OPINIONS are divided on the current heatwave.

On the one hand there are those, like me, who relish the warmth, the sunshine and the predictability. It’s the sort of weather I travel half way across Europe to enjoy; sunshine when you wake up; safely donning shorts and T-shirt in the certainty that you will be attired correctly for the whole day.

On the other hand, I am not on holiday. Whilst my son’s post-exam schooldays seem to consist largely of walks, days out and trips to the beach for which snacks, water, towel and suncream are the only requisites (and in marked contrast to most school days, he seems remarkably well able to prepare) I am still at work.

The Wren building, in which for most part it is a privilege to work, has drawbacks in summer. The ‘natural ventilation’ with which it is equipped (Grade I listed sash windows through which the cold in winter and heat in summer pass unhindered) has its limitations. Desk fans are remarkably good at distributing the air, but have no effect on its steadily rising temperature; by mid-afternoon we are working in a tropical gale. The offer of ice-creams is not enough to tempt staff to stay at their desks and they drift home under the cover of ‘flexible working’ to spend the rest of the afternoon in more pleasant surroundings.

I am left alone, facing the prospect of an extended journey home on a train that will be delayed, (since Network Rail seem surprised that track expands in warm weather and therefore impose speed restrictions), overcrowded with those escaping to the country and with air conditioning that expires on the only days it’s really needed.

Meanwhile, there are those that do not like the heat. Barney, like all other dogs demands the same amount of exercise/entertainment regardless of weather, which means an earlier start before it’s too hot. Being a ‘beagle of very little brain’, by evening, he’s forgotten that he went for a long walk earlier and expects the same again. The pot plants are enjoying a summer diet of left-over washing up water as their contribution to water conservation.

The more serious side to this, of course, is that the consequences of a heatwave are a lot more serious for the most vulnerable; the elderly, young children, those who are homeless or affected by hay fever or respiratory conditions.

Public Health England has asked us all to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours and homeless charities are appealing for donations of suncream and sunhats along with the usual essentials.

Enjoy or tolerate the warm weather while you can but do keep an eye out for those for whom the weather is more than a talking point.