100 years ago, in January and February 1916, severe snow storms and blizzards settled over Sibford from 24 January causing great disruption. Freezing conditions and further snowfalls throughout January and February meant that only about half of the 85 children on roll at the Primary School were able to get to school. School was closed on several occasions and registers were temporarily suspended. Numbers were further reduced due to serious outbreaks of whooping cough and measles. Attendance had just begun to pick up in March when further blizzards and deep snow returned and caused more school closures. The severe cold weather reduced coal stocks which meant that many village children suffered from bad colds and ill health.