Its hard to believe it has been that long already, time really does fly.
Generally speaking our 18 months has been uneventful and has gone very smoothly. Our kids have settled in very well at their school and have made some really good friends. One thing we have noticed is that kids from a rural area such as the one we are in are noticeably more polite and friendly. One of our boys friends is from London and he is far and away the least likeable of all their mates, he isnt unlikeable but in comparison to the 'country kids' he is a stand out.

Their education is going well, the syllabus seems to be well rounded and doesnt just concentrate on facts and figures.

Our life has become much less stressful than back in Australia, country life is just so easy

The locals are very friendly and helpful, the pubs are great and welcoming with wonderful food and cider.

We are better off in many ways here, of course we miss many things about Australia but certainly on balance things are better FOR US here. For others of course it will be different.

Anyone being worried about some of the really outrageous stories you here about life here please believe that you really must not believe everything you hear

lovely update. Pleased you and you're family are all settled in.

I'm not at all jealous about the lovely pub grub and cider. I miss that. My first stop in England will be our local Indian.

I don't believe some of the horror stories about England. I'm expecting it to be much as we left it. Country life is the way to go though.

Enjoy.

Great update. Glad to see you have settled.

I agree, great update! I too am loving life back in the UK but, by a strange twist of fate, I'm am currently - ahem! - back overseas atm............ have posted a new thread to explain lol!

Can't wait to get back to the UK and back to bloody normal!!!! Really happy for you Chris, so glad things have worked out for you and your family

Great update, thanks so much for posting.

Thanks for the comments guys, I am accused by a small number of people of being overly positive which I find incredible. I most certainly wont apologise for having a good life or for enjoying where we are in life. I hope that all those planning on making the move home see mycomments for what they are. For those who just want to follow me around trying to pick holes in everything I say my suggestion is get a life

Thanks for the update, always nice to read people's updates both positive and negative as it gives us an idea of what to look for and what to watch out for! It is great you have found a nice place to call home. If you are free from family, have the means and are self employed with a good income the world is your oyster!

We have 2 young children so we dont fit the bill entirely

Good to know it has not gone to the dogs just yet

Good to hear things are still going well for you guys! We had some time in Herefordshire earlier this year and it was gorgeous!

Thanks Quoll, things are going very well for us.
It is often called the forgotten county, very unspoiled and quiet. Also the counties bordering us are very similar.

Its getting there, give it another 60 or 70 years and the dogs will have taken over.

Really glad it has worked out so well for you

Sounds a bit like my neck of the woods. Glad things are going well for you and your family.

Come on, spill the beans - we need at least the first three digits of the postcode.