Thanks to all you good people who answered my post; you gave me lots to think about and to do. I shall be taking it all on board this winter.

ZenCentury, your recomended link was terrific - thanks so much for finding it.

Yes, I do live in SNOWdonia and it seems true that Americans find the UK a fridge (including my American, cycling, daughter-in law!) BUT several of you get cold anyway, in the US, so moving to Candycorn land isn't going to help me!

I hope all you fellow sufferers got a lot out of the postings to help you in the coming months. I'll maybe post again next Spring to ask whether you had a better than usual winter! Final tip is to wear rubber gloves if you do the washing up by hand - to preserve the natural oils in the skin.

Meantime, here is a little batch of photos of my patch - SNOWdon is in the background.