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That's what I'm finding too, but I think I've got a bit more to go before the scale tips from chilly to cold.... I've been assured it will happen sooner or later[emoji846] Thanks for the update about the quiz. Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

Good to know. My winter gigs would only come out when the Mercury hits below 5, I'd expect. Currently even 7s and 8s in West Sydney are ok with a spring/autumn jacket on - where as back home I'd be rugged up! Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

In Britain our home wasn't south facing so I'd feel constantly cold when the sun wouldn't hit it. But here it's the same and even without the insulation, we've only turned the heating on a handful of times / for a couple of hours at a time when my other half needs it (my other half has acclimatised). It seems to be a different kind of cold to Britain...I'm sure I'll acclimatise soon enough. Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

Sorry for not replying sooner, I've only just seen your post. Thanks for the info and the update. I'll check out the web links you provided. [emoji106]. The quiz, is it a regular weekly thing? We might pop down one night, if so. I think I've got over the initial homesickness, and am slowly settling in - but do miss some things. At the moment I find it a bit intriguing that every one is rugged up in winter coats, scarves and gloves when it's not that cold (even with the wind/breeze). Does it get any cooler in the winter? Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

I've been corrected by my other half (an Aussie) and my Aussie work colleagues - was reliably informed it's as Woollen as sheep [emoji846]. Maybe it's regional accents, don't know. As for Wagga, I was taking the mick. I find it all rather quirky and charming [emoji106] Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app

Used TEG - was very helpful Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

I might be going part native. I've conceded 'Woollengong' and have used Daaa Taaa at a few work meeting in the last couple of weeks already. How ever Wagga Wagga was the proverbial straw. It remains pronounced as its spelt, despite all the corrections and stares and finger wagging..... Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Sorry, that was Sept 2014, got 309 grant in July 2015[emoji4], the rest is as per my previous post Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Applied for our de facto in sept 2015, got the 309 approved in June 2015. Entered Oz in Jan 2016 and then went back to the UK to sort out our move properly. Made the move to Oz Dec 2016 and am here now. Whilst in the U.K. we completed our second stage (subclass 100) application in Sept 2016, but have heard nothing back yet. It's been nigh on 9 months. Is that normal? Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Sent using Poms in Oz mobile app No Parley, we are indeed fighting a war against ISIS, but we are not yet on a World War footing. In my view we will be on such a footing when one group of nation states declares war on another. ISIS, as much as they would like to have us believe they are a nation state, are not and never will be.

Oh, I guess the third option is declare war and start WWIII. That's not looking like an attractive option either.....hmmmm. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Hmmm the posts on this thread over the last few days have made for some insightful reading. The nub of the debate, summarised seems to be is it possible to integrate or must we also turn into what we despise (as Western Democracies), and become like dictators and fundamentalists ourselves to turn out those 3000 alleged radicals from Britain - then we can turn on the radicals in other parts of the world... I'm not convinced that giving up our democratic values is the answer. Radicals and Dictators have no problem waging wars on their own or outsiders so as far as the current crop of global fundamentalists would be concerned, we'd just be a more 'familiar' 'enemy'. So we are still at square one/no better off if we supplant our democracies for dictatorships. What the cleric/Imam combo had to say was most interesting. To me that indicated a recognition that some Muslim leaders/community 'elders' are noting that not everything in the Quran is to be taken literally. Like not taking the Bible literally. From small acorns do mighty oaks grow..... As someone pointed out baby steps to achieve some semblance of reform is needed and may be possible. It won't be easy or cheap, but the current zero-sum game of them and us (which radicals and fundamentalists love) isn't exactly cheap either.... That, and I'm afraid, staying out of the Middle East for the foreseeable future may just help. I can't see the latter happening very soon, given that there is another unresolved situation - that is the Israeli-Palestine situation. Looks luge we are doomed!!![emoji853] I don't think it's going to be Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

It's a sad chapter in our country's history. I despair. My heart breaks for those affected and with us no more, and I'm thankful for those who rally round. A terrorist is a terrorist regardless of their ideology and a solution is needed to stop all kinds of terrorism but that is a discussion for another day. The security forces, and emergency services are doing a sterling job - as always. Devastated. Sent from my iPhone using PomsinOz

Hi Jadee, Yes, I'm going for the BodyJam class at 7.30pm today. If you fancy it, give us a shout and I'll fish out one of my guest passes. Would love to meet up for lunch over the weekend, but have a family thing to attend to. Have fun over the W/E! xx

Hi ladies I go to Fitness First in Parramatta on a Monday, Thursday (evenings) and Saturday and Sunday mornings. I've got guest passes too -l like Dance, Yoga and TRX style classes but always ready to try out new classes too.... I'm usually back in Parra from the CBD around 6.30pm on weekdays and can do weekend classes in the afternoon, so happy to join if a group is going. xx

Hi MaryRose02 and Pom Queen, Indeed, it is pretty built up around here - Parramatta aspires to be Sydney's second City/CBD. We are closer to the Rosehill side of things, about 10 minutes walks into Parramatta CBD, which provides a lovely view of the CBD without being right in the thick of it. Yes, the Meriton Apartment complex is huge, and can be seen for miles around - it looks a bit lonely IMHO. :-). Penrith is a lovely town too, visited some Aussie friends there, for a meal the other week. We live in Parramatta for family reasons, and because of the easy commute to work - I commute into the Sydney CBD and my partner works about 15 minutes drive away. There is some good shopping around here in Parramatta, and the restaurants aren't to bad - lots of variety, I've even come across a hairdresser who is a Brit! How long have both of you been in Oz, and are there more Brits about? If you fancy a meet up or if there is a regular Sydney meet up, please give us as shout.

Hi jadee, Welcome to OZ. I've recently moved to Parramatta (been here since Feb) from Bucks. I'm a member of the local Fitness First gym, and also looking to meet up with any Brits in the area - make friends locally. Give us a shout. xx

Hi, My partner and I have just moved from Buck to North Parramatta 3months ago - its close to relatives for my partner (who is Aussie), and a good location for transport, restaurants, events etc. Lots of development going on over here too. Just wondering if there are any other Brits around the place, or close by in surrounding 'burbs?