British Expats

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)
-   Moving back or to the UK (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/)
-   -   Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/over-40s-moving-back-catching-up-701116/)

Fish n Chips 56 Jul 19th 2017 1:12 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by Perth (Post 12296855)
Awww shucks guys, you sure do know how to make a gal feel wanted :wub: I guess I can't leave now can I? Staying here on condition that I keep my rose coloured glass ON, thank you very much :cool: Not interested in focusing on the negatives. I'll leave that to others.

I'm so happy you decided to stay, we need more people like you, that's my 2 cents.

Perth Jul 19th 2017 7:15 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by BEVS (Post 12297486)
Thankyou :starsmile:

I will admit that some days these days it all seems a trip too far & some days it seems I would be wanting a wrong move for the both of us at this time of our lives.

Of course it all depends on your particular circumstances. The OH is 70 and jumped in with both feet, and is now thriving. But he is healthy as a horse, and being a black belt judo champion, has the mental discipline to adapt to almost anything. Me on the other hand...sometimes I'm just the little tug boat hanging on for dear life :lol:

Perth Jul 19th 2017 7:15 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by Fish n Chips 56 (Post 12297492)
I'm so happy you decided to stay, we need more people like you, that's my 2 cents.

Thank you Fish :starsmile:

curleytops Jul 19th 2017 12:00 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by Fish n Chips 56 (Post 12297492)
I'm so happy you decided to stay, we need more people like you, that's my 2 cents.

+1 :starsmile:

LondonSquirrel Jul 22nd 2017 3:09 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Glad you're still with us Perth! I've lived in the UK all my life and I have to give the NHS 9/10. Got a number of health conditions, in particular diabetes, and my care could not be better. Plus I broke a bone in my foot a fortnight before Christmas and I was at my mum's. Even though I don't live there, they soon had me x-rayed and plastered up, with an appointment to see a consultant on the Tuesday (did it Friday night). Got my 'moon boot' and back on the train to London same day. The station staff wheeled me onto the train in a wheelchair, at King's Cross got me off in one and wheeled to the black cab rank. Six weeks paid time off from work. Horrible experience but my own fault for being clumsy and everyone was so understanding and helpful. Always got offered a seat on the tube and train as long as I had the boot on. Not bad in such a busy city as London. You are right to concentrate on the nice things. Newspapers cover mostly bad stuff because it sells!

Perth Jul 22nd 2017 10:21 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by curleytops (Post 12297741)
+1 :starsmile:

:wub:



Originally Posted by LondonSquirrel (Post 12299805)
Glad you're still with us Perth! I've lived in the UK all my life and I have to give the NHS 9/10. Got a number of health conditions, in particular diabetes, and my care could not be better. Plus I broke a bone in my foot a fortnight before Christmas and I was at my mum's. Even though I don't live there, they soon had me x-rayed and plastered up, with an appointment to see a consultant on the Tuesday (did it Friday night). Got my 'moon boot' and back on the train to London same day. The station staff wheeled me onto the train in a wheelchair, at King's Cross got me off in one and wheeled to the black cab rank. Six weeks paid time off from work. Horrible experience but my own fault for being clumsy and everyone was so understanding and helpful. Always got offered a seat on the tube and train as long as I had the boot on. Not bad in such a busy city as London. You are right to concentrate on the nice things. Newspapers cover mostly bad stuff because it sells!

Oh my goodness :ohmy: Hope all healed up well by now. Thank you for the support and for sharing your good experience with the NHS.

islandwoman120 Aug 9th 2017 11:17 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
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.

BEVS Aug 10th 2017 1:27 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Lovely to hear from you Islandwoman120.

islandwoman120 Aug 10th 2017 9:36 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Thnaks, BEV. Glad to be back in circulation. I read a previous posting where it was mentioned that the Syrians who had relocated to the Isle of Bute were not all contented (my wording). I work for refugees down here in Devon, and wonder where that information came from as I may be able to help on Bute. Any information would be appreciated.

Novocastrian Aug 12th 2017 2:16 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12313612)
Thnaks, BEV. Glad to be back in circulation. I read a previous posting where it was mentioned that the Syrians who had relocated to the Isle of Bute were not all contented (my wording). I work for refugees down here in Devon, and wonder where that information came from as I may be able to help on Bute. Any information would be appreciated.

Our BE Correspondent assigned to the Bute desk is scott47.

islandwoman120 Aug 12th 2017 2:40 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by Novocastrian (Post 12315188)
Our BE Correspondent assigned to the Bute desk is scott47.

Thanks.I'll contact him.

Perth Aug 15th 2017 8:31 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12313369)
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.

Lovely to read your update. So many people disappear and I often wonder how they are. Sorry to hear that things get rough for you sometimes. You may or may not remember me (was perthhomeschool at one time) or the fact that despite being born in the UK I actually grew up in Jamaica. Also spent some 30 years in the US. There right now, as a matter of fact, for a visit, but have finally moved permanently back to the UK some 4 months now. Living in Norwich and will be back on the 18th. Sounds like we may have quite a bit in common, so feel free to PM me :)

Perth Aug 15th 2017 10:22 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Rodney - if you are still about, I sent you a PM :)

islandwoman120 Aug 23rd 2017 10:29 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Hi all. I seem to have shut up this group instead of starting it talking again. Maybe it has finally run it's course. Anyway, as I am sure there are many lurkers on here as there seem to be on every thread, by writing my truths I have gotten a number of messages from people all over the country, so the returners have awoken and hopefully some of us will be able to meet up in person soon. It's not all roses around the door for sure, but it beats the alternatives, so to quote my favourite politician 'Yes, we can'. Onwards and upwards. Rosie

feelbritish Aug 24th 2017 6:17 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Thank you Islandwoman for giving us an update. Also wondering about Rodney. I am pretty well settled in our house in South Buckinghamshire. It took about a year and there are issues like parking and loud noisy neighbourhood kids but at moment it suits us here where we will stay until I get my ILR then we will perhaps look for somewhere to permanently put down some roots in a nice bungalow closer to the sea. In the meantime I still lurke on this forum and others occasionally giving advice where I can. PM me if anyone plans a meet up.

lf1 Aug 24th 2017 6:45 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Thank you Islandwoman for kick starting this thread. I've been meaning to reply since you posted. I am another one who would be interested in meeting up, so let me know if there are plans for such an event. Sorry to hear about your house sale falling through. I think the system is bonkers and it is one of the reasons we ended up north of the border.

cheers Aug 24th 2017 7:54 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
It is sometime since I've checked in here. What a nice surprise! Thank you all for your recent postings .
Well I got over to the UK in May. I was in transit to Southampton for a cruise. We went to Norway. Loved, loved it.
We are going on an Atlantic cruise out of Florida in April '18, to the Azores and Spain,
We loved the few days we spent in the Gatwick area.
I will be 80 in January so I have to cover a lot of area in the next 20 years.
May I comment on my recent experience with the local hospital. I went into ER recently and found most of the people taking care of me were "technicians". These were the people doing the hands on procedures. I wont go into detail but when I went home I had blood all over the place. I returned and I was rechecked by the tech, nurse and doctor and they found I had a defective device. I had to follow up with a specialist and instead of seeing the doctor I was seem by a NP(nurse practitioner)???
I dont want to broadcast too loudly because they can put complainers down if you know what I mean?
Another specialist i see makes a lot of money by having us return every 2 to 4 four months to do the usual, cat scan and EKG's. I can see why the medicare is going broke? The cardiologist has all these trainees medical students taking care of us and he himself takes us and checks our heart which takes 5 minutes then he is gone. We like him though.
Sorry for the ramble.
Cheers

scot47 Aug 24th 2017 8:05 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Islandwoman

"Yes we can"

I had to google that !

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes_We_Can

Perth Aug 25th 2017 8:45 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
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! :blink:

islandwoman120 Aug 26th 2017 9:26 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by Perth (Post 12324119)
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! :blink:

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!)?

Jerseygirl Aug 27th 2017 4:08 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12324965)
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!)?

Unfortunately I'm in Canada therefore I can't attend meet-ups in the UK. I've been to several meet-ups in Toronto and it's wonderful to put faces to usernames and meet the real life cyber people you have had online conversations with for years. Perhaps instead of a UK meet up...it could be done in regions (i.e. London area, NE, SW etc)...or maybe by counties.:unsure:

feelbritish Aug 27th 2017 7:11 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
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.

Perth Aug 28th 2017 12:38 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by feelbritish (Post 12325167)
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.

We're pretty busy both months but I agree it's a good idea to do it before the cold really sets in. I avoid London whenever possible, but up for pretty much anywhere else.

shelley748 Aug 28th 2017 5:14 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
I am still lurking in the background- had my dad over from the UK for a visit this summer- I miss him so much- he is 85 and I hope to get back next year for a visit with him. There are some days when I really wish I wasn't in Canada and with winter looming in the next few months, today is one of them! HUbby is now retired and I hope to in 3 years. I am the main breadwinner so for us to up sticks and just go now is not an option.

Watched the Diana 7 days program last night and that brought back so many memories.

Anyone ever hear from EasterDawn I think her name was?

islandwoman120 Aug 30th 2017 11:08 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Somewhat off topic but important to us on BE: I have been reading the USA 'Trailer Park', specifically the thread about Harvey. It's sad to read and scary as well - important to get personal viewpoints not just official news. If you want to have a read you may find people on there who you know. Just a thought.

scot47 Sep 3rd 2017 6:14 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Milton Keynes ? London ?

Remote and exotic for this poster !

BEVS Sep 4th 2017 2:49 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by scot47 (Post 12330517)
Milton Keynes ? London ?

Remote and exotic for this poster !

Me too. I really wish I was in striking distance of the UK instead of two long haul flights away.

It would be a long way for you too Scot47.

danielhfreeman Sep 4th 2017 9:57 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Where is Jasper123, I miss his posts?

cheers Sep 4th 2017 11:13 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by danielhfreeman (Post 12330809)
Where is Jasper123, I miss his posts?

Do you know how to contact him directly. If you do tell him to get back on here!!!

BEVS Sep 5th 2017 1:05 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Hi everyone.
You can message Jasper123.

Click on this bold type Jasper123

That will take you to his BE profile.

Then click on the tab called Contact Info if not already there.
You will see that there are two options to send a message.

1 - Send a private message to Jasper123
2 - Send a message via email to Jasper123.

Click on either and a dialogue box will open for you to type your message to him.
Once finished click send.

regards
BEVS

islandwoman120 Sep 7th 2017 6:56 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
I am sitting in the warmth and safety of my iving room, watching the news of Hurricane Irma and the devastation caused on the little islands in my home territory of the Caribbean and environs. I was born and brought up in Jamaica, and lived through many hurricanes. My parents had a strongly built house, and we survived with little damage, but I witnessed damage to many homes not as well built as our own. I helped my family in clearing up other people's property, and providing needed assistance in the form of warm beds to sleep in, clothes to wear and food. All of this was done by the islanders in caring for each other. And it is this I miss very much: the attitude that we are all here to help each other. I have never written about my thoughts on returning to England in Autumn 2010, being in a blizzard whilst staying with Jamaican friends in London, and getting the sidewalks cleared by making a fuss and criticising the inaction of the neighbourhood. Admittedly I had lived in northern Minnesota, where it snows a lot, and ice is a frequent problem in winter, so everyone who is able to clears the sidewalks, driveways and roofs. As a matter of course, emergency materials are in every car: blankets in case you get stranded, ice scrapers, a house broom for heavy snowfalls, a shovel, and a length of rope. Returning to England, I find everyone calling on the Council to clear everything possible, and to do it quickly: because they pay council tax. It may just be the places in which I have lived and visited, but no one, no one ever, has taken the initiative to sweep and clear even the pavement outside their individual houses. At this time, I am ashamed of the country. I find it dirty, pavements and public spaces with dogs mess, plastic and paper waste thrown on the ground and little if any care for the beauty of the flowers in the parks. What on earth has happened to the country? Where is the personal pride? And where is the community spirit? Signed: Disgusted in Devon. Now if this does not get a response, I guess you are all sleeping.

scot47 Sep 7th 2017 8:05 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Anguilla has been badly affected. A British Overseas Territory but not a cheap from London about some help.

islandwoman120 Sep 7th 2017 9:20 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
I guess news filters through more slowly in parts of the Uk: two vessels loaded with practical help in the form of Marines and others are en route. One was stationed in the region already, the other is stated to be leaving here soon.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41193717

BEVS Sep 8th 2017 2:10 am

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12333500)
Where is the personal pride? And where is the community spirit? Signed: Disgusted in Devon. Now if this does not get a response, I guess you are all sleeping.

I'm in New Zealand so I was sleeping.

I'm sorry to read this. I've been gone 14 yrs and not been back for over 9 years now so cannot comment on changes. Perhaps those also back in the UK can about their own part of the British Isles.
It does take a sense of personal responsibility & also a community spirit to sometimes get things done to a standard.
There is that in abundance here where I live in New Zealand. There again it is a semi-rural village and so a smaller community than a town or a city so the sense of being in it together is more prevalent.
My pals & family back there do take part in community initiatives though. Cleaning hedgerows . Picking up litter. Visiting neighbours, so not everyone is devoid of a sense of pride for who they are and where they are.

Derrygal Sep 8th 2017 1:07 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12333500)
I am sitting in the warmth and safety of my iving room, watching the news of Hurricane Irma and the devastation caused on the little islands in my home territory of the Caribbean and environs. I was born and brought up in Jamaica, and lived through many hurricanes. My parents had a strongly built house, and we survived with little damage, but I witnessed damage to many homes not as well built as our own. I helped my family in clearing up other people's property, and providing needed assistance in the form of warm beds to sleep in, clothes to wear and food. All of this was done by the islanders in caring for each other. And it is this I miss very much: the attitude that we are all here to help each other. I have never written about my thoughts on returning to England in Autumn 2010, being in a blizzard whilst staying with Jamaican friends in London, and getting the sidewalks cleared by making a fuss and criticising the inaction of the neighbourhood. Admittedly I had lived in northern Minnesota, where it snows a lot, and ice is a frequent problem in winter, so everyone who is able to clears the sidewalks, driveways and roofs. As a matter of course, emergency materials are in every car: blankets in case you get stranded, ice scrapers, a house broom for heavy snowfalls, a shovel, and a length of rope. Returning to England, I find everyone calling on the Council to clear everything possible, and to do it quickly: because they pay council tax. It may just be the places in which I have lived and visited, but no one, no one ever, has taken the initiative to sweep and clear even the pavement outside their individual houses. At this time, I am ashamed of the country. I find it dirty, pavements and public spaces with dogs mess, plastic and paper waste thrown on the ground and little if any care for the beauty of the flowers in the parks. What on earth has happened to the country? Where is the personal pride? And where is the community spirit? Signed: Disgusted in Devon. Now if this does not get a response, I guess you are all sleeping.


Perhaps you might like to cut and paste this post in the "Back Home" section of the forum? Just a thought! You might get more of a response as to how people who have moved back find things.

I think a lot depends on people's attitudes. Sure people here in the US help each other (thinking of the recent Hurricane Harvey). That said - I live in a condo complex and I had frozen pipes 3 years ago during the winter of the "polar vortex" I had no water for 5 days and had to move in with my daughter. It would take too long to explain the situation but my neighbors were not helpful at all (next door refused to even open the door to me (or answer his phone). I only wanted to check if they had water as I didn't know whether it was just my pipes or the main pipe coming in from the street to all of the units).

Yes - British people probably expect more of their government, local council, etc. Maybe it's because the US Government isn't the greatest at helping people (thinking back to Hurricane Katrina back in 2005) that the US citizens feel they must step up to the plate and help each other out during a crisis. Just a thought.............

As for the dog poop - I don't have a dog (I'm a cat person) and I do remember the dog poop in the streets in the UK. Now however, whenever I go back, I see notices and even little boxes on the roads/streets with small plastic bags reminding people to pick up after their pets. I rarely see dog poop here. Most people carry a pooper scooper and small bag when they are out walking their dogs.

There is good and bad everywhere. There is no perfect place. I thought you had setttled down fairly well there. I remember all your wonderful photos you used to post and didn't you start a U3A group? Maybe I am wrong and have you mixed up with someone else.

Loneliness is hard wherever you live. If my children and grand-children were not here I wouldn't stay. I hope things get better for you and you can start to feel part of the community. From talking to my friends back in the UK, I actually thought there was a lot more to do for over 60s in the UK than there is here. Everything costs money here and most of us in our 60s (and sometimes 70s) still work due to the high cost of healthcare in this country. That is a whole other thread and I digress. All the best to you - hope things get better. I loved your photos you posted in the past. (Hope I have the right person - getting old and my memory isn't as good as it used to be LOL!)
Take care.

Jerseygirl Sep 8th 2017 1:41 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Islandwoman120...please do not cut and past your post as suggested above...as we do not allow duplicate posts.

I do not think your post belongs in the Back Home forum...but I do think it would be best in a thread of its own. If you wish I will move it and the subsequent replies into a new thread.

islandwoman120 Sep 8th 2017 1:52 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Hi Derrygal - Yes,you got the right person. I did start a U3A in Dawlish but don't belong to it and never have beyond the first year when I was getting it established, as it has a load of rules and regulations which don't sit well with everyone. It has about 100 members now and they seem happy enough. I mix with a small group of people here who are interested in fibers and textiles as I am. My general impression of the country is what I wrote - I don't understand the desire to be shut in individual homes and rarely mix because people have always done certain things on certain days e.g. laundry on a Monday, shopping on a Wednesday and Saturday, as though those days and events are carved in stone. It's the 7 year itch syndrome coming out in me - the rose coloured spectacles didn't last long! I was actually toying with the idea of visiting the Virgin islands a few weeks ago - good thing I didn't go! Now there is probably nothing left to visit there. I don't know what the next step will be for me - if I live like this I will wither away to nothing from the sheer boredom of British retirement life. I fill my days with service to others via work for Syrian refugees for a Plymouth based charity; I gave up a local charity where I had helped for 5 years as they no longer had need of all the volunteers and it was time to move on. Next step unknown. Watch this space.

feelbritish Sep 8th 2017 2:46 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12333500)
I am sitting in the warmth and safety of my iving room, watching the news of Hurricane Irma and the devastation caused on the little islands in my home territory of the Caribbean and environs. I was born and brought up in Jamaica, and lived through many hurricanes. My parents had a strongly built house, and we survived with little damage, but I witnessed damage to many homes not as well built as our own. I helped my family in clearing up other people's property, and providing needed assistance in the form of warm beds to sleep in, clothes to wear and food. All of this was done by the islanders in caring for each other. And it is this I miss very much: the attitude that we are all here to help each other. I have never written about my thoughts on returning to England in Autumn 2010, being in a blizzard whilst staying with Jamaican friends in London, and getting the sidewalks cleared by making a fuss and criticising the inaction of the neighbourhood. Admittedly I had lived in northern Minnesota, where it snows a lot, and ice is a frequent problem in winter, so everyone who is able to clears the sidewalks, driveways and roofs. As a matter of course, emergency materials are in every car: blankets in case you get stranded, ice scrapers, a house broom for heavy snowfalls, a shovel, and a length of rope. Returning to England, I find everyone calling on the Council to clear everything possible, and to do it quickly: because they pay council tax. It may just be the places in which I have lived and visited, but no one, no one ever, has taken the initiative to sweep and clear even the pavement outside their individual houses. At this time, I am ashamed of the country. I find it dirty, pavements and public spaces with dogs mess, plastic and paper waste thrown on the ground and little if any care for the beauty of the flowers in the parks. What on earth has happened to the country? Where is the personal pride? And where is the community spirit? Signed: Disgusted in Devon. Now if this does not get a response, I guess you are all sleeping.


I will agree with you regarding people just expecting the council to do everything in UK. When we lived on Vancouver Island, in our small community outside a larger town our neighbourhood was very inclusive and neighbourly. We even used to congregate in the evenings on the beach where some memorial benches were placed. It was a social place but I still found myself lonely without family or very close friends. So loneliness can happen even in those communities. I think it is very much dependant on our own minds and feelings at the time. Our community there were also very good in helping each other and cleaning up the roads and beaches of litter and snow when needed whereas here in our town in UK not so! It may also be a social thing as it is worse here in the "estates" where people flytip and not much pride is being taken in front of houses even those which are privately rented. There is a vast difference driving into our town from West or East! I live at moment in a cul-de-sac on one of these built up "estates" so I am a bit more private. Some of our old neighbours are still here and we chat but the new people and younger generation seem to go indoors and not socialise. We are not happy here as retirees amongst young families with children who seem to have been allowed to scream excessively! In a couple of years we will probably try and find a more inclusive "retired" community. We are still researching where we want to go! In UK we feel it is all about where you live which is so important and not making a mistake because just a few roads apart can make a difference and it is an expensive excercise to move. If something happened to my OH I do not know if I could stay here in UK on my own. I understand your feelings only too well!

Fish n Chips 56 Sep 8th 2017 2:51 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 
Great posts Ladies...

When I first came to America there were two things that I noticed straight away.

#1 how clean this place is, no trash in streets etc.

#2 was great customer service in supermarkets, they packed your bags and insisted on taking them out to the car.

On the whole the place is still pretty clean and everyone picks up after their dogs, the supermarket service has taken a massive dive, not many sackers and rarely get an offer to have someone push out my groceries, not sure where Im going with this TBH, just saying...

The dirtiest place I've ever been was Spain, on the Med, it makes the UK look like a palace, dirt and paper all over the street, I was very surprised.

Fish n Chips 56 Sep 8th 2017 3:01 pm

Re: Over 40's Moving Back and Catching Up
 

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 (Post 12333500)
I am sitting in the warmth and safety of my iving room, watching the news of Hurricane Irma and the devastation caused on the little islands in my home territory of the Caribbean and environs. I was born and brought up in Jamaica, and lived through many hurricanes. My parents had a strongly built house, and we survived with little damage, but I witnessed damage to many homes not as well built as our own. I helped my family in clearing up other people's property, and providing needed assistance in the form of warm beds to sleep in, clothes to wear and food. All of this was done by the islanders in caring for each other. And it is this I miss very much: the attitude that we are all here to help each other. I have never written about my thoughts on returning to England in Autumn 2010, being in a blizzard whilst staying with Jamaican friends in London, and getting the sidewalks cleared by making a fuss and criticising the inaction of the neighbourhood. Admittedly I had lived in northern Minnesota, where it snows a lot, and ice is a frequent problem in winter, so everyone who is able to clears the sidewalks, driveways and roofs. As a matter of course, emergency materials are in every car: blankets in case you get stranded, ice scrapers, a house broom for heavy snowfalls, a shovel, and a length of rope. Returning to England, I find everyone calling on the Council to clear everything possible, and to do it quickly: because they pay council tax. It may just be the places in which I have lived and visited, but no one, no one ever, has taken the initiative to sweep and clear even the pavement outside their individual houses. At this time, I am ashamed of the country. I find it dirty, pavements and public spaces with dogs mess, plastic and paper waste thrown on the ground and little if any care for the beauty of the flowers in the parks. What on earth has happened to the country? Where is the personal pride? And where is the community spirit? Signed: Disgusted in Devon. Now if this does not get a response, I guess you are all sleeping.


I understand where you are coming from and agree about dirt in UK streets although I rarely see dog poop, maybe I dont walk enough LOL...

I do think Brits have this mindset about the Goverment taking care of them.

Irma and Harvey have brought this country together, Its amazing how Americans pull together and help each other when there is such awful things happening...

I'm one of those who always cleans my sidewalk when it snows and when the leaves fall, many of my neighbors look at me and must think Huhhhhhhhh.


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