last year not yet replaced with one.

It got me thinking about the expense of kitting out kids for winter.

A normal coat doesn’t cut sub-zero temperatures like this, and as kids grow so quickly, last year’s anorak often needs replacing.

Hurray for any moneysaving measures that help families through the winter months — sales as well as inexpensive or charity shops offering alternatives to costly, trendy options.

Last week, I spoke about the vulnerability of our elderly in cold weather and how we should look out for any signs they need help.

We have to look after our wee ones too. If you could do with a hand, it’s worth remembering charities like Togs For Tots often donate through referrals or requests as well as selling winter clothes at knockdown prices.