Warmtoast, thanks for reminding me of the accomodation I was in when I done my movers course in late 1967. The "secret" was to occupy the bed two down from the stove as the occupant nearest was responsible for keeping the damn thing burning. If the fire went out, that yellow wax floor polish was pretty good at getting the blaze going again!
After I finished my course, my boss sent me back - "Because I knew where Abingdon was" - to 'assist' with the preparations for the RAF's 50th celebrations; including painting the *****ing coal yard!!