This folk saying dating back to the 17th century holds that weather at the start of March will be the opposite to the weather at the end of the month, be it stormy and fierce (‘lion’) or mild (‘lamb’).

Any truth in it?

Although meteorologists would say that a strict weather reversal is not technically accurate, as the crossover month between winter and spring, the volatility of March many-weathers' certanly rings true.

Marching on

• March takes its name from Mars, the Roman god of war.
• March was known by the Anglo-Saxon ‘Lide’ in some parts of England until the 17th century.

Inside the Fry's factory, Bristol (19th Century)

1978 - Thermos = Picnic Essential

Like the previous saying, there’s an element of hope in this one, both in terms of weather and life; harder times now mean that better times are in store.

Any truth in it?

There’s not much denying this one – flowers that come in May time do indeed benefit from plenty of rainfall while March winds help to dry waterlogged soil after winter and circulate pollen.

Drip drip drop

• April showers are mentioned in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (1387).
• In April, damp air rises with the warmer temperatures, cooling and condensing to form fluffy clouds that can produce short bursts of rain.

Likely dating back to the 16th century, this weather proverb suggests that if Ash trees come into leaf before Oak, there’s very rainy weather ahead, whereas if the Oak is first, it won’t be so wet.

Any truth in it?

Oak leafing (Feb-March) is primarily triggered by rising temperatures, hence a warmer spring, which once upon a time might have been more likely to mean a drier summer. However, climate change means Oak now almost always comes to leaf before Ash, but it certainly doesn’t rule out wet weather!

Leaf it to nature

• Observing nature's cycles is known as phenology.
• The leafing of Ash is sadly now also affected by Ash Dieback.

Inside the Fry's factory, Bristol (19th Century)

1978 - Thermos = Picnic Essential

This well-known phrase advises against putting away your winter clothing (a “clout” being an item of clothing) too soon as there could be an unexpected cold snap. Interpretations vary between meaning until the month of May is over, or until the hawthorn or May blossom is out.

Any truth in it?

Well, this is Britain, so we can’t be surprised by the weather a clout doing unexpected things! However, in today’s slightly warmer climate, cold snaps in May are increasingly unlikely.

Come what May

• Hawthorn is also known as quickthorn, whitethorn, hagthorn and mayflower.
• “Here we go gathering nuts in May” actually refers to knots, rather than nuts, i.e. garlands of intertwined hawthorn.

Taking good care of our precious planet

While brightening our homes with a little greenery lifts our spirits, it also gently reminds us of the beauty and importance of nature in our everyday lives. Taking good care of our precious planet is something we feel deeply about.

As a sign of our commitment to combatting climate change, we are making a pledge to become ‘net zero’. We want to get there by 2040, which might be a little way off, but the journey has begun - and there are lots of targets along the way. We’re working together across every part of the business to identify opportunities for reducing our carbon footprint with a view to getting it all the way down to...zero!

Cadbury

John Cadbury started out by selling tea, coffee and drinking chocolate. Joined by his brother Benjamin, the Cadbury brothers moved on to selling chocolate for eating in 1842. Switching to a better produced cocoa in 1861 propelled them forward and by 1955 they were the first chocolate brand to advertise on British TV.

Cadbury Dairy Milk 1905-today

Cadbury gave their Dairy Milk bar a much higher proportion of fresh milk than competitors, giving it the smooth, creamy taste that made it the UK’s best-selling chocolate in the 1930s. Whole Nut, Fruit & Nut and Caramel followed in the 50s.

Cadbury Roses 1938-today

Launched to compete with Quality Street, the name is commonly thought to be inspired by the ‘Rose Brothers’, who made the chocolate wrapping machine. Like Quality Street, the original attractive tins were treasured long after the chocolates were gone, often used to store biscuits, buttons, or other bits and bobs!

All packed, off we go

Do you have any favourite weather or nature related sayings? Any that you swear by – or perhaps the older generation did?
Share them with us - we’d love to know!

Liquid Gold

From the past to your plate

From ancient cacao drinks to the irresistible treats we enjoy today, chocolate has truly stood the test of time.

To bring you that deep, classic chocolate flavour in our Chocolate Desserts, we carry that legacy forward using only carefully selected ingredients — Cocoa Mass and Cocoa Butter.

If the thought of chocolate is too tempting for you why not check out our dessert range?