Did anyone notice summer? No? Thought not. A terrible wash out, and by the end of August there was already an autumnal nip in the air. Weather like this makes me glad of the wood burning stove that on many occasions was lit of an evening to cheer up damp guests.

It might not be cold enough to fire up the central heating, but on a night of constant deluge the warmth and glow of the stove was extremely welcome. We were even able to dry a cycling visitor's drenched socks in time for them to hop on the bike and head home after dinner. Brilliant.