OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Jan 10th 2011, 5:45 am
#946
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Location: Finally back home in Scotland
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hi Everyone, I have been very disappointed with this thread lately and I just wanted to get this off my chest, so please do not take anything I say personally, just some things I have noticed, so here goes.
Lately it seems at times that the thread has taken on the look of a chat line
There seems to be a lot of finger pointing going on
There are bad and good in all countries and we should be able to say what we feel as long as it is not directed at each other. I personally have never felt that anyone was putting down my country, I just felt they were voicing their opinion. I have been on this thread almost from the beginning and it has been a blessing to me and so many others. It has stayed alive and growing because of our ability to get along with each other and not start becoming like many of the other threads on this forum.
Lately it seems at times that the thread has taken on the look of a chat line
There seems to be a lot of finger pointing going on
There are bad and good in all countries and we should be able to say what we feel as long as it is not directed at each other. I personally have never felt that anyone was putting down my country, I just felt they were voicing their opinion. I have been on this thread almost from the beginning and it has been a blessing to me and so many others. It has stayed alive and growing because of our ability to get along with each other and not start becoming like many of the other threads on this forum.
Jan 10th 2011, 6:27 am
#947
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I have to ask . . . are you all tipsy today? Everyone (except me, of course) seems totally off the wall! Is this all because the healthcare topic got moved to a separate thread? We should all be thankful! Now, if we want to learn something about healthcare it can be found in one neat and tidy place.
Jan 10th 2011, 6:32 am
#948
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Posts: 681
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Id love the recipe for treacle pudding, my mum made it but I havent had it for years. and good luck for your medical tests, hope the results show you are fine
Jan 10th 2011, 7:56 am
#949
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Its in Rovers Return at the top of the page.
Good Luck
Last edited by Fish n Chips 56; Jan 10th 2011 at 8:01 am.
Jan 10th 2011, 8:28 am
#950
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Thank you for that, Jerseygirl. For some reason, a lot of people around here keep forgetting that fact.
I'd also like to add that just because it's free, doesn't mean it's better. There are a lot of health care horror stories in the UK.
I haven't been to the doctor much since arriving, but I have been on several occasions and it has been my personal experience that I have had to be much more pro-active when meeting with the doctor over here. I have to be honest with you all when I say that I personally do not have the same level of trust/security with health care in general here as I did in the US. Yes, it's free, but I feel like I have to keep a much closer eye on things, double-checking, etc. As I said, there are loads of horror stories and a lot of them have to do with very basic procedures, protocol, etc.
The particular surgery we go to (it's a group practice of several doctors) is a dump, and I mean a real dump. Old building, frayed carpets, outdated EVERYTHING, old, old, old, depressing, unappealing, just plain YUCK. I'm not complaining, I'm just telling it like it is. I accept it for what it is.
The surgery we used to go to 7 years ago before we moved to the US was similar. Very old, outdated, no consideration whatsoever to making it the least bit comfortable/attractive and I'm talking basics like perhaps fresh paint or clean carpets.
So, although Rosie mentioned having a lovely little friendly surgery down there in Frome, it all just depends upon where you live. You might get lucky, and you might not.
EDITED TO ADD: Sorry about posting this on this thread, but I think it is safe to post here because it contains factual information on "Moving Back to the UK". I try to do that with all my posts - to share not only factual but also practical information that is based upon my personal experience(s) here, in order to be helpful info for those of you who will be moving back home.
I'd also like to add that just because it's free, doesn't mean it's better. There are a lot of health care horror stories in the UK.
I haven't been to the doctor much since arriving, but I have been on several occasions and it has been my personal experience that I have had to be much more pro-active when meeting with the doctor over here. I have to be honest with you all when I say that I personally do not have the same level of trust/security with health care in general here as I did in the US. Yes, it's free, but I feel like I have to keep a much closer eye on things, double-checking, etc. As I said, there are loads of horror stories and a lot of them have to do with very basic procedures, protocol, etc.
The particular surgery we go to (it's a group practice of several doctors) is a dump, and I mean a real dump. Old building, frayed carpets, outdated EVERYTHING, old, old, old, depressing, unappealing, just plain YUCK. I'm not complaining, I'm just telling it like it is. I accept it for what it is.
The surgery we used to go to 7 years ago before we moved to the US was similar. Very old, outdated, no consideration whatsoever to making it the least bit comfortable/attractive and I'm talking basics like perhaps fresh paint or clean carpets.
So, although Rosie mentioned having a lovely little friendly surgery down there in Frome, it all just depends upon where you live. You might get lucky, and you might not.
EDITED TO ADD: Sorry about posting this on this thread, but I think it is safe to post here because it contains factual information on "Moving Back to the UK". I try to do that with all my posts - to share not only factual but also practical information that is based upon my personal experience(s) here, in order to be helpful info for those of you who will be moving back home.
Jan 10th 2011, 8:36 am
#951
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Well mummy - Now I am confused. Rissoto -- isn't that square pieces of pasta, filled with meat, looking like small ''cushions'' and served with a sweet & sour Sauce? - that's what Rissoto is in UK, (and in Thailand) - mostly served in italian restaurants, -unless made at home. dontheturner
Jan 10th 2011, 10:15 am
#952
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
DDL - yes, the surgery down in Frome is friendly, with chatty receptionists. But it is very much like you noted: run down facilities. It is located in a large extended bungalow, 20 minutes walk away from me, on the edge of town. There is a huge difference in appearance when you are used to American private facilities (paintings on the wall, large rooms, new waiting room chairs etc) But: note I said PRIVATE. The public facilities in the USA (I have had to use them on an off depending on my lack of insurance cover) are as bad, if not worse, depending on where they were. The end users of those facilities appeared to be very down at heel, adding to the appearance of doom and gloom - the UK end users are not like that, so it is not as bad. It is the low key atmosphere that I noticed most, and I agree with you about being proactive.
I have been thinking about this today. I actually visited 3 doctors surgeries in the UK not 2. The first was in Windermere, very nice clean and friendly place, not exactly the Ritz but hey it was not a private practise. They asked which doctor did I want to see but I had no preference, the second was in Runcorn waiting for my sister, same scenario, the third was in Frome, not the one Rosie is going to by the sound of it but in Park Road, Frome another same scenario.
None exactly run down and dilapidated but not posh by any means.
Thinking about this today reminds me of the two St Vincent's hospital here in Sydney both next door to each other. The first one I went to was the PUBLIC hospital all Victorian tiled walls, small poky rooms, very dismal and gloomy. I went to see a specialist who told me I needed a procedure only available at St Vincent's PRIVATE hospital without a mega wait for the public hospital system, the time came for the visit and what a different scene, piped music in the lift, lovely prints on the walls, the staff in designer type clothing, swishy curtains around the bed, had the procedure and was offered fruit juice, tea and sandwichs after...........
The first visit cost me nothing, the second was on my medical insurance (which I had at that time) it sounds to me that the UK is more like Australia, NHS no frills or private medical insurance like BUPA, my mother had this at her last work place but I am unsure if you can buy into this plan privately?
Last edited by Beedubya; Jan 10th 2011 at 10:18 am.
Jan 10th 2011, 10:20 am
#954
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I find these comments ''Odd'' to say the least - in Morrisons Supermarket, and I guess others are the same, there are about ten kinds of Rice - including long Grain - the same as USA.-perfect for a rice pudding. if you want a macaroni pudding - just buy some macaroni, dontheturner
Don't know why my comments are "odd", Don. I was just saying that when I made rice pudding in the States, I used long grain rice and when my British mother-in-law makes it here in the UK for us, she uses dessert rice. Am sure there are other variations, I was just sharing my personal experience. Why is that "odd" ?
Jan 10th 2011, 10:25 am
#955
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Take care,
Rodney.
Jan 10th 2011, 10:47 am
#956
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Great update ^^^^^^ Rodney and glad you are settling down, I notice a few little Brit words creeping in here and there, I notice it too with DDL. 
Yes Jackie is the next to fly home on Jan. 25th, then Don and his wife Tim will leave Thailand, I think it's Feb. 20th, then me on Feb. 26th. gulp.......
As much as I love seeing my family and all that I just got the "comfy pair of slippers" feeling of familiarity and knowingness which is I guess how you are feeling now.
I didn't get that "magical" feeling until I went to the Lake District. There is just something about that place, actually I watched a programme about it yesterday and the presenter said it for me, even though you are not a local it is a place that somehow makes you feel as if you belong.
Yes we belong to OUR country.
http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/thelakes/
Barb
p.s. BTW I am nowhere near the Queensland floods, I am in the suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales.
Yes Jackie is the next to fly home on Jan. 25th, then Don and his wife Tim will leave Thailand, I think it's Feb. 20th, then me on Feb. 26th. gulp.......
As much as I love seeing my family and all that I just got the "comfy pair of slippers" feeling of familiarity and knowingness which is I guess how you are feeling now.
I didn't get that "magical" feeling until I went to the Lake District. There is just something about that place, actually I watched a programme about it yesterday and the presenter said it for me, even though you are not a local it is a place that somehow makes you feel as if you belong.
Yes we belong to OUR country.
http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/thelakes/
Barb
p.s. BTW I am nowhere near the Queensland floods, I am in the suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales.
Well you dont have long now Barb 16 more days --- oh boy I can still remember what a state I was in a couple of weeks before the flight, asking myself time and time again have I done everything? have I taken care of every little detail? but in the end the date comes and everything just seems to fall into place on the flight day, but anyway for you Barb this is your second time around so at least you are somewhat used to it, but make this the last time, and when you get there just think of it as the start of your new life, you can still keep in touch with your family back in Oz, but this is the time you need to think of yourself, and we aint getting any younger,
But you know what since I have been living with Mum who is 91 she makes me feel young cause whenever I say that Im not as young as I was, she says absolute Rubbish --- you are young your only 65 and you not what Im starting to feel younger too, --- and the sunday mail said last week that we are all in UK going to live till we are 100 so thats good Huh
Take care,
Rodney.
Jan 10th 2011, 11:00 am
#957
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Rodney:
Glad to hear you are settling in and don't worry, it will take a fair old time before it feels like hoe, so your experience is normal.
I just wanted to comment on phone charges, in case you didn't know. Three things, really:
If you have a credit card, you should be able to set it up so you can "top up" your mobile without having to go to a shop (convenient if it runs out and you are on the road or don't want to bother going to top it up at the shops).
Even though you say you have free internet calls, be wary of a) calls to mobile phones, which can be expensive, and b) calling numbers like 0870, 0845, and a stack of other numbers that seem like they are free, but often have hefty per-minute charges, even from a landline or internet phone. If you are not sure about a company's customer service number, you can always Google the prefix (e.g., 0845) to find information online about whether this is a free number or if not, how much it will cost to call it.
It's all a bit confusing compared to the days when all we had were landlines, and charges were either rated as local, trunk, long-distance, and international. Now it's all affected by what type of phone lijne you are calling from and to, what time of day, what "plan" you are on, etc.
Glad to hear you are settling in and don't worry, it will take a fair old time before it feels like hoe, so your experience is normal.
I just wanted to comment on phone charges, in case you didn't know. Three things, really:
If you have a credit card, you should be able to set it up so you can "top up" your mobile without having to go to a shop (convenient if it runs out and you are on the road or don't want to bother going to top it up at the shops).
Even though you say you have free internet calls, be wary of a) calls to mobile phones, which can be expensive, and b) calling numbers like 0870, 0845, and a stack of other numbers that seem like they are free, but often have hefty per-minute charges, even from a landline or internet phone. If you are not sure about a company's customer service number, you can always Google the prefix (e.g., 0845) to find information online about whether this is a free number or if not, how much it will cost to call it.
It's all a bit confusing compared to the days when all we had were landlines, and charges were either rated as local, trunk, long-distance, and international. Now it's all affected by what type of phone lijne you are calling from and to, what time of day, what "plan" you are on, etc.
Rodney.
PS another important thing to remember is that when calling a landline # although you can be on the phone for as long as you want ---- you have to hang up a little before an hour has passed and then you can call back same # again and chat for another hour, --- you know just in case we are in a real serious heave talkative mood
Jan 10th 2011, 11:14 am
#958
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Lovely to hear that, Rodney 
I think the warm summers in the midwest is the only thing I would miss but I think it's pretty warm in England in the summer, too - warmer than in Scotland anyway.
I wish my 3.5 years that I have given myself would fly by so I can hurry up and go back but I don't want to wish my life away. I suppose I could go back sooner but I won't be able to collect my U.S. SS until I am 62. My current plan was to return at 62 and begin collecting US SS immediately while working in the UK and at 65, begin to collect my additional company pension from the U.S.
I suppose I could reverse things and start collecting my company pension at age 60 at a lower amount than at 65 and return to the UK then, and then at 62 also receive my US SS. However, if I start receiving my company pension at 60, it's only about $530 a month but if I leave it to 65, it's over $800.
I do plan to work in the UK until I am 65 (or close to) but would love to get there sooner rather than later if I can find a way.
I think the warm summers in the midwest is the only thing I would miss but I think it's pretty warm in England in the summer, too - warmer than in Scotland anyway.I wish my 3.5 years that I have given myself would fly by so I can hurry up and go back but I don't want to wish my life away. I suppose I could go back sooner but I won't be able to collect my U.S. SS until I am 62. My current plan was to return at 62 and begin collecting US SS immediately while working in the UK and at 65, begin to collect my additional company pension from the U.S.
I suppose I could reverse things and start collecting my company pension at age 60 at a lower amount than at 65 and return to the UK then, and then at 62 also receive my US SS. However, if I start receiving my company pension at 60, it's only about $530 a month but if I leave it to 65, it's over $800.
I do plan to work in the UK until I am 65 (or close to) but would love to get there sooner rather than later if I can find a way.
Take care and good luck on whatever decision you make, are you 60 now? cant remember do you have a spouse, as life over here with two incomes coming in does make a heck of a difference,
Take care
Rodney.
Jan 10th 2011, 11:16 am
#959
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Is it raining today Rod?
Jan 10th 2011, 11:19 am
#960
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Car information
Our car insurance is with Direct Line. After researching 4 companies, they gave us the best deal. Every situation and every location is different. This is just our experience.
We have a 2007 Renault Megane, and there are 2 drivers on it. Male, age 51; and female, age 56 (that's me). Male has UK license and has had for years. I only have my UK Provisional at the moment; and current US license.
Our annual premium is £332.85:
Premium after deducting discounts including No Claim Discount £ 257.25
No Claim Discount Protection £ 49.35
Motor Legal Protection £ 26.25
Total £ 332.85
Once I get my regular license, we were told that the premium will decrease.
Our annual AA membership cost £28.
I'm looking at the invoice and the "Normal Price" is £52, but we got a £24 discount and I can't remember why. It may have been because we used our Nectar card (points! points! points!) when we applied, but I can't remember.
=====
When we bought our car (used) it needed a tire replaced (or should that be "tire" ???).
The cost of the [Pirelli] tyre was £59.57; the balance and "casing disposal" was £4.26, and VAT was £11.17, for a total cost of £75.
=====
After we bought the car, we went to the DVLA office in Reading. It cost £25 for a duplicate registration (we bought the car at Camberley car auctions and there was no registration with this particular car), and £200 for ... something? I can't remember what that was for. The car had a current MOT and tax disc, so I'm not sure what the £200 was for, but we had to pay it.
=====
Our car insurance is with Direct Line. After researching 4 companies, they gave us the best deal. Every situation and every location is different. This is just our experience.
We have a 2007 Renault Megane, and there are 2 drivers on it. Male, age 51; and female, age 56 (that's me). Male has UK license and has had for years. I only have my UK Provisional at the moment; and current US license.
Our annual premium is £332.85:
Premium after deducting discounts including No Claim Discount £ 257.25
No Claim Discount Protection £ 49.35
Motor Legal Protection £ 26.25
Total £ 332.85
Once I get my regular license, we were told that the premium will decrease.
Note: Before we left the States, we had our car insurance company (State Farm) provide us with a letter showing how long we had carried insurance with them and that we had no claims.
We also went online and paid for/printed out our official 10-year US driving record from our State driving license bureau.
Both of the above helped us get the No Claim Discount, even though we had not been living or driving in the UK for 6 years.
I don't know if every insurer recognizes the above, but Direct Line did for us.
=====We also went online and paid for/printed out our official 10-year US driving record from our State driving license bureau.
Both of the above helped us get the No Claim Discount, even though we had not been living or driving in the UK for 6 years.
I don't know if every insurer recognizes the above, but Direct Line did for us.
Our annual AA membership cost £28.
I'm looking at the invoice and the "Normal Price" is £52, but we got a £24 discount and I can't remember why. It may have been because we used our Nectar card (points! points! points!) when we applied, but I can't remember.
=====
When we bought our car (used) it needed a tire replaced (or should that be "tire" ???).
The cost of the [Pirelli] tyre was £59.57; the balance and "casing disposal" was £4.26, and VAT was £11.17, for a total cost of £75.
=====
After we bought the car, we went to the DVLA office in Reading. It cost £25 for a duplicate registration (we bought the car at Camberley car auctions and there was no registration with this particular car), and £200 for ... something? I can't remember what that was for. The car had a current MOT and tax disc, so I'm not sure what the £200 was for, but we had to pay it.
=====