In reply to johnouk:
I got a Lowe triplepoint ceramic jacket about 6 years ago on fleabay.
I only wear it in winter as it's heavy, but the material is so stiff it shrugs off storm force winds without the 'flapping about' you get from lighter jackets.
Wearing it in February during storm Dennis, my pal commented on the water beading nicely off the hood and asked if I'd recently reproofed it, I've never reproofed it or even washed it come to think of it (that's what the rain is for!)
Having my said that my shoulders were wet by the end of the day, but to be fair, we were dealing with sideways rain and 80 mile gusts.
I'd say worth a punt as winter trousers if the price is right.