Barbara and Mike

We are retiring to Sydney, hopefully end of year on a Contributory Parent Visa.

Only daughter been out there for about 5 years, no grand children yet, but if it happens want to be part of their lives.

Hoping to settle in the Castle Hills area.

Love Australia and have spent quite a few happy holidays there, but rather anxious about leaving family and friends behind. Have a fantastic social life in UK and it is the thought of making new friends that worries me.

Know we have to get out there and make it happen. We both love country walks, the theatre, meals out and horse racing. I belong to a local gym, fantastic social life there, lots of outings for lunch or fashion shows.

Got told about this sight by my neice, who has just gone to live in Melbourne, Her family met lots of new contacts here.

Most meet ups seem to be for a younger age groups and although we have many younger friends and really enjoy younger company, we really need to meet peole in similar circumstances and our own age group.

Also would appreciate any tips on starting a social life in Aussie.

Timber Floor Au

Gday

You sound FULL of life and zest !!! Good Onyas !!

Wish ya all the luck in the world

(ex Midlander )

Barbara and Mike

Thanks a lot, think we'll need it. Good to hear from you
Barb and Mike

BrianJ

My wife and I are hoping to move to Oz , have already filled in all the necessary forms and had meds and police checks done.

Unfortunately there appears to be a hold up with all these types of visas and the placemnets for this year have already been used , but hopefully we will be inline for next year (fingers crossed).

We are both 61 years of age and 2 of our 3 kids have settled over in Oz now with their kids.
Were situated in Gloucester which isn`t that far away from you.Good luck with your form filling.

Regards
Brian & Sue
P.S. Were heading for Perth but we lived in Sydney for many years.

robertnhelen

Hi Barbara and Mike,

See you've got the hang of it now!!!!! Hope you manage to meet up with some folks to have a good chat with, it certainly helped us. We've now got a good circle of friends around us here in Melbourne through using this site.

Good luck

Love Helen, Rob and Caitlain xxxx

Barbara and Mike

Hi, good to hear from you, had curry with Helen's mum on thursday, so caught up with all of your news.

Managed (at Last) to post a thread, lots of rubbish must be floating around out there somewhere.

Not even sure I've answered this correctly, definitely need some lessons.

Will contact re e-mail. Just a thought, had a suggestion that I should move this thread to the Barbie what do you think.

Might be beyond me though.

Love to you all xx

Barbara and Mike

Good to hear from you,
we completed our forms last year, but not had our medicals or police checks yet. We have been advised to wait untill our agents give us the go ahead! We were told by them recently to still expect our visas through this year? You have us worried now, will recheck with them.

I am 63 and my husband is 65 this year, he has waited till the bitter end to retire. Have been to Perth for a holiday, loved it. We are moving to Sydney to be near our only daughter.

We live in Derby at the moment on the edge of the Peak District, so if you are ever this way get in touch.

Good luck with your plans: Regards Barbara and Mike thumbsup:

ezzie

Hi Barbara & Mike
There's quite a few 'clubs' in the area - two cater just for ex-pats. Mostly women who have the day free. Also the usual Rotary and other social groups.
We're in Castle Hill so feel free to PM me about anything.

I must warn though - my mum & stepdad came out to Oz 13 years ago to be with us and we now want to go home to the UK. It's disasterous....we would have gone home earlier if my mum hadn't been here. Mum's not speaking to us and as she lives for the grandkids and now couldn't afford to buy a property back in the UK, it's an absolute nightmare for all involved.

Barbara and Mike

Hi Ezzie,

Have thought those problems through and wouldn't expect my daughter to stay put for us. She wouldn't think of it in any case, very headstrong. In anycase she has her own life to lead.

We have been nervous about getting a new social life together, but have decided to look on it all as an adventure. If we don't settle will come back to the Uk after 2 years, a lot poorer, but will survive.

We love Australia, and want to give it a try also will be great to get away from all of the rain here. Having my daughter there will be a bonus. We are however used to my daughter being away from home as she served 10 years in the Royal Navy before settling in Aussie.

Wondered why you wanted to come back to UK, but you must do as you want although I appreciate your predicament.

Not too good on the computer don't know what "PM" means

Regards

Barbara

ezzie

Well I wish my mum was as balanced as you....she's still not talking to me, and probably never will - and we haven't even gone anywhere yet!!!

PM means 'private message'
you can click on a persons name and send them a private message.

Barbara and Mike

It's such a shame ezzie, can't you try and talk to her. Sounds as if she is feeling very down. Has she made her own social life in Aussie? Maybe she is very lonely and frightened about you leaving,

However you do need to do what's right for you.

Good Luck
Barbara

Wilgar

Do not worry about socialising in C. Hill. Have a look at the Sydney Newcomers Website and you`ll find lots of activities you can meet people through.Most activities are based around Castle Hill and I`ve met other couples who have come here to be with their children.

www.sydneynewcomers.com.au

Barbara and Mike

Thanks for info Wilgar, have looked at website, very interesting not sure if we can join whilst still in UK, but will def join once we eventually get to Aussie. Keen on lunches, Dinner, and Bush Walking Thanks again