I was nearly hit by lightning at boarding school.. similar story to yours Dave, I was walking over to the flag pole to raise the flags one morning, I couldn't have been more than 2 metres (5 feet or so) away, and I felt the static in the air like you.. my hair was starting to stand up on end.. I made a mad dash away from the flagpole, hit the ground, and looked over my shoulder just in time to see the bright pink/purple flash.. I was deaf for about 10 mins with heavy ringing in my ears, but I didn't get shocked at all.. it hit the pole.
Oddly enough I still LOVE severe weather, and will sit & watch a storm for hours.. but I'm always inside
