Wore my new Featherlite trousers yesterday in unrelenting drizzle in Lincolnshire. Kept them on for three hours riding and another three walking about.
They didn't let any water in and they didn't make my legs sweat either. I was very pleased with them; you hardly know you are wearing them. The water was beading and running off my Altura Nightvision jacket but there was no water beading on the trousers at all except when I accidently peed into the wind. (They passed that test as well)
The Nightvision jacket has long zips beneath the arms and vents very well. I usually wear a technical T shirt under it in the summer and the same plus a (sleeveless in Spring and Autumn and sleeved in Winter) merino wool jumper. Merino wool jumpers can be found in the women's section of charity shops at about £3 a pop.
I find that a windcheater under the Nightvision is too hot.
Thanks for all the help and advice; much appreciated.