Summer's here

It only takes a flash of sunshine in the summer months from April onwards for many to peel away the layers. Sockless, shorted, tee shirted or vested, the streets are flocked by many who equate sunshine with warmth and high temperatures.

They must be cold but no one is admitting it. Britain is not a warm country. We buy in to t the marketing dream sold to us that outdoor living is the British way. Do not be fooled.

Occasionally yes, the temperatures rise and can stay high. But it is not something you can predict with great precision or for how long it will last. The only certainty with a good spell of summer weather is that it will end. And end dramatically.

We are persuaded from all corners that summer is here. Garden centres fill their floors with outdoor furniture and barbecues. Supermarkets extol the benefits of outdoor living with cool clothes, cool wines and crisp salads. And we buy it in. We have it all at hand for the perfect summer - except for the perfect summer.

How are we hood winked? The shrinking world enables us all to experience the great outdoors of summer. Sitting out until late in the evening dressed coolly and loosely is what people in pleasant climates do. We all want so much to do it here, we are conned by the first rays of sun and blue skies, even thought the temperature barely nudges the low twenties.

The summer season (November to March) in Sydney has temperatures regularly hitting the mid-90s Fahrenheit (35°C). November and March are favoured by visitors wanting sunshine without the searing heat. Even on winter days there is warmth, with temperatures regularly in the 70-80 degree Fahrenheit range (21-27°C). That is good for a British summer. I can recall an Australian telling me that Poms arriving in the Australian winter to settle, dressed in shorts and tee shirts, to the amusement of the locals. In Europe too, temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night in the Greek resorts, with other Mediterranean resorts being close behind.

A glance at our holiday history reveals a more reverent attitude to the summer season. Holidaying was done in Britain for the vast majority. Only the wealthy jetted off - not they did jet anywhere- to the exotic South of France and other balmy Mediterranean resorts to enjoy guaranteed warmth. Even then they retained a dress dignity when not disporting on the beach.

Back home the huddled masses remained huddle masses, crowding the beaches around our temperate isle. People are photographed on beaches in suits and overcoats. Why? Because it was generally cold, and sitting around for a whole day, you need to wrap up. A man might slip off his jacket occasionally to face the weather in shirt and waistcoat. He might even remove the tie and roll up the trouser legs to reveal bare feet.

Women similarly peeled the odd layer, stockings, cardigan to feel the benefit of the fresh air. Oh, there were those who braved the waters in skimpier wear, but the weather must have been decidedly warmer. (Today young people enter the sea all year round but for most of that year they wear a wet suit - a true acknowledgement that it gets cold here.)

Perhaps we are the ultimate optimists. Here in Britain, we now have little opportunity to show the defiance that is one of the characteristics that many say made Britain great. By showing that we can still do summer in the meagre share we get of that season, we are displaying the in - your - face character that many attribute to the people of this island.

Personally, I'd sooner wrap up