Pingpongpom69

Thanks Quoll, I guess we were both wondering if I'd get it out of my system but sometimes there comes a time when you just know where you have to be. Lots to plan and with the current situation it gives me plenty of time at least.

I detest the heat Paul, I really do and would rather get rugged up in layers any day, just feel more alive in a cool climate. And I'd rather shady ancient woods than blistering beaches for my fair skin. But I will visit Perth one day soon to see what it's all about.

Thanks AliQ. Hope you like the humidity as Queensland has plenty

Yes Bakewell and the surrounding area is stunning

**UPDATE** My son and I returned from the UK a month ago after an amazing 8 months in the Midlands. We were lucky enough to secure a house sit via a friend who was travelling in Oz, which thankfully kept costs to a minimum, making the whole experience doable. My son attended school there and loved it. During the summer school holidays and weekends we'd hop on a bus or train (I didn't bother with hiring a car) and we explored the area - Chesterfield, Bakewell & Matlock in the Peak District, Southwell, Newark on Trent, Ashbourne, Lincoln and visited Chatsworth House (Summer fair/Christmas markets), Bolsover Castle, Newstead Abbey, Heights of Abraham, Sherwood Forest and many more. So many beautiful places to visit ...and a gentle climate to be able to enjoy it in. We absolutely loved the whole experience and the change of seasons were such a refreshing change. The summer was perfect and even though the autumn was very wet it was still lovely to see the changing colours and then enjoy the build up to a magical Christmas and catch a glimpse of spring before we left. It has cemented in my mind that I need to live there permanently for my peace of mind. I just love how everything is within easy reach, and there are countless things to see and do, as opposed to the sense of isolation I feel here...and did I mention the gentle climate The school was incredible compared to what my son has experienced here - a much higher standard and quantity of work was produced...and expected. I've had the conversation with my partner about how important this is for me and he has come to realise that my feelings aren't going to change. For now, we're staying put for the next 12 months with a view to heading back hopefully next year

Just wondered if there was anyone on here from Rutland (or who has previously lived there?). What's it like to live there? In particular: the weather, cost of living, employment opportunities, things to do, sense of community etc? Thanks in advance

I do love Wales too, so beautiful but have concerns that the weather may be a little too extreme and again would prefer to be closer to family who are in Bedfordshire.

Karen I can so relate to your post. I was there in Aug/Sept and am struggling with major home sickness (I was born in Aus but I grew up in the UK from age 4 and came back here when I was 21). I had the stupid grin too. I love the cooler weather (I detest the heat), the natural beauty, public footpaths, the architecture, the TV, BBC radio 2, the choice of supermarkets even! I felt flat too and still do as I am pretty much stuck as I have an Aussie partner (who doesn't want to move there) and 10 year old son. The only way I can think of doing it is to go for 12 months, just my son and I and my partner would visit for 6 weeks during the summer. It's sad that your husband has passed away but you are free to do as you choose. You sound excited and I'm excited for you! Good luck and keep us posted on how things go!

I do love Scotland (went to the Edinburgh Tattoo earlier this year!) but a little too far away from family really.

We house sat in Rutland earlier this year for a week and loved it! We were in Ridlington which was tiny. Oakham was lovely and was somewhere I actually considered but not sure if it's right. Uppingham was lovely too but definitely way too posh and 'well healed' for me. Beautiful area though and close to family in Bedfordshire so it's a possibility...snow is not a problem, would totally love it!!

For the past couple of years or so I have been toying with the idea of moving back to England (maybe for 12 months, maybe permanently). I live in a beautiful part of Australia - Murwillumbah, part of the Tweed Region in Northern NSW. It is the one place in all of Aus that feels the closest thing to England in that it's green pretty much all year round with lots of soothing, pleasant scenery. The population is approx 10,000. People are on the whole very relaxed and friendly, walking down the street most people will either smile or say hello and stop to talk. The bank teller will have time for a genuine chat, the person crossing the zebra crossing will wave to say thanks, it's a great country town feel. There is a real sense of community here and also a strong focus on health with heaps of health food stores and vegetarian eateries which I love. A real mix of people too, a large Sikh community, Hari Krishna's and Sai Baba followers too, all bringing their unique cultures, ideas, foods and flavours and being accepted by all (I love Indian food so this is a bonus to me!). Only a couple of pubs and no night clubs so no seediness or trouble with drunken revellers. Alas, however the downside...summers and even spring are an absolute killer for me as I get older and hence my desire to move back to gentler climes. Ideally I'd like to live somewhere in England with a similar feel, in a small town or in a village close by. So my question is, is there anywhere similar to Murwillumbah in England?! Basically I need somewhere that is a relaxed and genuinely friendly place, with a real sense of community and welcoming! By the way I have no interest in living in a city whatsoever, small towns or villages only!

Still thinking it all through, it's a huge thing to do on my own. Good luck with the move and enjoy Noosa ?

Thanks for clarifying Verystormy

Kerry I love your advice! I'm working on changing my mindset. Whereabouts in Queensland are you planning on settling?

Family wise I have my 80 year old Dad there who I'm very close to (and also step-mum and her kids, though we are not close at all ) and a best friend from school days. I was a bit slack and didn't keep in contact with many friends so have lost touch with most unfortunately. My Dad is under the thumb from my step-mum who is very jealous of our relationship and does everything in her power to make sure we never have any time alone. When I was there last my Dad and I were talking upstairs and she kept hovering about on the landing with a basket of washing eavesdropping, she's so insecure and would basically hate it if we went back there to live! So not a lot of support....or not the support I would love to have which makes it hard as I'd pretty much be on my own doing it all and not so easy at 50 and with anxiety.