This week Ysgol Deganwy reported: 'Minus 11 is on Monday. Coldest day we've ever had in Deganwy school!' http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2968
Wow that is so cold! Hope it's warmer in your classrooms. That is the the coldest record a school has ever sent in.
Has your school been colder? If so, let me know.
Professor Plant
Last weekend, my wife Josie along with my daughter Isobel and son Desmond came to visit me in Cardiff. We are still looking for a permanent base here for the family so I wanted to take the opportunity to showcase Cardiff to them. On Saturday afternoon, we went to St Fagans. We came across some very hardworking staff who had spent 4 or 5 hours clearing snow from the site so it would be safe for visitors on the Sunday. The site was deemed too dangerous for visitors that so we were restricted to the galleries, but everyone was still impressed. There’s plenty to see in Oriel 1 and it was also a great opportunity for me to see what happens to the site when it does snow!
On Monday, I then went up to Scotland for a number of meetings. Edinburgh looked romantically bleak in the snow, and wasn’t the easiest place to navigate around because of the weather. I had been due to meet Gordon Rintoul the Director of National Museums Scotland, but he was unfortunately ill with the flu. However, I did still manage to have a number of productive meetings with other staff members looking at issues around education, public engagement and the organisation of collections, as well as the threat to the operation of the portable antiquities with the Westminster Government’s proposed cuts to the scheme. I truly hope that discussions will ensure that we can save the operation of this scheme as it is of a huge importance.
I also met with John Leighton, Director General of National Galleries of Scotland. He explained how at the Dean Gallery they have been experimenting with new interpretations through temporary exhibitions. They have been able to rely far less on overseas loans whilst still attracting a broad audience.
From my visit, my overall impression was a positive one that would suggest greater collaboration in the future between ourselves and the National Museums in Scotland and Northern Ireland. I think I will have to check the weather forecasts before my next visit though. My plane back was stranded and I instead travelled back by train. But, despite the weather, it certainly was a worthwhile and interesting visit.
Winter in the 'Celtic Village' is an opportunity for families to watch preperation for the winter.
Come and try your hand at weaving wicker and reed.
4th and 5th of Dec, 12:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 15:30
How the weather has changed since my report last week!
Temperatures have dropped and there is snow all over the country. Many schools have closed and many others are reporting 'rain gauges - full of snow'!
Maesycwmmer Primary School cleverly melted the snow in their rain gauge then recorded it! See the comments below.
Last night, temperatures plummeted to the coldest on record for November. In mid Wales, a record minimum of -18C (0F) was reached at Llysdinam, in Powys. Dr. Fred Slater reported: ‘I’ve been diligently recording the weather at Llysdinam Field Centre for the last 30 years – last night was the coldest on record”.
If you are able to get into school please send in your records and any snowy pictures you may have.
This cheeky little Robin reminded me of how hungry the birds are at this time of year. He came right up close to me this morning at St Fagans. Luckily, I had my lunch box so I gave him a few crumbs in exchange for a few close up pics.
If you would like to help the birds this winter remember to put some bird food out in your school or garden. I made some fat balls at the weekend. It was easy to do and good fun.
For details on how to make bird cakes and fat balls see http://bit.ly/i7mdNN
If you would like a good spot to watch birds why not visit our new bird hide at St.Fagans http://bit.ly/dmF0Ym
Professor Plant.
Here are some of your questions and comments.
Here are some very good questions from some very good scientists! Plus many more comments from schools below.
Oakfield Primary School asked: 'What is the tallest daffodil ever recorded in this experiment'? The tallest was recorded by Ysgol Sant Dunawd on the 15/4/2010. It was a whopping 80cms tall!
Ysgol Nant Y Coed asked: 'If these results are similar to this time last year?' A very good question. I've answered this question locally for Nant y Coed, for Wales and looked at the long term patterns.
Locally at Nant Y Coed school: On Average the first two weeks in November 2010 had less rain and were warmer than in 2009.
Rainfall: 2009 - 20.9mm. 2010 - 14.6mm.
Temperature: 2009 - 7.7degC. 2010 - 14degC.
Was the pattern the same in your school?
Study 2010 results: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2968/
Study 2009 results: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2952/
For Wales: This October was slightly colder than last year and had about the same amount of rain as in 2009.
Mean temperature in 2009 11deg C and 2010 9.8degC.
Mean rainfall 128.3mm in 2009 and 123.8mm in 2010.
Looking at the long-term patterns: The monthly average for October between 1971-2000 was 6.5degC. The last two Octobers have been much warmer in comparison.
See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/wales.html
Have any schools had snow yet? If so let me know.
Many thanks. Professor Plant.
