"THE New Year brought Arctic conditions to Malvern, with temperatures well below freezing point, heavy falls of snow, icy roads and paths, and to add to the general discomfort a flu epidemic," reported the Gazette 50 years ago.

"Many householders have found themselves without coal, and there has been a run on oil heaters and alternative methods of keeping warm.

"Sickness claims being received at the local office of the Ministry of National Insurance are 420 per cent above average, and 170 per cent above usual epidemic levels. Main illnesses are influenza and bronchitis, and all age group are affected.

"The first snow began to fall on Friday morning between 6 and 7 o'clock and although council workmen were gritting the roads early, some business people were late for work through buses on several routes being behind schedule.

"As usual, the steeper slopes of the town such as Church Street proved hazardous for motorists and many found themselves in trouble.

"During the night, 20 degrees of ground frost were recorded at the urban council's Pickersleigh Road depot. Great Malvern railway station and several nearby houses were without water for several hours because of frozen pipes."