I was reading an old book by Adam the Gardener the Sunday Express tipster and looking at his suggestions for January.

Rose Pruning In January

• In January your roses should be dormant and some pruning has advantages.
• Winter pruning can therefore be done lightly leaving harder pruning to be completed in march or april when you can see how the tree is responding.
• This pruning reduces wind rock that can lead to frost getting down to the roots from loose soil.
• Start pruning by removing dead wood and growth that crosses and crowds the center.
• Standards and wispy growth should be pruned harder. Floribunda varieties need more top growth for a mass display
• Tools should be really sharp to prevent bleeding and branch damage.
• Do not prune during hard frosts.

I have been astonished how many rose trees I have growing in the garden. It was only when I embarked on the January prune/trim that they became visible and obvious.  The rugsa roses that I cut back in autumn were treated to a bag of horse manure to set them on their way in spring.