MOAN, moan... blinking moan. That's all the British seem to do these days. I wouldn't mind so much, but it's all gob and no go as they used to say in my neck of the woods.

I make no apology for stereotyping. The French burn lorries and block roads when they don't like something, the Italians bring down their millionth government since the war, and the Spanish shrug their shoulders. Yes, I know this is all dreadfully un-PC, but you know I'm right, don't you?

But the British? They moan. They could moan for England in fact. Sadly though, that's all they do, for nothing ever comes of all this whinging.

With the holiday season now coming up, you might think that the Brits would take a break from all the complaining. But no - in fact, having nothing to do creates even more time for... you've guessed. Moaning.

I'm sorry to say this, but older people are the worst - or perhaps, they're more experienced at it, having spent a lifetime not being satisfied. So far this summer, I have heard an amazing selection of grizzling from the more grizzled members of our species.

Here are some examples. This hotel's the worst I've ever stayed at (It's brilliant, everything about it is good). There's nothing for me to eat (they've got a packed menu with everything except, maybe, marinaded blue whale). There's nothing to see or do round here (there's a lost Roman city, fabulous wildlife and the best scenery in Europe). Moan, moan, moan. Maybe it's a good thing we live on an island - our neighbours can't hear us. Have yourself a wonderful summer holiday.