parkside

IS IT SUNNY THERE

Bradburns

Hi Rosie, my brother-in-law & sister-in-in live in Redland Bay, a street called Shaw Place, they have been there 2 years now and both love it. They live in a gated community and have regular bbq's in the complex, why not nip down and take a look.

Bradburns

Rosie, neilb is the brother-in-law i was talking to you about. I've just noticed he's replied to your post.

VeeBeeBee

Hi Superchick ...I have been here for two and a half years and my permanent residency is due in December. I'm not a "youngster" so my experiences will probably not be relevant to you, but I'll tell you anyway. I came out here on holiday in 2005 to stay with an old school friend who has lived in Australia for 28 years. I extended my visitors' visa and married him during that time ....very long story ....and I couldn't be happier. I have an Australian friend of many years who lives in Perth, WA and she came over to stay when I first arrived. She helped a lot as she was delighted that I was at least living in the same country albeit four hours flight away! We live on the Gold Coast and as a very young older person, fortunately I don't need to work. I have a teachers' pension and a State pension from the UK which provides me with more than adequate income. My husband still works in journalism. I met the wives of his colleagues who befriended me and we meet up regularly for coffee, for dinner, to go to the movies etc. I talk to them on the phone when needs be. We have found that we have a lot in common. The only time I have felt a bit homesick was last month when I couldn't attend my eldest sister's Golden Wedding party, but it didn't last!

I joined a dancing academy as I have tap danced all my life. The adult class I joined has ladies both younger and older than I am and they have all made me welcome. I discovered that one lady lives just round the corner from me so I meet her for coffee too and she even invited us (that's Alan and me) to her 50th birthday bash. I have also found that my hairdresser has helped. You know what women think of their hairdresser ...best friend for an hour or so and always discreet. Mine is lovely and when she moved to Currumbin, I followed her to her new premises even though it's about 40 minutes drive from where I live. I have also joined the Qld Writers' Centre as I do a bit of writing and that too has opened a few doors for me. I am thankful that my hobbies have helped me to settle very quickly.

Alan and I went back to the UK for a holiday last year and I couldn't wait to get back here. I felt that I didn't belong there anymore even though I have family there. My son and his family have been here for a holiday as have my best friends from the UK. We all keep in touch via the Net and it's as good as talking on the phone (but cheaper) but we do that too on a regular basis.

I know that with young children, your life will be very different, but I'm sure you'll meet other parents when the children join in activities. Maybe if your children have birthday parties at the appropriate times, it will introduce you to other parents on a more intimate basis. I know I'm only stating the obvious, but we Brits are friendly little souls and I'm sure you'll reap the benefits soon. Let me know how you go on. My name is Vera and I come from Bolton!!! I'll let you have my e-mail address and/or phone number if you like.

superchick

thank you for your replys. We have been here 4 months now and things are definately on the up. Hubbys work is looking as though he may now get what they offered him in UK at ininterview. Through this site i have met up with several people for coffee and taking the kids places so all good. Have started looking around at property/land so we are here for the long haul

Fly Away

Good luck, hope it works out for you.