1. Firstly, you need to get the right clothing and footwear prepared for you and your family so that you can truly enjoy the great outdoors whatever the weather. Clothing is usually split into the four seasons; winter, spring, summer and autumn but the seasons often have unexpected weather, such as snow in May and warm sunshine in October. So it is best to have layers when going out at anytime of year. Layers will include; something cotton and light for when the sun comes out, a warm but thin layer like fleece, a wind-breaker (for sunny days with a cold wind) and a waterproof layer. For footwear, wellies are best stored in the boot of the car just in case and then regular shoes, boots or sandals for when its

not raining.

2. Plan days out at the weekend or on days off work or school no matter what the weatherman says. Don't let the rain stop you from having a fun day out. I remember going to a river fair in Somerset one July and the rain actually washed away the band stand and the band! I had my wellies, waterproof trousers and coat on and it was a real laugh.

3. Remember to keep umbrellas and wellies in the car boot. These are an absolute necessity and will turn a wet, fed day into a good day.

4. Buy a flask for hot drinks. Everything looks much better after a nice cup of tea!

5. Always have a spare set of clothes for young children. If you keep a spare set of clothes and shoes in the car for your young children, it makes for a more relaxing time as you can let them go mad in the puddles without chasing them and saying no all day, safe in the knowledge that they can be warm and dry in no time.

6. Avoid wishing the weather was better and don't listen to others moaning about the weather. The British love to talk about the weather, some would say we are pretty obsessed with it but it is stupid to let the weather rule what you do in a day.

7. Stick to the plan. If you really want to have a barbecue for your birthday, then plan away and tell everyone. Be prepared for rainy weather by buying or borrowing a gazebo.

8. Always make the most of a brilliantly sunny day. If the forecast is good and you know that it is going to be hot and sunny until nine thirty in the evening, then spend the whole day

outside and soak it in.

9. Buy a waterproof backed picnic rug. Now this is an excellent invention allowing you to enjoy that picnic and stay dry.

10. Have a two week holiday abroad in the sun. If it has been a seriously rainy summer, you've had to wear your wellies everyday and you are paler than pale then it is definitely time to go on holiday somewhere with guaranteed sunshine, giving you a much needed dose of vitamin D and a real sense of happiness. Just in case the rain continues into autumn and winter

you will need some sun for at least two weeks of the year!