Description: The aftermath of a heavy snowfall in Buxton, probably during February 1906. The view is on Manchester Road, looking north with the Devonshire Hospital in the background. It looks as if a path is being dug towards the Church of St John the Baptist behind the photographer - perhaps the onlookers are the congregation awaiting a way in!
The original postcard from which this view was obtained was posted from Buxton on 26 February 1906 and was despatched to H R P Lomas Esq, c/o Thomas Cook and Son, 13 Esplanade Road, Bombay, India, where it arrived on 16 March. As there was no message, one can perhaps speculate that it was sent out to the recipient in order to contrast the respective temperatures in Buxton and Bombay.
However a relative of H R P Lomas of the Buxton Hydro, P W Lomas, has very kindly contacted us to confirm that his 3rd Cousin was indeed in Bombay when the card was sent. The following is extracted from the diaries H R P Lomas left of his travels:
"Tuesday March 13th.1906 Chota 7.30, left 8.20 for Bombay. Views fine. Got into carriage with man who had been at school with Brock. Bombay 1.20. Watson's hotel, Taj full. Rooms 60 and 61. Seems like home, not much changed but food and attendance worse. Called Cooks and various shops and walk after dinner, not hot especially at night. Wednesday March 14th. Bought photos at three different shops. Arranged for motor tomorrow. Called Daddyset, had not seen him for 13 years. He is very stout and a doctor with good practice. Walk after dinner. Thursday March 15th. Motor car 9.30. Went to Bandra, very pretty drive. Afterwards, Calaba, saw mountains of cotton ready for shipping. Tiffin 1 at 2 o'clock. Motor again to Lake Varah, just over 20 miles, very pretty. Then in town. knocked down man and skidded him along ground, he was not much hurt, paid him two rupees. (walk in evening). 6 o'clock Dr Daddyset called. Took me for a short drive, introduced me to his brother. We dined at Taj Mahal Hotel an exceedingly fine building and a very good dinner. After Paris Cinema etc. - poor. Friday March 16th Motorcar 9.30 to go to Basseen. Could not get there, no road but stopped at Golbunda, about 32 miles. Beautiful views and Basseen in distance. Dak Bungalow made out of old Portuguese church. Good run home longer way. Sat on Bunda. Dinner and walk. Sat March 17th. Cooks launched 10 o'clock for the Elephanta caves. Was carried upon chairs, launch very slow, 4 other passengers in Hotel. 2.30 Tiffin, read. Daddyset called at six. Took us for drive and then to Apollo hotel for dinner, which was good but too heavy and cigarette was strong. Walk and to bed."