Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 27 December 1878

The Storm

We are having some very seasonable weather, and at this period we can truly say that Father Christmas has attended once again. Lovers of skating have been able to enjoy themselves during the past fortnight to their heart’s content. The canal being frozen over, during the peat few days hundreds of persons have been disporting.

The principle place of attraction being near Denaby. where some miners (at present on strike at the adjoining colliery, had cleared the snow, and provided a splendid course, but not without considerable trouble.

On Sunday last the quantity that attended was almost incalculable ; and on Christmas Day the ground presented the appearance of a fair. The ice is at present almost one foot thick.

Large numbers were to be found during the week near the mill, where a piece of ice had been closed for the purpose of skating. Several accidents have taken place during the storm, but we are happy to state that none are of a serious nature.

A very heavy fall of snow occurred or Christmas day, and yesterday morning the ground was covered to the extent of 8 to 9 inches. We are surely having the ideal of an old fashioned winter.