By Alex Perry BBC Sport Online at Wimbledon

Whoever said that death and taxes are the only two certainties in life clearly never went to Wimbledon.

Because if they had, they would have known that you can also be sure that at some point in the fortnight you will get a total drenching.

But fear not, if you are planning a trip to SW19 over the next couple of days, our priceless rain survival guide tells you all you need to know for when the heavens open.

Fleece is the word

When the rain comes, there is no need to panic - as long as you have a wallet full of cash.

Last year, Venus Williams, like many of her fellow Americans, found a small piece of heaven in the Wimbledon Museum Premium Goods Shop.

The emphasis is definitely on "Premium" - that is certainly what you pay.

Venus could have been tempted by such choice items as the wild strawberry petal basket, a snip at �30, a mint tray, a bargain at �39, or a summer afternoon plate (8"), for a mere �22.

The Ball Boy Fleece for �54 (fleece is the word) is bound to be popular, but the top seller this year is sure to be umbrellas.

Stiff upper lip

Britons are of course born with top lips that refuse to quiver, even when being lashed by wind and rain.

There are no finer exponents of these British values than the fans who camp out overnight or flock to "Henman Hill".

"It wouldn't be Wimbledon without a little rain," one fan told me as it began to lash down.

"As long as the Brits win we don't mind," she added.

Well you cannot have everything, I suppose.

Take cover

The umbrella is an essential, and hardened Wimbledon fans do not leave home without one.

Strictly speaking, they ought to provide you with one for free as you come through the gates, but then that would give you one less thing to spend your hard-earned cash on.

Experienced fans choose the biggest and brightest they can find, but the real experts go for a Union Jack pattern.

Ear plugs

And do not forget to bring some ear plugs.

You cannot be too careful when Cliff Richard's about.