Anyone else remember the Great Smog?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Dave W, Dec 5, 2012.

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  1. Dave W

    Dave W Total Gardener

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    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20269309

    I can remember walking to school in Epsom wearing a smog mask and being unable to see more than a couple of yards and following the walls en-route. Crossing roads was really scary, not so much from the risk from traffic (wasn't any) but reaching the other side seemed to take ages.
     
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      Dave W, Dec 5, 2012
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    • Phil A

      Phil A Guest

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      Too young for the big smog, but Mum used to wrap me up with a scarf every time there was a fog, just in case.

      Had similar in Wales in 1992 ish, a blocking high over the country when the air didn't change, all the coal smoke sat in the valley for 5 weeks.

      There was an inversion layer of smog that burned your mucous membranes and produced a tar that ran down the drainpipes.

      We used to walk up into the mountains to get out of it, 30 foot above the town and you could look down on the yellow lake of smog that was sitting there.
       
      Phil A, Dec 5, 2012
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    • Sheal

      Sheal Total Gardener

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      Sorry Dave, just a bit before my time. :)
       
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    • Dave W

      Dave W Total Gardener

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      Go on. Rub it in then :snork: :snork: :old:
       
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      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

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        Sorry Dave, only two years though! :heehee:
         
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        Don't worry, Dave, I remember it well :old:

        We couldn't see our feet when walking but managed not to walk into trees. As we lived in London we used to get regular smogs that were almost as bad.

        We lived about a mile from a bus depot and when the smog got bad they used to 'walk' the buses in. As long as the bus was within about three miles they used to send a man out on a bike and he carried tarred brands. These were made of a collection of 3ft wooden strips tied together with cloth soaked in tar tied to the sticks. When he got to the bus he used to put his bike on the bus, lit one of the brands and walk in front of the bus. The driver could then follow him back to the depot. :blue thumb:
         
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        I too remember it well. It was almost Dickensian to see the swirling brown/grey [sm]fog and get that 'orrible taste in your mouth and lungs. Not something to remember with a smile and just another thing to not reminisce about in the Good Old Days!!.:coffee:
         
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      • kevinm

        kevinm Gardener

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        I remember it well. The term dense fog that you hear bandied about these days is only a light mist by comparison. Not being able to see an outstretched hand was very nearly true.
        We had a game back then where you walked into the local sports field and the quickest at being able to refind the entrance gate was the winner.
         
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      • Val..

        Val.. Confessed snail lover

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        Yes I remember smog, us kids used to walk along the streets carrying torches to try and see if anyone was approaching. Very scary and kind of unreal. :ouch1:

        Val
         
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      • jjbuts

        jjbuts Apprentice Gardener

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        My Mum told me about the smog, she refered to it as the pea souper. and that everyone carried a torch.
         
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        I used to carry a torch for a girl but she wouldn't let me sn[m]og:hapydancsmil:
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          My grand-parents lived in London and I remember some real pea-soupers when we visited them in the 1950s. Even walking on the pavement was very difficult, had to feel out for lamp-posts it was so thick. As a kid I remember thinking this is what it's like being blind, honestly you couldn't see beyond your nose.
           
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          • Val..

            Val.. Confessed snail lover

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            I grew up in the East End of London, and yes it really was this thick!!:huh:

            Val
             
            Val.., Dec 7, 2012
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          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            Lovely story on the radio about a blind man leading the sighted through the smog.
             
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            • Folly Mon

              Folly Mon GC Official Counselor

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              i live in the Black Country and its called that Because of the Smog From Founderys chain & nail making the skys and the ground was Black Hommers Guin Day and Night it Was Bostin that means Hammers Going Day & Night and it Was Wicked!!! ;)

              I Miss it All!!!! That is All Gone Now the Factorys Am Flat with Barret Houses on them or Derelict :doh:
               
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