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Night Time Whitstable in Snow at Christmas.... by Dave Taylor

Introduction

As many Natives worldwide will know, Whitstable was hit by a snowstorm during the early afternoon of Saturday 18 December. With early weather forecasts suggesting a day of snow showers, it caught many people "off guard" - including me!!! I arrived at Tesco in reasonable weather around 1 pm... and came out to a carpet of snow amounting to some 3-4 inches. It then took over an hour to escape the shop car park!!!!!

It would have been a time to settle down in front of the TV... had it not been for the constant reminders of England's cricket collapse in Western Australia. So, to escape it all, I ventured out from 8.00 pm -10.30 pm to photograph some very rare scenes..... Whitstable... in snow... at Christmas... at night. The results are shown below....

Photographs 1-2: Harbour Street

Above and Below: It is unusual for snow to remain on the ground in the town centre for very long. However, such was the amount and temperatures involved, picturesque scenes could be captured well into the evening. Of course, Dickensian Harbour Street was a photographers dream in these conditions.

Photographs 3-5: Harbour Street

Above & Below: The wider section of Harbour Street.

Below: Financial cutbacks have affected the town's Christmas decorations this year. As a result, there are no additional lights and some old favourites have disappeared. Of course, Whitstable youngsters are nothing if not resourceful and a pair of plimsolls now occupies the wire that once powered a magnificent blue decoration.

Photographs 6-8: High Street

Above: The Duke of Cumberland from High Street

Below: High Street looking towards Oxford Street from the Ship Centurion

Below: The Christmas tree at St Alphege Church

Photograph 9-11: Oxford Street

Above: The Christmas tree at St Mary's Parish Hall. Whitstable may be "Dickensian" but the Parish Hall is pure "Disney". Even at my age, I half expect those doors to open and release characters such as Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, Bashful, Doc and Noel Edmonds. ;-)

Below: That tree may not be the biggest in town... BUT, covered in real snow, it is arguably the best. The lights seem to gradually change colour. As you can see here, the bulbs at the tip are already morphing.

Above: Oxford Street looking south with the cenotaph on the left.

Below: Oxford Street looking north with the library, cenotaph and Coach Horses pub on the right.

Photograph 12-13: The Harbour

Above: The snowfall was accompanied by driving winds and sub zero temperatures. Thus, flakes adhered themselves to vertical surfaces like limpets. The black weatherboarding on the front of the fisherman's stores at the West Quay took on a white appearance.

Below: This shot may just look picturesque but there is something else to marvel at in this scene. Notice that the water has a "porridgy" look about it. Now, take a closer look at the foreground. It looks as if icy sheets are forming on the surface. Yes.... the harbour may be showing signs of freezing over.