Why do we change the clocks in the UK? The reason behind your extra hour in bed this weekend, 28/29 October 2023.
It’s almost that time of year when the UK turns the clocks back by one hour… but why does it happen?
Every year, the clocks change twice – forwards as we enter British Summer Time (BST) and then back again as we prepare for the winter, bringing BST to an end.The change can make a big difference, with more of us waking up in darkness for work or potentially getting an extra hour of lie-in, depending on the change.
So, why do the clocks change, and when do they go back in 2023?
Why do the clocks change in the UK?
When the change was introduced, it gave farmers an extra hour of sunlight to work – a helpful boost to the agricultural sector following the crippled British economy during the First World War.
Some have previously raised the possibility of getting rid of putting the clocks forward and back – a tradition which dates back over a century. Campaigners have argued that it is outdated in an age that sees the UK much less reliant on farming for much of its economy than it once was.
When did we start changing the clocks?
The Daylight Savings Time initiative was introduced and formalised as British Summer Time with the Summer Time Act 1916.
This autumn, the clocks will go back an hour this Sunday – October 29 2023.
At this time, 2am will go back to 1am, giving us an extra hour in bed and preparing us for the colder months when the sun sets earlier and days get significantly shorter.
In 2024, the clocks will go forward again by an hour, on Sunday, March 31.
At this time, 2am will go back to 1am, giving us an extra hour in bed and preparing us for the colder months when the sun sets earlier and days get significantly shorter.
In 2024, the clocks will go forward again by an hour, on Sunday, March 31.
Which countries change their clocks?
While it’s been a practice in the UK for over a century, we aren’t alone in changing the clocks for British Summer Time (known as Daylight Savings Time in other places).
All European Union countries and many European non-members continue to make the switch twice a year.
Outside of Europe, changing the clocks is also practiced in Argentina, Paraguay, Cuba, Haiti, the Levant, New Zealand and parts of Australia.
The US has changed the clocks twice a year for many decades, like the UK, but this is all set to change. The US Senate passed a bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. *The Sunshine Protection Act was unanimously passed in 2022 meaning clocks will no longer change back and forth twice a year. From 2023, it will establish a fixed time all year round.
Words and images from article here
Many thanks for this information Anne ...
All the best Jan
Sharing a tasty dish for this time of year 😋
Sausage and Bean Casserole
more details here
This blog brings a variety of articles and recipe ideas, and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.
All the best Jan
39 comments:
...the Sausage and Bean Casserole sure looks good.
Of interest to your US readers: The time change will continue as before for now, with clocks set back next weekend (on November 5th). While the measure did pass in the senate, the house has yet to approve it so it's not a done deal, at least not yet.
Our clocks fall back Nov 5 in Toronto. The casserole looks yummy!
I do not like daylight savings time and since I'm retired, I don't really have to follow it. I had forgotten it will become permanent soon. Well, I guess I will continue with early to bed and up at 4:00 a.m. At least it's good for blogging, since my blogger friends wake up from three to nine hours ahead of me here in California.
That casserole looks so delicious.
The food looks yummy and cozy!
Looking forward to the backwards in time thing...lol
hugs
Donna
Yup, next weekend for those of us in the US. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!
We need to stop changing the clocks backwards and forwards. It would be easier just to change the days. For instance, at a given date (like 29 October 2023) instead of Sunday it becomes Monday. We just miss a day; then add it again in Spring/Summer. Easier for everyone and it saves having to change all the clocks and watches we have at home, on buildings and offices and railway stations etc ...
Also, encourage the use of sundials. They are always accurate.
God bless.
Great Recipe! I don't worry about the time anymore as my alarm is my cat who likes to get up around 5AM. LOL!
Hello,
Great reminder, we change our clocks next weekend.
The casserole looks yummy.
Have a great weekend!
I could go for a bowl of the Sausage and Bean Casserole.
REPLY TO
Anne C who said...
Of interest to your US readers: The time change will continue as before for now, with clocks set back next weekend (on November 5th). While the measure did pass in the senate, the house has yet to approve it so it's not a done deal, at least not yet.
Hello Anne, many thanks for your comment and for this additional information, which was appreciated. I have just put a 'post edit' in my original post.
All the best Jan
Your time change is different than it is here in the US. I wish we were daylight savings year round.
I used to make a dish similar to this called Mixed Bean Bake or something like that. We loved it, but the ingredients aren't available here, so it's just a memory. :-(
Enjoy the extra hour :-)
Same here in Germany. The casserole looks really good.
It seems so silly to change the clocks to get an extra hour of daylight.
There is still the same amount of daylight hours.
I personally would rather have it light in the morning.
With many important things to attend, I doubt The House of Representatives will even consider the clock change something important this year. I don't see it happening anytime soon in the states.
Your casserole looks sooooooooo good, yummy! Happy weekend, Valerie
We moved our clocks forward several weeks ago. Too soon I think, and we will change them back later than we should as well.
Day light saving always exhausted me with adjustment issue for lack of sleep
Hopefully my phone updates
Wishing you a wonderful weekend
I think that time changes are not good for our body since our biological clock is altered for a few days, our brain is confused.
We set clocks back following Sunday.
Coffee is on.
The photo of the falling leaves is gorgeous!
Take care.
En mi país no se hace eso. Te mando un beso.
Very interesting information about changing the clocks. I had heard that in the US we would be stopping but I didn't know the details. Thanks for the clarification. very helpful
Enjoy the extra sleep time by the clock.
I don't like time changes in Autumn, as I have to wake up in the dark for work.
So, you, too. 2018 they said we will stop this nonsense in Germany. Will take 2 years. Hm.
I feel sorry for farmers and families with small children. The reason for this is no more since decades!
Aquí también hemos cambiado y este cambio no me gusta. El menú se ve rico rico. Gracias.
Buen domingo para Todos.
Un abrazo.
Looks good
I did not realize you changed your clocks, too!
Great photos and delicious looking food. Here in the US, we delayed the clock change until the weekend after Halloween occurs. So next weekend for us. - Anne (Cornucopia)
Informative post about 'time change' ~ as for the USA ~ waiting for the 'House' to get anything passed could take forever ~ lol
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I always considered that time change thing a bother when we lived in Illinois. We had to remember to change all clocks and the microwave and ... what else?
Hawaii does not do the time change. However, I have to make sure I remember that time difference with Illinois so I don't call my daughter too early or too late.
This morning I decided to make the most of the extra hour by having a lie in. Something I never do.
We do a lot of things as the Brits do - changing of clocks is one of them. So be it. I don't mind that.
I enjoyed your reminder about changing the clocks and how it can impact our routines. It's a small adjustment that can make a big difference. If you're looking for delicious low-carb recipes to try this fall, I recommend checking out https://ketotacosaladpro.com/ for some tasty options!
Glad I read all of your article closely, I was like oh my where was I when they said we wouldn't be changing our clocks back next weekend, LOL :) I want to show up at church at the right time since I am in charge of communion :)
No me gusta el cambio de horario, gracias por la información sobre ello. Besos.
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