These birds are certainly special: prodigious travellers revelling in our balmy climate.

Yet private investors appear reluctant to accept that the balmy climate for bonds may be under threat from the upward trend in interest rates and inflation.

Universities are promoting their desirable locations, cultural attractions and balmy climates to sell themselves to students.

Terracotta containers often crack in freezing conditions — those made for balmy climates succumb easily — so it's worth reinvesting in good-quality frostproof versions.