When I moved down here in 2002 I was told it "always rains at the Devon
show" :-)

I think we're an odd lot in this country. We seems to have more festivals,
fetes, outdoor sporting events and the like (all of which are waiting to be
ruined by the weather) than anyone else and yet we have the climate least
suited to holding these outdoor events.

I think Wimbledon is a classic example. A whole fortnight of tennis played
outdoors. What is almost certain about that is that it will rain at some
point and cause disruption, sometimes turning a match into a farce.

I also have memories of the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in
Manchester a few years back. Somebody forgot to put up the gazebo over the
officials' area when the president was making his speech and to watch him
standing there making his great oratory in the pouring rain and getting
absolutely soaked, unable to see/read his speech, looking totally bedraggled
was an absolute classic. Of course, this was being watched by billions
around the world and only reinforced the idea that it is always raining in
Blighty.

And Glastonbury is the ultimate example. I've been there when it was at its
worst in 1998. I don't think I ever have fully recovered from that.
________________
Nick.
Otter Valley, Devon
83 m amsl
http://www.ottervalley.co.uk