THERE are some occasions when the weather can actually be the news. Ashley Ball looks back at the Chronicle’s coverage of ‘The Big Freeze’ of 1962/63.

THE excitement over a white Christmas much more common back then soon ebbed away during the bleakest of midwinters.

The cold and misery lasted from December right through until March and had a devastating impact.

A persistent high-pressure system ensured bitterly cold winds from the northeast.

Rivers, lakes and even parts of the sea froze.

There were widespread blizzards and snowdrifts with temperatures in parts of Scotland reaching an incredible -19.4C.

Big Ben delayed the announcement of the new year as too much snow had gathered on the clock’s hands.

Considered the coldest winter in over 200 years - there were daily disruptions for those going to work or school and even mentioning the winter to people of a certain age will register a very appropriate shiver down their spine.

The impact in Barnsley was reported weekly by the Chronicle with the biggest cause for concern being water supplies with reservoirs frozen and pipes bursting across the town.

There were weekly updates throughout the winter about the dwindling supplies and with forecasts not set to improve people were urged to recycle water.

Sport too was impacted with Barnsley FC only playing once between December 21 and January 12 - usually the busiest period in the calendar.

They only managed two games in the entirety of January - a 3-1 win over Notts County and then a 3-0 defeat to Everton in the third round of the FA Cup.

It meant a packed schedule in April when Barnsley had to play an incredible nine times and then six times in May way beyond the usual cut-off.

With all outdoor sports cancelled - table tennis coverage had never been so prominent in the sports pages.

What do you remember of this winter?

Send your memories to ashley.ball@barnsley-chronicle.co.uk.