It's too easy on colder days to not embrace what’s on our doorstep. I must give myself numerous reasons to not go out when the rain is pelting down with such vigor, I convince myself only the barmy and brave would venture out.

But, it is only rain. Oh yes and mud, and I will need to change my outfit a hundred times to cope with these four seasons in one day. My trip to Wimbledon Bookfest last Friday confirmed that there were at least another 200 totally barmy people in Wimbledon who knew that once they had found parking, hiked over the common in totally inappropriate shoes and entered the large white haven of a tent - they would be enclosed in a tight knit community of locals who would think of nothing finer than an evening listening to one of the nations greatest authors, broadcasters and guest speakers.

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I chose to see James O'Brien. I knew he was popular but had no idea how much LBC Radio had captured the hearts and minds of fellow Wombles. 'LBC was the station for racist cab drivers' James O'Brien began! But my, has it changed. The never ending Brexit debate has certainly caused so much upset in this country, yet although beside my bed are piles of well-read daily newspapers, there is nothing quite like hearing on the kitchen radio people sharing their concerns. There was obvious Remainer bias from the man famed for his views on Brexit, but his story was simply charming. Making the move from traditional journalism to broadcaster, LBC was where he took his first Sunday night phone-in show. Waiting hours for a call to come in, the first was from his wife on his home landline, followed by his best mate forging a strong Northern Irish twang. His smile was infectious and had the tent in stitches. I would strongly recommend catching a talk this weekend before the large white tent magically vanishes from Wimbledon Common.

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Last week also brought the worldwide Macmillan Coffee Morning. The Macmillan nurses were an absolute godsend when my father was dying from prostate cancer. They were happy cheery people who came into the family home to offer not just care, but kindness and smiles to both my mother and father through such tough times. Inviting my friends and team to the new Megan’s in Wimbledon Village for coffee and a chance to donate to such a worthy cause, I learned how many of us had lost a parent to cancer and what an incredible softness the Macmillan nurses brought to our families. Just £52 could help run their Online Community forum for over an hour. Typically, that would give nearly 750 people affected by cancer both emotional and practical support. Raising that amount twice or thrice over seemed such a reasonable target for us to achieve in one morning. They have currently raised £9,269,876 - so close to a big round number for us to continue to support such a worthy cause.

As in most weeks, there is a time for reflection and a time for some glamour. Two Brazilian female entrepreneurs Susy Shikoda and Angela Rodrigues asked me to throw a monumental Brazilian party at Hotel Du Vin, Wimbledon. It was an extraordinary night, with Angela Hirata; the key figure in shaping the iconic Havaianas flip-flop phenomenon, sharing her success story on how to create a global brand worn by everyone from the girl next door to A list celebrities. The spirit of Brazil was found in a glass of ‘Caipirinha’, made with Novo Fogo cachaça, mixed with sugar and lime. Guests got behind the Pegasus bar to learn how to create their own, which was a sight to see. Dudu Rosa, a well known Brazilian graffiti artist, stood in the corner painting a cold wet London scene. He took such a shine to my red dress and oversized Bee Smith red hat, I could see my silhouette in the corner of his painting! His fresh masterpiece, alongside the most stunning pieces from Brazil Gems were offered as a raffle prize to help raise money for A.B.A. in the UK.

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At all events, I take a moment to look around the room. The wonderful Mayor of Merton Janice Howard and Deputy Mayor Edward Foley had arrived to support the Brazilian community and join the two hundred guests; a vibrant mix of familiar local faces and entrepreneurs connecting, laughing and even dancing to the live music. As always, it takes me a few days to recover from such a huge event, but with a week of culture on the common, a charity coffee morning and one big fat Brazil event, I am looking forward to joining the not so brave and barmy people of Wimbledon in observing the tempestuous evening rain from the warmth and comfort of the family home.

Don’t forget your brolly!

Warmest

@LadyWimbledon