View from V2 Radio - Welcome to That Awkward Bit Between Winter and Spring - By Peter Phillips – Presenter and Station Sound Producer
There’s a moment each year — usually around now — when you step outside, feel a bit of sunshine and think, “Right, spring has arrived”. And then, ten minutes later, a gust whips in off the Channel, the clouds gather over the South Downs, and you realise you’ve been far too optimistic. Welcome to that wonderfully awkward in between season: not quite winter, not quite spring, and absolutely determined to keep us guessing.
We do get more sunshine now, especially along the seafront at Bognor, Worthing or Littlehampton, where people start venturing out with one fewer layer than they probably should. But it comes with the classic British disclaimer: “sunshine may be accompanied by sudden downpours, sideways rain or a surprise hail shower.”
“April showers” isn’t a phrase — it’s a warning label!
Then there’s the wardrobe chaos. Too warm for winter coats, not warm enough for summer wear. Sussex becomes a parade of confused clothing choices: flip‑flops next to bobble hats, shorts with hoodies, and at least one person insisting it’s “perfect T‑shirt weather” when it absolutely isn’t. If you’ve ever stood on the platform at Barnham wondering whether to put your scarf back on, you’ll know the feeling.
Still, spring brings its small joys. This is when we start eyeing up the washing line again, wondering if we can risk drying clothes outside. There’s nothing like that first load that actually dries in the fresh air — even if you have to dash out halfway through the day to rescue it from a rogue shower that appeared out of nowhere.
And of course, there’s the speculation about whether it will snow at Easter – which is statistically more likely than it is as Christmas - We’ve all been there - watching a few flakes drift past the window whist helping yourself to another piece of chocolate egg.
Then comes the moment — usually triggered by one sunny afternoon — when we all decide it’s time to dust off the BBQ. Never mind that it’s only 11 degrees and the patio furniture is still damp. That first whiff of charcoal is a declaration of hope.
So yes, spring may be unpredictable and occasionally chaotic, but that’s half the fun. It’s the season that reminds us change is coming — even if it arrives wearing sunglasses and a raincoat at the same time.
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