As the UK basks in this exceptional heatwave and even the nether regions of “up north” where I live reach the heady heights of 30 degrees I am saddened by the hysterical panic trumpeted by the government and the media. I am an old fogey who remembers the great drought of 1976 as a fabulous time to be a teenager on summer holiday. I’m pretty non pc at the best of times and rather enjoy basking in the sunshine – it gives me an enormous sense of well being and happiness. I do get a tan – I am lucky to have inherited a skin like a rhino that gets brown without burning – and rather enjoy being tanned. I do feel nowadays like I am as naughty as having a sneaky fag behind the bike sheds when I don my swimsuit and lounge about on a sun lounger. I am well aware of the damage the sun does to the skin and have no problem with the sensible advice to cover up and wear a hat and sunscreen, don’t burn, stay out of the sun at the hottest part of the day etc. Those with fair skins are quite right to take more care. However, I am making vitamin D and enjoying every minute. So there. Sue me.