Thanks for the info re Okells,im on Scotlands east coast,so too far,but due to visit Chester soon, and will check that pub out...Hailstones,yes it happens,i was at Quarterbridge circa 2007/ 2010 and it was sleet.and ive heard sleet at the Ramsey hairpin commentary before too .A year ago this week ,i was at Peel camp site and it was 4 deg. 1981 it rained almost night and day for a fortnight,then in other years severe sunburn has been a problem.