HOW can anyone plan a day out in the open air? It doesn’t matter whether it is January or June.

I was so looking forward to having a pleasant and interesting day at Barnard Castle earlier this month.

My daughter picked me up in the car, we were at Bowes Museum by 11.30am, hoping to stay all afternoon. But it was cold and wet.

We were hoping to wear sandals and summer clothes, instead we had winter shoes, jumper and jacket. There was no sun and no smiles. We saw my friend Beverley, all dressed for the occasion, and had a long chat with her.

We went for some refreshment to warm us up – hot tea and home-made cakes – then we got in the car and came home. Three cheers for our British summer.

Emma Thomas, Darlington.