Originally Posted by Novocastrian

Our BE Correspondent assigned to the Bute desk is scott47.

Originally Posted by islandwoman120

Hi everyone! It's August 9th and I'll have to do a Rodney and get you back talking to each other. I tuned in tonight as I was feeling very depressed and thought of you all on here and the fun stuff that you write, and the arguments too. I still live in Devon, in Dawlish, on the south coast. It does rain a lot here as we are on the English Channel and get a lot of storms coming over the Atlantic - I always 'blame the US', just to get at my friends there as a lot of the time we get the storms 3 days after the East coast of the US has them. It's just part of living here - I wear rain gear when needed. I live about 1.5 miles inland, in a very quiet part of town, but I miss out on a lot of activities as a result. I have tried to sell and move closer in, but having sold twice and lost out twice, I gave up - only the solicitor made any money out of the deal. I do miss the States a lot, and my friends and family there - scattered throughout many states, and into Canada. At times I feel like quitting it all and moving back with one suitcase (!) but then I think of the cost of healthcare and see sense. I am not a frequent user of the healthare system, thankfully, but I appreciate the fact that it exists and no one is asked for an Insurance and credit card. You really have to expereince the two systems to understand the feeling of relief at not being turned away because of your ability to pay. It is this reason, plus the fact that I have a lovely companion cat, that keeps me here in England, because I do get very depressed and extremely lonely on my tod. I am still very Americanised in my thoughts and manners which does not help - at times I really don't understand how people can live life in such a solitary manner. Being of West Indian heritage is at the root of the problem, as we are a friendly, open people. I would probably have been happier in Notting Hill!! Anyway, I am glad to be back on here, and look forward to many postings. Aries - I am so saddened to read of your many tribulations in Torquay - if you feel up to a visit, it is not far for me to come on the train or bus - just let me know privately if you want a visit at any time.

Originally Posted by Perth

Also interested in a meet up. Had already PMed Islandwoman. Looks like we have enough interest to get it started. Now to find a mid-point between us all!

Originally Posted by islandwoman120

I've been thinking about this. It needs to be on the road and rail links and middle of the country(ish). How about Milton Keynes? I used to live there when it was being built, and got a tour of the City Centre before it opened to the public. I worked at the Open University as a clerk. Now it's all fancy, and on the direct rail line from London. We need some place with hotels for overnight or longer, and large enough places to gather. I'lll do some research if people are interested. Anyone care to comment, make suggestions (sensible ones!)?

Originally Posted by feelbritish

I am ok with either Milton Keynes or London. As long as it is a day meetup. I can drive to Milton Keynes and train to London. September is quite busy but October for me has nothing much on the calendar. I leave UK for Cape Town towards end November and would love to do this before then.