miw54

We want to send an old fashioned trunk (120cm x 60 x 60) over to the UK from Sydney and will fill it with memorabilia such as pictures, photo albums and a few other collectibles. It is far too heavy to take on the airplane with us (approx 60Kg) so are thinking of shipping it. However, not sure who to contact for shipping just one item. Has anyone here done this ? Any ideas/advice welcome. Many thanks

Hi, do you have a car for sale too ? Thanks

Haha - well we have had ribbing from some of our own relatives and friends who imply that housesitting is for cheapskates, but actually it is a very smart way of travelling around. I have to admit there is no way we could afford to have travelled the two countries like we have if we had to pay between $100 and $200 per night which we have often had to do. The houseowners are so grateful and we have received lovely gifts from Israel, Budapest, Hungary, Russia, NZ, Spain etc from those who have been able to travel in the knowledge that their home and pets are safe. We've really enjoyed doing it. Something that benefits everyone cant be bad!! Incidentally, we do have our own home too but, in reality, one could make it a full time occupation and live totally rent or mortgage free - very smart I reckon

Hi We have done this a few times in Oz and the U.K. when travelling around. We do a service and in return get accommodation rent free. We have made lovely friends along the way and we keep getting asked back to the same houses. We love animals but don't have any of our own at the moment as we flip backwards and forwards between Oz and the U.K. Therefore it gives us a chance to enjoy the pets too. We have looked after cats, chickens bunnies and occasionally dogs. It's great and everyone is happy

Hi This is what we use: http://www.housesittersuk.co.uk Hope it helps.

Hi Join UK Housesitters. We did and have done house sits in both the UK and Oz. It's only £15 per year. Well worth it as you are sent new listings everyday. Plenty down south too.

Hi Can anyone advise on what happens if someone over 65 who already is drawing his superannuation as an income stream then returns to live permanently in the UK ? This question is in respect of an elderly relative who has been out there for 50 years but has been diagnosed with dementia. His family want him to return to the UK so that they can support him. Would his super be easily transferred to the UK ? Thank you.

Hello You could try housesitting. We did that on two occasions and it was great. You have to like animals - we looked after cats (as I adore them) mainly but also dogs and chickens. However, it enabled us to travel to different places and meet some nice people too.

At least today the voices of the kingdom are united - come on Wales, get in !! :ssign19:

I think the media are just not giving space to those who have a positive outlook and who can see the great business opportunities that leaving the EU could present. The ranting and raving is much more newsworthy obviously. I, too, heard and read much more positive views from the business community prior to voting and it is very inspiring when you do listen to what they have to say. I know there is rumour that Article 50 may not be invoked. I can't see how this will happen unless the EU will agree to some preliminary discussions. However, in true dictatorial and uncompromising style ( the reason many voted to leave), they are determined to prevent this. Mr Juncker et al still haven't realised that they are ultimately responsible for the British outcome and the unrest that was already evident within other countries.

Will Old Blighty be saved by women ? A bit hard on the blokes. However, it could be looking that way and it's surprising what can be sorted by a cup of tea and cake.

Thank you for your lofty view from 16000 miles away. Or are you another of these lucky folk who have acquired a huge crystal ball from somewhere ??

The troubles arising in Turkey and Europe are nothing to do with Brexit. The people of Britain were asked to make a choice. After great consideration of all the issues, the majority chose to vote leave - nothing to do with the ambitions of Bojo or Farage. One way or the other, a great proportion of the population were going to be disappointed, but we were all given the opportunity to vote and, in doing so, had to face the prospect that the outcome might not be the one we wanted. It could have gone either way. This is democracy in action. We have a result and, like it or not, we have to move forwards.

Just got up and saw the headlines. Surprised but pleased. No doubt there will be lots of doom -mongering as well, but I think some severely underestimate the spirit of the British people. There are many visionaries, innovators and entrepeneurs who, without the shackles of EU dictates and bureaucracy, will flourish and thrive. Britain has the benefit of many highly skilled, highly trained and hard working individuals whose numbers can now be increased by others from anywhere in the world who have qualities that are needed, rather than just being added to by anyone who is free to come here simply because they are European. The prospects for business are very positive. The UK is surrounded by waters and blessed with swathes of arable land. It will be great to see this used solely for farming instead of being sold to developers and covered with concrete to provide housing for the uncontrollable, ever increasing population. Also, wont it be nice to eventually see supermarket shelves loaded with fresh, home grown, high quality produce instead of the pre-packaged, chemically and heat treated, tasteless specimens that we buy from Europe. There will be initial chaos as expected and some hard work ahead but if the people of Britain pull together, shoulder to shoulder and support their country then it is onwards and upwards. The world is watching.

No -truly, I have changed my mind several times - even this week, but admit I only comment on here when I see the leave voters being harangued. I started off as a Remain, but as time has gone on I have leaned more to leave with a few wobbles along the way. Whichever way the vote goes, there are great risks and it is about deciding which are the least dire. No-one really knows what will happen either way but I have great fears of the way the EU is going financially and politically and it is the issues around these factors that affect my decision.