Magical day in the snow six years ago
Twostormscollidingbrought snow to the Chichester area six years ago and many remember it as a magical time of sledging and snowball fights.
The Beast from the East brought a cold wave to the UK in February 2018 and, at first, it seemed our district had avoided the worst of it, with only a dusting of snow.
But then Storm Emma collided with the Siberian weather front dubbed The Beast from the East in early March and heavier snow covered the area.
It was milder in Sussex and caused less travel disruption than most of the UK, so there was a happy atmosphere and readers took the opportunity to snap photos of their families, pets and the scenes around their homes.
Bognor Regis residents weredefinitely able to see the fun side, taking to the town’s parks for sledging and to the seafront to capture beautiful images of the historic bandstand.
There were also magical scenes in Midhurst, with sledging along the pavement as the town centre disappeared under a coat of frosty white, snowball fights and walks in the wintry scenes.
Petworth Park saw many dog walkers turn out for a snowy stroll through the famous grounds and visitors to Cowdray Ruins enjoyed a spectacular view of the heritage site in the centre of a wintry scene.
Theweatherhaddominated the news across the country all week, with stories of people trapped in cars and trains overnight, but in West Sussex, the snow came and went quite quickly.
There were many stories of people helping each other, includingstjohnambulance volunteersofferingtoprovide vital support to the NHS.
A number of crews were deployed in 4x4s to support South East Coast Ambulance Service, someofthemoperating in andaroundchichester, providing first aid and care where it was needed.
Shelter for anybodysleeping rough across the Chichester and Arun districts was madeavailable so no-onehad to be out in the cold.
Withtemperatures below freezing, the Severe Weather Emergency Provision was implementedbythecouncils, meaning there was a warm bed and food available for anyone on the streets.