However, there are times when being red and not dead can be a great burden. I mean, of course, during hot weather.

This is the time of year when redheads are expected to smile happily to people when they shout out: "Nice weather, isn't it?".

The redhead is supposed to nod back happily and join in the chorus of appreciation of the sun. We are supposed to be happy that you are happy in the baking sun. Secretly, however, we redheads curse sun worshippers and we secretly dance the rain dance.

A redhead is the opposite of Superman. When the sun is at its hottest, the redhead is at his weakest.

It is then that the redhead realises that he is not really human but more lobster. Splash a redhead with some water in really hot weather and you risk turning him into Ginger Thermidor. There is no escape for the redhead in the hell of good weather. Everyone is happy. The peroxide blondes are happy; the brunettes are happy; even the slap heads are happy.

But the redhead suffers, bakes, roasts and fries. Being a redhead in hot weather is akin to being a frankfurter on the barbeque; it does not matter what way you turn, you are going to end up cooked.

Yet people are so inconsiderate.

People strip off and stretch out in the park or run along the beach, happy in the sun's bounty.

Do they care that there are people less fortunate than them who dare not expose the slightest corner of freckled skin? No, they don't.

Warm weather always brings out the selfish nature in many people.

At least if it rains or is cold, we can all complain to together. But oh no, not when the sun shines.

When the sun shines, we all have to pretend to be happy and contend.

Well, bog off. I have been suffering in silence for weeks in this dreadful weather. Thank goodness, it never lasts.