Iains - thanks for that...

Refusal to take no for an answer, and dogged persistence
ought to pay off when dealing with insurance companies...

The meteorological data was based on a recent readings from a site 12 miles from us,
which is very reasonably open to dispute.

Unfortunately, even if we could demonstrate the wind was above the 55 miles per hour hurdle for claiming;
they'd have got us on the pre-existing state of wear and tear of our roof...

[The flashing is noticably well f@cked after more than 20 years battering by the elements...!!!]

We were told the roof would need to pass inspection by their surveyor,
and invoices for inspections from roofers would be asked for...

So, basically, the condition of our roof would have had to satisfy the insurance company surveyor,
that it was so good and strong enough
that it would withstand winds in excess of 55 miles per hour
without being damaged...

ie.. a roof so well maintained and weather resistant we would never need to claim on it...??????