Thanks to the Chronicle archives for this one.
It took me back to 1962/3. I used to get the bus from Bill Quay. Hop off at the Essoldo then round the corner to the bus stop just beyond the phone box for the bus to Birtley.
That was a horrendous and long winter but the buses never failed me. I don't remember schools closing either although sport was off for ages. The local bookie in Birtley took bets on USA races and he always seemed to do well....I never saw him without a huge cigar!!