Welcome AlexD!
Don't feel shy - jump right in with questions whenever you want - there is always someone who whats to help out. It sound like the UK had some wonky weather like ours.
I am in the Midwestern U.S. - last winter was very mild, it rarely froze for long periods, and we had high temps well into mid winter. Then we had a very long spring, but immediately moved into a record breaking heat wave with temps well over 100 degree (F) for weeks
; we also were in a drought and are just now able to say the water reservoirs are almost filled. Our fall was long and damp, thankfully, but many landscapes were destroyed by the heat and drought. We usually have freezing temps (32 degree /F) by October. Today it was 64 degree (F); I've had my screen door open all day and evening.
As a Master's in Social Work, I officially diagnose the weather as having severe bi-polar disorder!
You will find a curious, supportive, knowledgeable, extremely friendly group of board members here - at least that has been my experience.
Again, welcome --- and bring on the questions!
Steve