WEATHER permitting, we are off to visit relatives on the west coast of America later this week.

The last time I was in Ireland I bought a load of Gaelic football shirts to take as presents. Everyone in America, no matter if they are called Takimoto or Teidermann, claims Irish heritage.

I should know because I have relatives who are called Takimoto and Teidermann.

We also needed something girlie for our 10-year-old niece, Theresa.

“We’ll buy her a typically English dress,” I suggested. “Or European – French, Italian design.” And then found this is harder to find than you might think.

In one well-known British high street store a dress caught our eye. Made in China said the label.

On to another store where we saw two really nice dresses. One had a French label but the added information Made in China.

The other said Designed in Denmark – made in China.

Then on to a designer label shop and we found the very thing and this had a tag that proudly boasted .co.uk

Unfortunately, it also said Made in India.

Is anything ever made in Britain any more?