Stratford had its first spits of snow on Wednesday, 1 November. Now it’s raining, cold and raw, and likely to carry on like that for the rest of the week.

Snow on Remembrance Day is normal here, although it typically melts within a day or two. I believe somebody does that on purpose to make the occasion as unlike a holiday as possible. You’re meant to go home with numb fingers and toes, and feel grateful for the roof over your head as you make yourself a nice cup of peaceful tea.