OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Mar 8th 2011, 6:40 pm
#4351
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Mar 8th 2011, 8:05 pm
#4352
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Heres how it can go. Infant in a car seat, toddler trying to escape, it's 100 degrees out and my frozen stuff is not doing well, I open the car doors, load the boot as fast as possible, strap in the toddler, move infant seat from cart to car base, hook cart wheels to stop it moving jump in car and get the A/C going, baby is now beet red and crying from over heating, toddler is ready to start too. hand over a snack/bottle and get home ASAP.
Dh used to leave for work at 6am and get home at 9pm, so I either shopped (at a discount store no help out and pack your own bags) or go without food, sorry if I ever let a cart get away from me, I don't think I have, but you never know. My own car has grocery store battle scars from run ins with trolleys too.
Mar 8th 2011, 8:13 pm
#4353
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
This is along the lines of what we were talking about before. In my view the reason extremity areas in the UK came into vogue is partly because of massive price rises in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester that allowed second home hunters and down shifters to use equity to buy into the low-priced (value) areas, sometimes, as in the latter case, pocketing the difference. Reading of your gains, I checked on gains in the decade to 2009 in the West Country of England and in Redruth, Helston, Penzance and Exeter, prices tripled in those ten years. This all happened without any noticeable new sources of employment for the local population to enable them to enter the property market and pay their mortgages. Partly to blame was the euphoria associated with the Eden Project, surf life at Newquay and Rick Stein in Padstow - not the most popular guy in Cornwall.
I'm not sure that the circumstances will be same for new stella-performing areas to flourish in similar fashion again anytime soon hence our discussion relating to new and improved transport links or significant new sources of employment. Things like being appointed as European City of Culture can get things going nicely too but that is not your scene and probably not mine either.
I'm not sure that the circumstances will be same for new stella-performing areas to flourish in similar fashion again anytime soon hence our discussion relating to new and improved transport links or significant new sources of employment. Things like being appointed as European City of Culture can get things going nicely too but that is not your scene and probably not mine either.
I am not sure what a "European City of Culture" is, but if it has the word "city" in it, you are right in thinking that it is probably not for me.
Have more I would like to say but have to be off to a job. More later. I notice the time zone postings here... being West Coast of North America I am usually posting
when most of you are sleeping
.
Mar 8th 2011, 8:22 pm
#4354
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Just wanted to say that having that £1 coin return on shopping carts doesn't necessarily prevent accidents from happening, although I guess it may prevent more accidents from happening than already happen. 
Just a few weeks ago mum was at the grocery store and when she came back out, a trolley had pranged the side of one of the doors on her BMW. It was somewhere near £500 for the repair (it was just a DING!)
but she has some kind of special insurance for things like that and didn't have to pay the whole amount.
Parking bays are just sooooo tight here, even for the most responsible of drivers, it's still uber easy for accidents to happen just by getting in/out of your car.
Just a few weeks ago mum was at the grocery store and when she came back out, a trolley had pranged the side of one of the doors on her BMW. It was somewhere near £500 for the repair (it was just a DING!)
but she has some kind of special insurance for things like that and didn't have to pay the whole amount. Parking bays are just sooooo tight here, even for the most responsible of drivers, it's still uber easy for accidents to happen just by getting in/out of your car.
Mar 8th 2011, 8:55 pm
#4355
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Excuse me but I got the title wrong. It should read:
The European Capital of Culture "ECC"which is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension.
I guess I misread it in my own mind as Liverpool was ECC in 2008 which is not what you would really describe as a "capital". Other cities in the Uk have tried to get it, even small ones, but only Glasgow succeeded, in 1990. The point is that both cities were able to dramatically improve their infrastructure as a result of the award, with some underpinning of property prices. We are seeing more heavy investment in Glasgow facilities in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Likewise, Stratford and Hackney in London for the Olympics 2012.
Time-wise, we're in the middle of everything here, being one hour ahead of New York until the end of this month when, unlike everybody else it seems, we do not change our clocks as we are so close to the Equator that we see not much more than an hour variation in sunrise and sunset as the year progresses.
The European Capital of Culture "ECC"which is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension.
I guess I misread it in my own mind as Liverpool was ECC in 2008 which is not what you would really describe as a "capital". Other cities in the Uk have tried to get it, even small ones, but only Glasgow succeeded, in 1990. The point is that both cities were able to dramatically improve their infrastructure as a result of the award, with some underpinning of property prices. We are seeing more heavy investment in Glasgow facilities in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Likewise, Stratford and Hackney in London for the Olympics 2012.
Time-wise, we're in the middle of everything here, being one hour ahead of New York until the end of this month when, unlike everybody else it seems, we do not change our clocks as we are so close to the Equator that we see not much more than an hour variation in sunrise and sunset as the year progresses.
Last edited by Pistolpete2; Mar 8th 2011 at 9:06 pm.
Mar 8th 2011, 8:56 pm
#4356
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Here's an interesting website. It's the UK Driving Test Pass Rates organized by postcode: http://www.driving-test-success.com/...pass_rates.htm
Nationwide, the UK pass rate on the driving exam (for cars) is 45.65%.
The pass rate at my local centre (where I'll be taking my test) is 49.57%.
The test centre at Gairloch (in Scotland) is shown as having the highest pass rate (70.59%), and the test centre at Bradford (in West Yorkshire) has the worst pass rate (27.05%).
Hmmm...maybe I should make a road trip to Scotland for my test!!!
Nationwide, the UK pass rate on the driving exam (for cars) is 45.65%.
The pass rate at my local centre (where I'll be taking my test) is 49.57%.
The test centre at Gairloch (in Scotland) is shown as having the highest pass rate (70.59%), and the test centre at Bradford (in West Yorkshire) has the worst pass rate (27.05%).
Hmmm...maybe I should make a road trip to Scotland for my test!!!
Mar 8th 2011, 10:08 pm
#4357
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Here's an interesting website. It's the UK Driving Test Pass Rates organized by postcode: http://www.driving-test-success.com/...pass_rates.htm
Nationwide, the UK pass rate on the driving exam (for cars) is 45.65%.
The pass rate at my local centre (where I'll be taking my test) is 49.57%.
The test centre at Gairloch (in Scotland) is shown as having the highest pass rate (70.59%), and the test centre at Bradford (in West Yorkshire) has the worst pass rate (27.05%).
Hmmm...maybe I should make a road trip to Scotland for my test!!!
Nationwide, the UK pass rate on the driving exam (for cars) is 45.65%.
The pass rate at my local centre (where I'll be taking my test) is 49.57%.
The test centre at Gairloch (in Scotland) is shown as having the highest pass rate (70.59%), and the test centre at Bradford (in West Yorkshire) has the worst pass rate (27.05%).
Hmmm...maybe I should make a road trip to Scotland for my test!!!
Last edited by Pistolpete2; Mar 8th 2011 at 10:12 pm.
Mar 9th 2011, 12:06 am
#4358
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Here's an interesting website. It's the UK Driving Test Pass Rates organized by postcode: http://www.driving-test-success.com/...pass_rates.htm
Nationwide, the UK pass rate on the driving exam (for cars) is 45.65%.
The pass rate at my local centre (where I'll be taking my test) is 49.57%.
The test centre at Gairloch (in Scotland) is shown as having the highest pass rate (70.59%), and the test centre at Bradford (in West Yorkshire) has the worst pass rate (27.05%).
Hmmm...maybe I should make a road trip to Scotland for my test!!!
Nationwide, the UK pass rate on the driving exam (for cars) is 45.65%.
The pass rate at my local centre (where I'll be taking my test) is 49.57%.
The test centre at Gairloch (in Scotland) is shown as having the highest pass rate (70.59%), and the test centre at Bradford (in West Yorkshire) has the worst pass rate (27.05%).
Hmmm...maybe I should make a road trip to Scotland for my test!!!
Is that just the driving part or does it include the behind the test?
Mar 9th 2011, 1:17 am
#4359
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 64
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Bee - - it's great to hear that you are feeling more rested after ten days with your sister. The emotional turmoil leaving family again would have left you fairly traumatised without the long flight on top.
Trolleys. They have just been made available here in Perth, WA. But you still have a choice of the free ones or the new shallow ones that take a $1 or $2 coin. Not so much bending over with the new ones. After wheeling the trolley out to your car you then have to bring the trolley back to the store to retrieve your coin. With the old trolley you just have to leave it in the 'trolley parking bay' which people usually do.
Paula.
Trolleys. They have just been made available here in Perth, WA. But you still have a choice of the free ones or the new shallow ones that take a $1 or $2 coin. Not so much bending over with the new ones. After wheeling the trolley out to your car you then have to bring the trolley back to the store to retrieve your coin. With the old trolley you just have to leave it in the 'trolley parking bay' which people usually do.
Paula.
Mar 9th 2011, 1:27 am
#4360
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Wow... 2.5 times, that's unreal, Good for you, I was hoping we could make some money for the very same reason, we did the same as you, we bought in a new area ten years ago that is now very desirable, Our values went up slowly, it took 8 years to increase about 40%, then they dropped like a Brick as the economy tanked. Huhhhhhhh
It goes to show that even with the best of analysis, ultimately the future is unknown and anything can happen. We can only rely on, and make decisions on, what we know in the present and hope for the best in the future. I wish you the best in yours.
Linda
Mar 9th 2011, 1:32 am
#4361
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Mar 9th 2011, 1:39 am
#4362
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Not trying to be pokey but did your dad work at Llanwern? Hence all the moving around you told us of in a recent post - was it South Wales, Edinburgh and he settled in Somerset????
Have you been back to South Wales? I did a pilgrimage of sorts back in 2005 and stayed in the Vale of Glamorgan (Llantwit Major) and then moved up to near Raglan. BEAUTIFUL country and we had a great time. Llantwit Major* and the Cowbridge area, but not Cowbridge itself, really appeals but it is very attractive for Cardiff commuters and a bit pricey. Chepstow looks very attractive also.
*Now has a resurrected rail line than runs from Bridgend to Cardiff via Cardiff International (Rhoose).
Have you been back to South Wales? I did a pilgrimage of sorts back in 2005 and stayed in the Vale of Glamorgan (Llantwit Major) and then moved up to near Raglan. BEAUTIFUL country and we had a great time. Llantwit Major* and the Cowbridge area, but not Cowbridge itself, really appeals but it is very attractive for Cardiff commuters and a bit pricey. Chepstow looks very attractive also.
*Now has a resurrected rail line than runs from Bridgend to Cardiff via Cardiff International (Rhoose).
No, I haven't been to Wales in many, many years. In fact, the closest I have been to Britain in recent years is watching the British property shows in England online
It is from those shows, that I picked up that property in Wales is a lot less expensive than in Somerset.If older people (58 years old) cannot get mortgages in the UK, I doubt it will matter which area I live in. I am trying to get my head around the mortgage situation over there.
Mar 9th 2011, 1:41 am
#4363
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I saw something the other day that comparing real estate prices to reasonable rental returns, France is third most overpriced real estate country/zone on the planet after Hong Kong and Australia. The article was hinting that it is far better to rent there, which is in fact what 40% of the population do. UK was still overpriced but nowhere near as bad as France.
That said, there are some lovely looking properties on the market but we Brits have to be careful as they are in agricultural areas which are very depressed and appear attractive to us as Brits but are in fact way overpriced in the overall market. Then of course we should avoid any fixer-uppers unless we speak very good French and know exactly what we are doing and what we are letting ourselves in for.
FYI, USA and Canada were fair value.
That said, there are some lovely looking properties on the market but we Brits have to be careful as they are in agricultural areas which are very depressed and appear attractive to us as Brits but are in fact way overpriced in the overall market. Then of course we should avoid any fixer-uppers unless we speak very good French and know exactly what we are doing and what we are letting ourselves in for.
FYI, USA and Canada were fair value.
Mar 9th 2011, 1:45 am
#4364
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
. Reading of your gains, I checked on gains in the decade to 2009 in the West Country of England and in Redruth, Helston, Penzance and Exeter, prices tripled in those ten years. This all happened without any noticeable new sources of employment for the local population to enable them to enter the property market and pay their mortgages. Partly to blame was the euphoria associated with the Eden Project, surf life at Newquay and Rick Stein in Padstow - not the most popular guy in Cornwall.
.
.
I haven't kept track but I've never noticed the prices of homes in the UK go anywhere but up. Now the US is a different story.
Mar 9th 2011, 1:54 am
#4365
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Onslow image. Not dressed or shaven and watching TV all day with a constant stream of cans of beer in his hand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNV7b...eature=related