JockinTas Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 Bungo, so pleased to see your positive comments, especially about the English pubs. I am now going off to watch my River Cottage in winter very cheerfully, while sweating like a pig with our 3rd day of high humidity and heatand thunderstorms! Do people in UK realise it is not just the heat over here, but there is lots of rain with the thunderstorms!? Shellybingobingo you are fascinating. Bless you.:laugh: You might go back to UK and convert your garage with a Bali hut and hot tub? Oh go for it! I love asda. Definitely prefer English supermarkets, I honestly think every apple I have tried here recently have no taste. The fruit and veg have become sooooooo bad in Australia. Most imported and transported and no flavour for big costs! and how do you grow fresh vegies and herbs in Queensland? Got to say that not everywhere in Australia is hot and rainy at the moment. Here in Tasmania it was 23C today and not a cloud in the sky. No mosquitoes or cockroaches here either :wink: Also the apples are just due to be harvested here and the trees in the orchards are hanging with apples and pears so you can't get much fresher than that. The local farm vegetables are excellent quality and as fresh as. I bought a big white cauliflower today for 80 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted March 22, 2015 Author Share Posted March 22, 2015 Each to their own, I don't think so at all. Please note, unlike some, I have not made personal "names" at people on this forum. I wonder, have you two above travelled much? Do have a lovely evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 25c clear blue skies here today. Rarely rains, rarely humid and no mozzies for the last couple of years anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellybingobingo Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 It's rained the last couple of days in qld a bit of a storm where I am needed it though .....we have mozzies it has been hot though humid ....my son come in covered Friday night in mozzie bites , ....I must say though in perth it was no different for mozzies still got eaten alive at night ...it rains here normally in the evening mostly we have it nice allday . I haven't seen any red back in qld although I know they r about somewhere lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BacktoDemocracy Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 I am not sure the full political rantings of backtodemocracy are something that somebody moving back needs to be mindful of. UK is a democracy, like Australia, and some people will like the government of the day and some won't and in any case they come and go. I wouldn't let political views come into a decision to move, well I mean I wouldn't move somewhere with sharia law but would be happy with any democracy. I returned in January and the weather has been superb. Obviously not superbly hot and sunny, but it has been mainly dry and crisp. Much easier than I thought it would be and it was nice to dress up in cold weather clothes too. It is perfectly manageable so long as you dress right. I live in a country area and there are pubs everywhere, our local is absolutely booming. But I agree that a pub is more for eating out nowadays, not just for drinking. They still retain atmosphere, friendliness and quaint appearance though. I agree to some extent about the politics but the reason I mentioned it is that I feel that Cameron is altering the society in the UK by starting to dismantle the welfare state and that is a fundamental change which is going to affect social mobility here and also affect life chances for the younger generation , or even the next generation, and that is being spelt out by the cuts he intends to make if he is re elected. that I think is important, in how it is going to have a very long lasting effect on people regardless of what party is in in 10 years time because the changes will not be capable of being reversed and that is my concern in the long term. although I would agree that the political scene in Oz is more chaotic than here and because of the shorter election cycles throws up more extremism I was trying to highlight that that there are some some quite severe consequences for the ordinary man in the street from the policies being pursued by Cameron's party of toffs which are going to reduce social mobility and condem a lot of people to a life of , almost, servitude because the education that they get will be about being a worker and not about having an education which allows them to make assessments about the rights and wrongs of what is happening around them, the Tories are borrowing education ideas from the likes of china,Singapore, korea, Taiwan, all of which are quite totalitarian in their civil administrations and where the populace are there to serve the States needs rather than education ideas from Finland or france which sees the state as serving the people, that is why the political scene is important and that scene has to be set against the Oz scene. Also I did say I was older so the weather is more problematic for me when it feels a trial to have to do things in the cold and I used to like the heat, I found much less of an ordeal wearing 3 items of clothing than 7 plus a heavyweight coat, hat, scarf to do the smallest journey. And I do not know what part of th UK you are in but the number of cold fine days where I am here been few and far between, it has been overcast for days on end with a cold wind on many days and last year the winter was endlessly wet with floods across much of the southwest. as to pubs, yes there are a lot of pubs closing due to the drink driving laws and the fact that the Brewers leave the publicans with such a small profit margin on alchohol sales and why so many are more interested in selling food and if you are not able to sell food because you are in the wrong place or haven't got a conforming kithchen then you go out of business and the Brewers can make more money by selling the land for development than keeping it open as a pub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 good non you BacktoDemocracy. We should all have views on our government. I do not know a lot about Cameron, I love the royal family (is this kind of escapism and we all enjoy a fairy tail? Why not. The political scene is Aus is chaotic. I re assure I am not up to date with what is happening in England, but I am not sure all good is happening in Aus. But at the end of the day you have an opinion and that is important. You believe in what you think is right and that is important. Me too. Just struggle a bit more because I love to support a government, but have not felt encouraged to do that in Australia, because they do not seem to know what they are doing! problems to deal with, yes, but lets always be about what's best about the people. I loved that move with Jane Horricks when she got elected,just an eye opener. Good on you for going back to England and yes put your layers on. That is actually easier than cooling down and keeps you healthier, did you know that? Kind regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 We all have something to say. Everyone should be supported in what they have to say, whether others agree or not. Sometimes a forum like this might be an only outlet, or source of encouragement. Now, I personally can't wait to leave Australia, it is not for me. But I would never discourage another who wants to make Australia work, or needs to make Australia work. If that is the case, let's find the good about Australia and encourage our "I want Australia to work friend". And yes, of course there is good to be found here. Sometimes we just need to make someone felt supported! Still dreaming of UK and layers, but supporting anyone else, go for it. Kind regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted March 25, 2015 Author Share Posted March 25, 2015 still me, kiwiinaus. Not been around the last few days as my youngest daughter broke her ankle. Been stressful and worrying. Not the easiest job being a parent, but still means everything to us huh! I am still interested, who has returned to UK and left Australia and how have you found it? and fair enough, who does not want to return to the UK and likes it here, why?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Amelie Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 I hope you make the move back to the UK as you obviously have your heart set on it. As some people have said there are pros and cons depending on which area in the UK you live. So, I'll give you a view from the area of the UK I know of. I am currently based in Manchester and the place is buzzing, particularly within the digital and science industries. You've got Media City, which is part of Salford Keys where there has been a lot of investment and there is more investment for commercial organisations within the city if Manchester. There are so many bars and restaurants, which offer a range of innovative and traditional themes….this year there will be more new restaurants opening up. There was a proposal to expand Manchester Airport, an £800 million expansion, which will open sometime next year. The area will be called 'Airport City Manchester' that will follow a similar model, which has been implemented in Barcelona and Frankfurt. The schools within the surrounding areas of Manchester, particularly in Cheshire and Trafford are very good and that applies to both private and state schools. There are a lot of fantastic traditional country style pubs within the Cheshire countryside as well as in the Peak District. It's just another thought, maybe another option for you as Manchester Airport is currently the third biggest airport outside London and with the expansion there maybe further job opportunities for your husband. I know a lot can change within the next couple of years…but it's another option. For work reasons, I travel down to the South East of England from Manchester via Virgin train from Manchester to London Euston, which I have been doing since last year. I have say I absolutely love London and I love Manchester. In London, I just feel that there is such a positive vibe, the public transport is very efficient and the buses are a lot of cheaper than they are in the North West. The restaurants and bars are competitive with their pricing, particularly around Holborn, Soho, Bloomsbury way… Obviously those areas are touristy but compared to bars and restaurants in Manchester, I was expecting eye-opening high pricing, but actually they were very good. However, I guess it depends which part of London you go to. The reason why I mention London is because I have noticed a major improvement within the area since the time I was there in 2009. Regarding Universities, I would say it depends on the specialism/area that your children decide to chose. You find that universities are strong and have a good reputation in one specialism such as technology than another specialism, such as business studies. You'll find that universities are also collaborating with companies and industries. For example, Salford University International collaborate with companies within Media City and it is great way for students to get work experience. There has been a decline in the number of university applicants during the past 5 years because of the rise in tuition fees. That's mainly because the universities trebled their fees between 2012-2013. The options available to young people were the increase in apprenticeships within organisations and part-time undergraduate study, whether direct with universities or through distance learning organisations such as 'The Open University' and ICS. I have also heard of young people applying to universities in mainland Europe, for the value of money, plus certain universities in Holland for example, the fees were cheaper than the UK. If for any reason you find it difficult getting job opportunities in the UK, have you thought about moving to Melbourne? The city and the surrounding areas are lovely, very green, four seasons in one day and you do actually get a winter season. Melbourne is so multi-cultural and such a friendly area. It still remains to be the No.1 most liveable city in the world, which has been the case for the past 3 years. The universities are very, very good. Then of course there's Adelaide, I have never been but I have school and uni friends who have moved there and love it….alot of British families have moved there. Just some back-up options? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted March 28, 2015 Author Share Posted March 28, 2015 What an informative reply Amelie, very interesting. You sound like you really love UK; Manchester and London. It is very nice to hear someone so positive and happy about where they live. I don't know Manchester very well but excellent to hear it is thriving. So you would say that Manchester would be one of the strongest areas in UK for digital and science? This would suit my hubby with the airport and my eldest daughter as she wants to do digital animation, design and media at Uni. Hubby did not know about the airport expansion, but will look into it. He used to fly regularly in/out of Barcelona so will be a little familiar. I never got to the Peak district but hear it is beautiful. My only concern is the weather! How cold???? I guess that is why I liked the idea of South England as I know the climate is more moderate. I seem to struggle with the extreme and constant heat in Queensland, is the cold extreme and constant in Manchester???? That is also very interesting about you saying there is a decline in the number of university applicants. That would make it easier for us to get eldest daughter in I am sure. She will only have just turned 18 a week before Uni starts in Sept (2018), so I am keeping her close to home to start with! My husband is a simulator instructor and the sim is based in Brisbane, so we have to stay based at Brisbane. He trains more than he flies now (B777) so simulator training options in UK are also an option. Plus of course he can do long haul and come back and forth, so I have more of a say where the family is based. I have a feeling yes I would like Melbourne and Adelaide, have never been there. Where I really would like to go and visit before we leave is Tasmania! Looks fantastic! So just to wrap up. When I lived there in Hertfordshire, I remember snow and it got pretty cold. But I remember coping pretty well because England is set up for the cold; central heating, good insulation, thick walls etc. I think we got back to NZ and our first winter there was OMG its freezing! Not as well set up for the cold as England. Do the seasons still be pretty specific in England so you would only really get the cold for 3 to 4 months? Are the temperatures rising a bit over there like everywhere else? In appreciation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Amelie Posted March 28, 2015 Share Posted March 28, 2015 What an informative reply Amelie, very interesting. You sound like you really love UK; Manchester and London. It is very nice to hear someone so positive and happy about where they live. I don't know Manchester very well but excellent to hear it is thriving. So you would say that Manchester would be one of the strongest areas in UK for digital and science? This would suit my hubby with the airport and my eldest daughter as she wants to do digital animation, design and media at Uni. Hubby did not know about the airport expansion, but will look into it. He used to fly regularly in/out of Barcelona so will be a little familiar. I never got to the Peak district but hear it is beautiful. My only concern is the weather! How cold???? I guess that is why I liked the idea of South England as I know the climate is more moderate. I seem to struggle with the extreme and constant heat in Queensland, is the cold extreme and constant in Manchester???? That is also very interesting about you saying there is a decline in the number of university applicants. That would make it easier for us to get eldest daughter in I am sure. She will only have just turned 18 a week before Uni starts in Sept (2018), so I am keeping her close to home to start with! My husband is a simulator instructor and the sim is based in Brisbane, so we have to stay based at Brisbane. He trains more than he flies now (B777) so simulator training options in UK are also an option. Plus of course he can do long haul and come back and forth, so I have more of a say where the family is based. I have a feeling yes I would like Melbourne and Adelaide, have never been there. Where I really would like to go and visit before we leave is Tasmania! Looks fantastic! So just to wrap up. When I lived there in Hertfordshire, I remember snow and it got pretty cold. But I remember coping pretty well because England is set up for the cold; central heating, good insulation, thick walls etc. I think we got back to NZ and our first winter there was OMG its freezing! Not as well set up for the cold as England. Do the seasons still be pretty specific in England so you would only really get the cold for 3 to 4 months? Are the temperatures rising a bit over there like everywhere else? In appreciation. I do like the way the UK is currently going at the moment and I would like to live and work in Melbourne as my first choice for a year or two and possibly Auckland…I understand NZ is advertising itself as the Islands of Innovation…I see they have specialist recruitment and relocation companies set up to attract and selection UK and IRE nationals over to the country. Manchester is trying to be one of THE main digital, technological cities in the UK to collaborate and link in with San Fransisco…in fact there is an online petition to get Richard Branson to set up a direct flight from Manchester to San Fran, which would be great for the businesses. Central London is also a great area for digital companies as well, particularly as you have Google, Facebook and start-up companies based there. That's another thing I was going to say to you. As there has been a recession during the past 6 or so years, which has resulted to a loss of jobs being moved off shore and businesses in decline, individuals have set up their own business. There has been a major increase in the number of start-up companies in the UK, which includes government support, such as 'Startup UK'. There are individuals, such as stay at home mums, young people and or graduates who are on the minimum wage starting up their companies on-line…whether their services and products were initiated from their expertise or areas of interest…such as the passion and desire to do something they've always wanted to do. The world of work is changing and smaller companies are competing very well with large corporations…this is a major separate topic area and I can send you a whole load of information on it…there are so many opportunities, particularly within the digital sphere. Eventually, you can and you will be able to work anywhere in the country. For universities, I understand that Salford Uni, Manchester Uni and Manchester Met, particularly the art college are very good for media, digital animation. As I mentioned before, Salford collaborate with companies in Media City, such as the BBC, ITV, Bauer Media and other media companies are based there. I tend to get a lot of information through Salford Uni via email and LinkedIn as I have recently completed a few courses there. I don't know how much you know about football, particularly Manchester United, but Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, ex-players from the 'Class of 96', have opened up a hotel and restaurant called 'Hotel Football' next door to Old Trafford stadium. Nicky Butt (another ex-utd player) launched an art exhibition for design and art graduates from Salford Uni, whereby some of their collections have ended up in the hotel rooms - its all about collaboration and support between universities and businesses….and that is just one example. Regarding the weather in the North West, well we don't really get icy cold weather. The weather has mainly been damp and wet. I'd say the North East of England as well as East of Scotland they get it very cold. However, we haven't had a traditionally cold weather during winter….our winters have been quite mild. However, as you will be arriving from Queensland, you will definitely need your woolly jumpers and duck feathered winter coats that skiers use, which are always handy in case you get an extreme cold snap. There has been a lot of rain during the last 3 years. The South East, Somerset and Cornwall have suffered with floods to the point that people have had to move out of their homes. It's specially areas where they live on a flood plane, such as homes by the Thames. The flooding hasn't happened in Manchester, which I suppose some people may joke that it is weird because it always rains in Manchester . We've had the odd heat wave the past two years, but then it depends on what you consider to be a heat wave… I've heard Tasmania is supposed to be lovely and I understand the home-grown produce you can purchase is so so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 Just out of interest what job do you do? I am sure you would be happy in Melbourne or Auckland. As I have said I have never been to Melbourne, but have heard a lot of good things said about it. NZ is doing well at the mo, stable government, good employment prospects, and an increasing population. The last time I went home I certainly thought it was looing rather "spruced up". However NZ has such amazing scenery and natural beauty, you would be thrilled to be there regardless. Where is Salford Uni? My hubby did used to fly out of Manchester airport so is familiar with the area. The Richard Branson idea you have mentioned re direct flights from Manchester to San Fran, this is with Virgin airlines I assume? My husband works for Virgin here, so I must get him to check it out. Maybe we could get in on that job! I have heard that the winters were a little more mild over there and yes I would certainly favour being on the West side of England to avoid the extreme cold. Anyway you are coming into lovely spring what a wonderful time. And a royal baby to go with it! Yes I do like the royals, in fact, they are pretty popular over here in Ausi and NZ. Yes Tasmania sound lovely and good food. However, I would be rather keen to see the wineries!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Amelie Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Just out of interest what job do you do? I am sure you would be happy in Melbourne or Auckland. As I have said I have never been to Melbourne, but have heard a lot of good things said about it. NZ is doing well at the mo, stable government, good employment prospects, and an increasing population. The last time I went home I certainly thought it was looing rather "spruced up". However NZ has such amazing scenery and natural beauty, you would be thrilled to be there regardless. Where is Salford Uni? My hubby did used to fly out of Manchester airport so is familiar with the area. The Richard Branson idea you have mentioned re direct flights from Manchester to San Fran, this is with Virgin airlines I assume? My husband works for Virgin here, so I must get him to check it out. Maybe we could get in on that job! I have heard that the winters were a little more mild over there and yes I would certainly favour being on the West side of England to avoid the extreme cold. Anyway you are coming into lovely spring what a wonderful time. And a royal baby to go with it! Yes I do like the royals, in fact, they are pretty popular over here in Ausi and NZ. Yes Tasmania sound lovely and good food. However, I would be rather keen to see the wineries!! Salford University is 1.5 miles away from Manchester city centre and they have great tram networks around the area. Manchester Met Uni is also very good for the subject area your daughter is interested in. Regarding the hope for a direct Virgin flight between Manchester and San Fran, there is currently a petition running led by the Manchester digital business network, for Richard Branson and the Virgin Airways leadership team to consider it.…so, nothing has been confirmed as far as I know. I came across the petition last week. I'm a Human Resource Management and Development professional, currently working as an independent. However, my head is split in two minds at the moment because I want to move over there, but I have a strategic plan of my vision on a few business ideas and I really want to commence on those…as I don't want to rely on an organisation. Yes, the nights are getting lighter here, which is nice especially going out in the evenings and no chance of snow, hopefully - fingers crossed... Ahh, yes of course, for some reason I forgot about the wineries. Yes, I heard the vineyard trips are worth going. I visited the wineries around Yarra Valley and one in particular was so nice, it was the Moet Chandon winery - the scenery was stunning and it was the first time I tried red champaign and loved it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gough Whitlam Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Sorry for long delay, but have been very busy. I am Australian (country towns in Qld in the late 1950's, 1960's and early 1970's) who has lived in the UK for many years, though I did return twice (!) to Australia but returned both times. Found Brisbane a bit dull on return (it was late 1990) and Melbourne OK but felt I may as well live in London as it seemed to suffer from as much grafitti and rubbish. As I grew up on Qld beaches and as a bit of a surfer I never thought much of Melbourne's beaches and swimming. Also found the Victorian snowfields (??) overhyped from memory. Food was wonderful in Melbourne (as it is all over Australia) as was Prahan market. We have two children who both went/are going to university here. We did part private education here and than they went to the local grammar school. One now lives in London and the other in Newcastle where she attends university. Both have got endless possibilities for jobs and businesses (the eldest wants to set up an interior design business to help her partner who is a property developer. I think the London and the South East of England would offer so many more possibilities for your children than Australia career wise. London is on an absolute roll at the moment and has been for a few years. It's probably the most global city in the world for business (even more than New York) and Sydney really doesn't compare generally in my opinion for business and job possibilities. If you are a trade person/nurse/teacher things might be better in Australia (Australia has always been good for trades people financially and culturally) but if you are in a professional job requiring International experience/skills there is no argument. The big, big down side is the cost of housing in London. I have just been on the phone to my brother in Brisbane and he was talking about the number of people there in their late 50's who are trying to find work. It seems the mining boom is well and truly over though I suspect that it was always a bit of a two speed economy. I think the thing that worked in people's favour in Australia was the good exchange rate over the last few years though this appears to be over now. I run my own business and work very hard, but now that the children have gone I am going to alot of theatre which I have always wanted to do, which can be very reasonably priced. I went to a play yesterday at the Sam Wannamaker theatre (newly built reproduction of a Jacobean theatre -google it, as it is so beautiful) next to the Globe theatre for £5. If you are a theatre buff you can get tickets to the National Theatre for £15 and the Young Vic for £10. One arty theatre in Sloane Square offers standing tickets for 10 pence (!!) Google all these places as they are at the absolute top of their game) Things can cost an arm and a leg here (like Australia) but if you look around, buy things like travel in advance and use supermarkets discounts etc (90% discounts at certain times of the day in Tesco) to the full things can be very cheap. There is alot more competition here. I am sure the other poster who mentioned Salford and the digital world there is absolutely right. Basically if there are two of you working with reasonable jobs the UK is pretty hard to beat. There will be certain parts of the UK and certain sectors that will do well over the next few years and I am sure digital is one of those. So I would say go for it. Try and find somewhere outside London but not too far. There is so much to do here for young people and jobs/opportunities if they have a bit of get up and go in them. Travel is great. I went to Prague with my daughter at Xmas for 4 days and the flights and accomodation cost a total of £175 as we stayed in a very cheap hostel. Went to the ballet and two other concerts. I forget how much but they were a very good price. There are endless possibilities for that sort of holiday here. All the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gough Whitlam Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Just to say that I would agree with much of what Amelie has said re start up businesses in the UK. Digital but other things as well. The UK, like Australia, is a terribly easy place to set up a business. If you have a good idea and work hard you have a chance to do well. If you live in the North West house prices more affordable and you can live well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted April 5, 2015 Author Share Posted April 5, 2015 Thanks for that. It is great to hear the positive and that England is going well. Unless an opportunity comes out of the blue we will definitely stay here until 2017 and my girls finish College and primary school. So my youngest would go into what you call grammar school and here is called state school. Or of course the private option. As previously discussed on here, depends on the area and the quality of schooling, private may not be needed. My eldest daughter is at a wonderful school at the moment and we just had the parent/teacher interviews where future options are discussed. They have had quite a few year 12's go to University each year in England, rather than Australia. So my daughter will be guided by the best path to take, and has the option to do some courses that match English University entrance, plus how to do pre tests and select an overseas university. I remember looking up some schools in Wellington and a few of them had options for been 'directed' towards a university in England or USA. Keeping the North West open as an option to move to as well. It will depend on where hubby gets a job base. I just preferred the milder climate to the south, but the job will be the deciding factor of course. Besides I think I have heard that Lincolnshire/Lake district area is beautiful scenery with lots of lovely villages. I think every district has beautiful scenery in England! How is the job market over there at the moment in the health sector? Over here it is one of the fastest growing and in high demand due to an aging population. I am studying health administration at the moment and would be thrilled just to get a part time admin role. Scary thought as I have been out of the workforce since my children born. In my opinion it is tough to get a job over here at the mo, and yes indeed the mining boom is over. Your ballet, theatre and concerts sound wonderful! There is fantastic ballet in Brisbane at QPAC etc and musicals, but it is sooooo expensive we don't go! What a shame these can't be made more accessible to people. I try constantly to hunt down last minute cheap or cancelled tickets to maybe take my girls to a show, (The Lion King, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins etc or the Nutcracker at Christmas) but I can never find anything. Maybe I am looking in the wrong place??! Have a wonderful Easter. Ye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gough Whitlam Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 On the surface theatre etc is expensive in London as well, but if you dig around it's very cheap. You could try a begging letter to the theatre in Brisbane you want to attend saying you are desperate to attend but can't afford it? Or going there and asking the question? Write saying you are willing to help out for a day/week as a volunteer? Anything really. I have always thought the UK is a very generous country in that sense. People will help if they can so don't be afraid to ask if you need it and never feel bad about it. Equally people who work in the arts tend to be people who are keen to help others. I am sure that this applies to Australia as well. The UK is a less money minded society than Australia and so people in my experience are far more willing to bend the rules. I speak as an Australian born and bred in the Australian bush but a long term resident in the UK. I don't know much about the health sector here for jobs but my wife has retrained at the age of 60 as a fitness instructor (!) and is getting alot of work in the older persons market eg care homes. I am a similar age and am setting out on a new business venture and doing a million things. I swim a mile and a half every night (and work out in the morning) so feel fitter than ever and full of life, ideas and energy. Hence feel positive about the UK. A lot of it is in your head and what you make of what you have got. UK is tremendously well positioned for connecting to the rest of the world so your children can take advantage of that as they grow. Grammar schools operate on a selection system by holding examinations at the age of 11. They only operate in certain parts of the country - Kent and Buckinghamshire have them and these are close to London so may interest you. Having said that schools in London have improved alot over the last 10 years so no you should never discount the "local school". I am sure this applies to many parts of the UK. Best wishes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted April 6, 2015 Share Posted April 6, 2015 All great information here - especially re: Manchester which I thought was an exciting city 10 years or so but has seemed to go from strength to strength. I'm from Sussex, SE UK where I hope to return to in 2016. Was last there a couple of years ago and seemed pretty bouyant with lots of jobs. Milder climate down south but less dramatic scenery than the North if countryside is your thing. South Downs pretty special though. If you want info on Sussex happy to help. I'm in NZ at the moment on holiday from Brisbane and it's making me homesick!! (For Sussex not Brisbane) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marenmatt1 Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Hi Chortlepuss! What part of Sussex are you from? My husband & I are planning on moving there in the next couple of years. (He is originally from there.) What in your opinion is the best area for labouring or truck driving jobs? Plus if there are any areas considered bad or dangerous? Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Having said that schools in London have improved alot over the last 10 years so no you should never discount the "local school". I agree about that, although I don't know how you find out the reputation of schools. I only know that when my sister lived in London, she sent her children to private schools. They have now moved to Tunbridge Wells so they can go to the local state schools instead as they are just as good (and less snobbish - my nephew was turning into Little Lord Fauntleroy!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiathome Posted April 7, 2015 Author Share Posted April 7, 2015 Thanks for all your info Gough Whitlam, and fantastic you and your wife are so fit and healthy. I am still confused about the schooling system. I thought grammar in England was equivalent to what we call a state school here. So why is there a selection process to get in and only a few around? Sorry but we left England when my oldest daughter was 3, so I never really got to know the education system over there. Here you just go to primary school, then high school or college. This is termed as "state". Unless you go "private" which can also be termed as a grammar school. (in NZ anyway). The private schools here have the option to start at prep (about age 4 or 5) and go through all the way until year 12. Or you can go to a private school at anytime, but with most new intakes being year 7 which is the start of "high school". So my youngest would finish year 7 here, then in England she would start your local school or a private school.? I have to admit when we lived over there Manchester was not deemed that favourable, but obviously it has really done well. Yes I would prefer down south for the milder climate, but I think all the scenery is wonderful in England. So would be happy with North West as well as down south. Just not sure about inland because pretty sure it gets freezing in the winter and loads of snow?? or has this become milder as well? Have a great holiday in NZ Chortlepuss, I am going back to NZ for the xmas school hols and can't wait! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JockinTas Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Grammar schools are very similar to selective schools here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 I have to admit when we lived over there Manchester was not deemed that favourable, but obviously it has really done well. Yes I would prefer down south for the milder climate, but I think all the scenery is wonderful in England. So would be happy with North West as well as down south. Just not sure about inland because pretty sure it gets freezing in the winter and loads of snow?? or has this become milder as well? Maybe I missed the answer somewhere, but where were you in the UK when you lived there? I ask because no country is the same everywhere. As others have pointed out, you could avoid most of the things you dislike about Australia by moving further south (which unfortunately isn't an option for you). As for friendships - I've had the same experience as you but only in Australia's big cities. Go to the country or a small town and I find people much more welcoming than the average Brit. Although the UK is smaller geographically, it has just as many variables. So I wouldn't assume you'll make friends as easily this time, if you go back to a different area. The other factor to consider is that your children are older, so it may not be as easy to break into existing "mum's circles" as it was when you were all fairly new mums (and that would be the case in any area). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gough Whitlam Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Thanks for all your info Gough Whitlam, and fantastic you and your wife are so fit and healthy. I am still confused about the schooling system. I thought grammar in England was equivalent to what we call a state school here. So why is there a selection process to get in and only a few around? Sorry but we left England when my oldest daughter was 3, so I never really got to know the education system over there. Here you just go to primary school, then high school or college. This is termed as "state". Unless you go "private" which can also be termed as a grammar school. (in NZ anyway). The private schools here have the option to start at prep (about age 4 or 5) and go through all the way until year 12. Or you can go to a private school at anytime, but with most new intakes being year 7 which is the start of "high school". So my youngest would finish year 7 here, then in England she would start your local school or a private school.? I have to admit when we lived over there Manchester was not deemed that favourable, but obviously it has really done well. Yes I would prefer down south for the milder climate, but I think all the scenery is wonderful in England. So would be happy with North West as well as down south. Just not sure about inland because pretty sure it gets freezing in the winter and loads of snow?? or has this become milder as well? Have a great holiday in NZ Chortlepuss, I am going back to NZ for the xmas school hols and can't wait! Not ignoring you, just very busy. Will come back to you at the weekend. Have never been to NZ but would love to visit. Best wishes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellmer Posted May 1, 2015 Share Posted May 1, 2015 Hey kiwiinaus Wow, you have some of the same issues me and my partner are having, but not sure a move back will resolve them. Are you moving back from the Sunshine Coast? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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