South-West England
#31
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 202
Re: South-West England
Im heading back to the UK soon and thinking about going to Bournemouth (I've got some family near there). What is it like living there?
Southhampton, Poole are also on my radar - but i'm concerned that the cost of living might be to high.
Is it a vibrant job market?
My other choice is London (lots of work, but well expensive).
Manchester.
Bristol? Anyone recommend Bristol?
Southhampton, Poole are also on my radar - but i'm concerned that the cost of living might be to high.
Is it a vibrant job market?
My other choice is London (lots of work, but well expensive).
Manchester.
Bristol? Anyone recommend Bristol?
Manchester, if you go a few miles out, Droysden, Salford, Cheetham Hill, its a lot cheaper.
Manchester jobs pay quite well.
Southampton and Poole, cant speak for them, but Weymouth has a good jobs market.
#32
Re: South-West England
I used to work with a SA dentist who had moved to Britain purely for the financial stability. He always said that he made way, way more than he would ever make in SA doing the exact same job (although all his credentials were obtained in SA).
He lived a very simple life (small flat, no TV etc...) because he wanted to send as much cash as he possibly could back to his family in Johannesburg, that was the main reason he was living in the UK.
He always seemed like an incredibly lonely person to me, hardly any social life, no relationships, but that was how he wanted it, he just wanted to work and send money home, that was it.
#33
Re: South-West England
Cheltenham is beautiful (see below) but expensive
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire...as/cheltenham/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire...as/cheltenham/
#34
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Norn Iron ex Cape Town
Posts: 230
Re: South-West England
Hi Blaze
My dentist also went over to work in the UK for a couple of years obviously for the money. I think it's very sad that the SA dentist you worked for didn't have any social life, heck you only live once and if you can enjoy at least some of the hard earned money, what's the point. Don't think I could manage without a TV and we'll definitely do the social thing every now and again even if it's just popping into the local pop for a drink or two. I know it's quite difficult trying to make new friends but I'm sure we'll probably bump into quite a few people who are also in our situation and that might help break the ice.
My dentist also went over to work in the UK for a couple of years obviously for the money. I think it's very sad that the SA dentist you worked for didn't have any social life, heck you only live once and if you can enjoy at least some of the hard earned money, what's the point. Don't think I could manage without a TV and we'll definitely do the social thing every now and again even if it's just popping into the local pop for a drink or two. I know it's quite difficult trying to make new friends but I'm sure we'll probably bump into quite a few people who are also in our situation and that might help break the ice.
#35
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 34
Re: South-West England
Cheltenham is beautiful (see below) but expensive
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire...as/cheltenham/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire...as/cheltenham/
and currently under water..................
#36
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Legoland ,Mango Hill QLD
Posts: 41
Re: South-West England
My Sister lives in Bishops Lydeard, a village not too far from Taunton.It's a beautiful part of the country but its getting like London(in accents and house prices).My sis moved down from the Smoke about 10 years ago and would never move back.
#37
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Near Colchester, Essex hoping to go to Port Moody, BC
Posts: 1,007
Re: South-West England
Good question. About half settled in Lincolnshire. Half in Luton. Luton is not a good choice imo, it's a bit too grim....Actually those who did move to Luton (through family ties etc) ended up going back to South Africa, and then moved to OZ a few years later.
Those in Lincoln, I couldn't tell you. I've lost touch with them now. But I believe my ex sister in law is still there.
My ex father in law moved to Dorset and has been there ever since. I think if he could though, he would move to OZ, but his age is against him, and his wife is not that keen from the sounds of it.
So, in answer to your question, yes, it can make a huge difference where you go to.
Dorset and Cornwall are my top choices i think.
Those in Lincoln, I couldn't tell you. I've lost touch with them now. But I believe my ex sister in law is still there.
My ex father in law moved to Dorset and has been there ever since. I think if he could though, he would move to OZ, but his age is against him, and his wife is not that keen from the sounds of it.
So, in answer to your question, yes, it can make a huge difference where you go to.
Dorset and Cornwall are my top choices i think.
Would advice you check out NHS situation down there though - there have been stories in media about poor health service in Cornwall.
If you don't like crowds and gangs of youths (not yobs though), don't consider Newquay town itself. Youth capital of England during the summer and increasingly so during the winter. But seem to be decent kids. If, however, you have teenagers they would love it.
#38
Re: South-West England
I am Bournemouth born and bred and I LOVE the place. I really deeply do. I am going to have a wonderful September there. It's a brilliant place to be IMHO.
Why am I in New Zealand.
Why am I in New Zealand.
#39
Re: South-West England
Oh that's not fair...all big towns have a " massive smack problem". Big town= over populated= higher crime rate. There are drug problems in every town/village in the country; you just may not notice! I have known heroin addicts who work and do not commit crime, some people addicted to cold remedys, anti-depressants etc, heavy cannabis users...and they all look and act "respectable"!
#40
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 34
Re: South-West England
i understand that, and have worked with drug addicts in the past all towns and cities have drug problems
just bournemouth is well known for smack and ive known at least 8 people who have moved there just for that reason - easier to get supplies
just bournemouth is well known for smack and ive known at least 8 people who have moved there just for that reason - easier to get supplies
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 34
Re: South-West England
have they not got tap water there then?
i think oxfords next for trouble
i think oxfords next for trouble
#44
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 34
Re: South-West England
what are they drinking then?
#45
Re: South-West England
Bottled water brought in by the army and guarded by the police and 900 water bowsers spread around the county.
Interestingly, all the media, the prime minister etc are down in Gloucester, but Cheltenham is larger but has recieved scant attention. And all the bowsers are empty!
Interestingly, all the media, the prime minister etc are down in Gloucester, but Cheltenham is larger but has recieved scant attention. And all the bowsers are empty!