Shrieking kids put in their place

JAN LEEMING recently landed herself in a spot of hot water (well, a lukewarm saucer of the stuff really) when she dared to complain about noisy kids in an upmarket eaterie.

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At the time I rather admired her courage in speaking out. Maybe as a former newsreader she's used to dishing out the difficult stuff.

But for all the social changes now sweeping through the country, complaining - at least in public - is still seen as rather un-British, isn't it? Even when we do feel compelled to speak out, we usually begin with an apology. "I'm ever so sorry, but..."

I found myself thinking about Leeming's lament this week, as I sipped my Pina Colada by a hotel pool in Florida. For the first hour, all was peace and tranquillity. Just the rustle of palm tree fronds above our heads. Then...

SHRIEEEEK!!!

SCREEEEAAAMMM!!!

YOWWWLLL!!!