Originally Posted by Lineabove

Hi not2lod,

I have Eton or Oxford as a first choice but all options would be on the table.

Age may be a factor in finding employment.
Once over the pond, we would be starting at the bottom again.

Originally Posted by amideislas

Actually, it's a serious problem that is a major topic of debate at present.

Mail? I would never quote or believe anything in the Mail. THAT is rubbish.

But the BBC is reasonably level, if that better suits you:

Migrants [seeking entry to UK] queue for food handouts in Calais

Migrants making '100 illegal attempts a day' to enter UK

Benefit changes will make UK 'less attractive'

Originally Posted by mikelincs

The migrant problem is the main one the people wanted changing at the last election, unfortuneatly it's going to be very difficult, and a number of them will die in the attempt. The French won't really help as they want to get rid of them, so it's up to the British Police and customs to stop them.

Originally Posted by Editha

The UK does not take its fair share of refugees to the EU. We take 15.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, comparing with an EU average of 23.1. Only Germany and Ireland have a worse record. We should certainly relieve the situation at Calais.

Originally Posted by Shard

Interesting stats. Out of curiosity, do you know what the figure is for Canada?

Originally Posted by Editha

I just googled it.

The Canadian Council for Refugees claims that Canada has 5 refugees per 1,000. So, Canada's reputation for taking in refugees appears to be deserved.

Originally Posted by amideislas

I didn't know EU migrants qualified as 'refugees'. Traditionally, refugees are those fleeing conflict zones or tyrannical regimes.

Or has the EU now qualified unemployed EU migrants as eligible for 'refugee' status? If so, we have a few million in Spain who would love to collect UK 'refugee' benefits. Spain doesn't really have much of a benefit program, and for the long-term unemployed, none at all. So, it would really help Spain's unemployment numbers if they could send them all up to Birmingham or something.

Originally Posted by sallysimmons

How do you know it would be tragic? If you have a crystal ball, perhaps you could let me know what's in store for me

I'm always impressed when people are willing and eager for change at any stage of life, and I'm going to go out on a limb and assume the OP is an intelligent adult who can think for himself.

He's asking questions, presumably because he's exploring the idea. If he decides it will be a mistake, no doubt he won't come.

To answer the original question: positives for me are beautiful countryside, lots of arts and culture even in small towns, great pubs, friendly people, lots of laughs, feeling like I belong, a sense of history everywhere, lots of interesting things to do and see within a short drive, the NHS, generally intelligent, well-informed people, the BBC, relatively sane politics (I came from the US!), temperate climate, ... the list goes on and on.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Originally Posted by carolearly

Hello Lineabove

First of all whatever your reasoning for returning to the Uk, I applaud your thinking to make a change after all those years. Its never too late, go with your heart, and your intuition.

I have lived abroad in EU, for 9 years, and myself and hubby are making the move back to UK, at the beginning of August. It wont be easy as we sold up, to come here, but we never do easy !! I have a job of sorts as a carer for my aunt which starts mid August. Not my ideal choice of work, but I am willing to do it, to get some funds. I have loved living abroad, but my roots are calling me back, and I have felt this way for about 18 months. I am not going back wearing rose tinted glasses, indeed I have been back and forth about 5 times during the last few months, and much has changed. But it is my home, and I love it warts and all. I will shed a few tears leaving here, but I have embraced living abroad for 9 years, with all its challenges and frustrations.

So good luck to you my friend, do what your heart tells you, and it will work out.

Tara
Carol

Originally Posted by sallysimmons

How do you know it would be tragic? If you have a crystal ball, perhaps you could let me know what's in store for me

I'm always impressed when people are willing and eager for change at any stage of life, and I'm going to go out on a limb and assume the OP is an intelligent adult who can think for himself.

Originally Posted by Novocastrian

I don't have a crystal ball, but the OP (who may well be a clockwork troll) seems to be slightly unusual. He left the UK he says as a baby/toddler 58 years ago, has never been back but has never bothered to get Canadian citizenship. Credible so far? Not very IMHO.

BTW, I retire in 5 days and three days after that will leave for a country which doesn't speak English and in which I've never lived before. I hear you about adventurous wrinkles.