Winter weather and other Whitstable matters

By susanhubbard | Sunday, February 12, 2012, 11:36

Another Sunday, another snowday as Whitstable woke up this morning to the fluttering of flakes in an attempted reprise of last weekend's whiteout.

This time the snow's lying in some places on top of packed ice, making for some potentially risky walking and driving.

The local forecast suggests some icy rain later today and - here's the good bit - a rise in temperature to 4C, with the 'warmer' trend continuing over the next few days.

Dodgy conditions led to the postponement of yesterday's Whitstable Town football match away at Corinthian Casuals (Kingston upon Thames). This was the second Saturday fixture in a row to be called off because of snow and ice.

BOOKSHOP HOLIDAY

Oxford Street Books is closed from today until Saturday 25th February . The second-hand and antiquarian bookshop staff are taking some time out, after a busy period in 'going online'. I hear the shopfront is getting a makeover too.

PIZZA EXPRESS OPENING THIS WEEK?

We had heard that the new Pizza Express was going to open a few days ago, but that didn't happen. Latest information is that the launch is planned for this coming week, maybe Valentine's Day, but last time we passed the Albert Street premises they seemed to be hedging their bets with an 'Opening Soon' notice.

BRITISH LEGION NEEDS YOU...

We've been reminded that the Whitstable branch of the British Legion could do with some new members. There's a comfy lounge and bar in the Oxford Street premises, and lots of social activity. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have served in the armed forces to join the club. Just call in and ask for an application form.

...AND SO DOES THE WHITSTABLE SOCIETY!

While this civic society could always do with some new blood, there is a particular urgency at the moment as several committee members have had to step down for various family reasons and there are vacancies for chairman, secretary and treasurer. The Whitstable Society fulfills an important role in the town, for example in advising the council on planning issues.