Irish Stamp
Forum Moderator
Sheffield - near enough the city centre, it's next to the hospital and about 2 minutes walk from the main street of bars. Further to shops mind 
Where Do You Live?
- Thread starter Diminuendo
- Start date
I've lived in all sorts of places, inc Ibiza, Tuscany, Central and South of France, central London on and off/in between, for the longest..... now I supposedly live in Suffolk, two miles from a village out on an estate [accessed through a crumbling red brick arch]. It's quite picturesque but the company in the area leaves a lot to be desired...
So I spend just as much time down in Berks, and would prefer to live there in the middle of Racing Shangri-la. Might feel differently if I actualy did tho
So I spend just as much time down in Berks, and would prefer to live there in the middle of Racing Shangri-la. Might feel differently if I actualy did tho
What makes us content with where we live, though? Being surrounded by family and friends (given that we have any of either!), the amenities which suit us (rather than a lot which we don't want), the quality of the municipal services, convenience, the aesthetics of our surroundings - what?
I've lived amid some stunning scenery yet been very lonely, especially when younger, because of a lack of similarly-minded peers, and while living in the middle of nowhere may suit us at some time, it gets increasingly impractical as one ages. I think it's easy to be almost constantly dissatisfied with where we live if other things aren't right - we have to live where we are for our work, for example, not out of preference.
I love the 'feel' of Sussex, for example, and I realised one of the reasons why a couple of days ago when I looked at some photos taken in Staffordshire, where I lived immediately prior to the move south. It's strange, but the clouds lie lower in Staffs. than they do here, they move more slowly, too - not whisked along by brisk sea breezes - and overall, the land is less undulating and provides fewer distant views (until you get to the Derbyshire borders). I really love the quality of the light here, too, as I did when in St Ives - southern coastal light is just that bit clearer and more intense than inland light, I think, and I love big, open skies and being able to see for miles without interrupted views.
I've lived amid some stunning scenery yet been very lonely, especially when younger, because of a lack of similarly-minded peers, and while living in the middle of nowhere may suit us at some time, it gets increasingly impractical as one ages. I think it's easy to be almost constantly dissatisfied with where we live if other things aren't right - we have to live where we are for our work, for example, not out of preference.
I love the 'feel' of Sussex, for example, and I realised one of the reasons why a couple of days ago when I looked at some photos taken in Staffordshire, where I lived immediately prior to the move south. It's strange, but the clouds lie lower in Staffs. than they do here, they move more slowly, too - not whisked along by brisk sea breezes - and overall, the land is less undulating and provides fewer distant views (until you get to the Derbyshire borders). I really love the quality of the light here, too, as I did when in St Ives - southern coastal light is just that bit clearer and more intense than inland light, I think, and I love big, open skies and being able to see for miles without interrupted views.
K
Kathy
Guest
I currently live on the outskirts of Ascot on the edge of a 400 acre forest which backs onto my garden. I have the bonus of having lots of places to walk but walking distance from Ascot and very close to the M4 and M3 - so many racecourses very easily accessible and most of my friends and family are about an hour away.
In the future, my partner and I plan to buy a smallholding down Marlborough way. :luv:
In the future, my partner and I plan to buy a smallholding down Marlborough way. :luv:
G
Griffin
Guest
Well apart from Mr GG and our girls I have no family here and no friends at all. Woe iz meeeeeeeeee. Plenty of people who will stop and say hello to me in the street, and I chat to the punters in the shop, but I found it very difficult being the 'new person' when we moved here. The people of Faringdon are rather up their own arses and despite claiming to be welcoming and friendly I've found they are far from it. Most of the people here have lived here all their lives and the mums at school are especially cliquey. Mr GG's family are well known in the area and for the first six months or so after moving here people would stare at me as I walked through town and I just knew they'd be gossiping "Oooooooo did you see that Audrey? That woman with red spikey hair over there? That's Bettys eldest grandsons girlfriend. They're not married you know but have got dozens of children. Betty and Sue say she's ghastly. It'll never last!" Somebody in my shop actually said to me "you're not like I thought you were" :laughing:
So that combined with the beautiful countryside that isn't easily accessible with a pram and the lack of good shops, Faringdon is a very lonely place for me.
trudij
Senior Jockey
Oh Griff - thats really sad!!
BIG hug from me - I'll come and drag you out when Im home - dad used to live near Faringdon, so Im sure he'll be glad of a day out, and now we are pet-less, mum can come too!!
BIG hug from me - I'll come and drag you out when Im home - dad used to live near Faringdon, so Im sure he'll be glad of a day out, and now we are pet-less, mum can come too!!
Well, I think some of Krizons remarks about being in the middle of nowhere may well be based on her experience of Poleshill!!
And, practically, it's absolutely true that there'll come a time when I simply won't physically be able to cope but hopefully that's a fair way off as yet....
I love living where I do but on occasion it can be very isolating and I do get lonely but, as Griffin describes, you can be lonely in the middle of a city, town or village. At least here I can be lonely with beautiful views and a comfortable house!
And, practically, it's absolutely true that there'll come a time when I simply won't physically be able to cope but hopefully that's a fair way off as yet....
I love living where I do but on occasion it can be very isolating and I do get lonely but, as Griffin describes, you can be lonely in the middle of a city, town or village. At least here I can be lonely with beautiful views and a comfortable house!
No, it was based on us living 8 miles out of the only town for 180 miles, up a small dirt bush road with a 'long drop' out the back, Jools! I found it huge fun as a kid, but I'd hate that sort of isolation now, and having to depend on a car. It was also occasionally inconvenient living in the lovely ex-farmhouse in North Staffs, too, as nothing was within sensible walking distance there. Since I left, Tesco has infested the nearest village, although that's still a good couple of miles if you forget to buy your milk! I used to have milk and eggs delivered, though, which was always nice, but living not so much in isolation but away from towns does mean you have to plan, and preferably own a big freezer!
Merlin the Magician
At the Start
The Bronx...... south east Cardiff, 1/2 mile from the Bristol Channel, family lived here 55yrs.....I got sore knees through praying to win the Lottery, to get out of here, and live in the countryside 
.........talk about rough! Its as rough as feck... R.A.F.... the people need a lot to be desired also! I would say the unemployment rate must be very, very high ? hence a lot seem to be on Social Security payments......and obviously trying to concieve more kids as its been banded about ....if you have 4 kids in or under school age you can get over £300 per week per couple, from the social, including no poll tax no rent to pay etc etc
They built houses owned by these housing assosations and you ought to see the class of people they put in them...........
I was OBVIOUSLY born to late? to have got ALL these increments,(And worked all my life only to be penalised for thinking of the future and taking out a small private pension).
So you can see their point what's the use in working to take a reduction in your earnings? and they then see immigrants in abundance here, getting a free passage also, so thats the REAL state of affairs in this once wonderful? country of ours...........
I have read that thousands are leaving these shores for a better standard of living in Canada and DOWN UNDER.... people with the will to work; and yes I am very aware that no hand outs are forthcoming in these countries ....
Some of these guys, living here in the BRONX say they are SHIFT WORKERS!!! you mention WORK!! and they soon SHIFT!!!
I really think the demise of this area was the building of two schools (Comprehensive 800-1000 pupils) and a primary school (with 400 pupils + a nursery) all within 1/2 square mile, already having a primary school (500 pupils which is still used today) they were built to replace pre war schools aprox 25 yrs ago and these housing ass; estates and ever since, this area ,as gone down hill RAPID and will continue also............ :rant:
Roll on Wednesday or roll over would-IS more appropiate...........
.........talk about rough! Its as rough as feck... R.A.F.... the people need a lot to be desired also! I would say the unemployment rate must be very, very high ? hence a lot seem to be on Social Security payments......and obviously trying to concieve more kids as its been banded about ....if you have 4 kids in or under school age you can get over £300 per week per couple, from the social, including no poll tax no rent to pay etc etcThey built houses owned by these housing assosations and you ought to see the class of people they put in them...........
I was OBVIOUSLY born to late? to have got ALL these increments,(And worked all my life only to be penalised for thinking of the future and taking out a small private pension).
So you can see their point what's the use in working to take a reduction in your earnings? and they then see immigrants in abundance here, getting a free passage also, so thats the REAL state of affairs in this once wonderful? country of ours...........
I have read that thousands are leaving these shores for a better standard of living in Canada and DOWN UNDER.... people with the will to work; and yes I am very aware that no hand outs are forthcoming in these countries ....
Some of these guys, living here in the BRONX say they are SHIFT WORKERS!!! you mention WORK!! and they soon SHIFT!!!
I really think the demise of this area was the building of two schools (Comprehensive 800-1000 pupils) and a primary school (with 400 pupils + a nursery) all within 1/2 square mile, already having a primary school (500 pupils which is still used today) they were built to replace pre war schools aprox 25 yrs ago and these housing ass; estates and ever since, this area ,as gone down hill RAPID and will continue also............ :rant:
Roll on Wednesday or roll over would-IS more appropiate...........
People have been leaving these shores to live in all sorts of countries, Merlin, since the late 1890s, so there's hardly anything new about emigration. There was huge encouragement, post 1950, to give emigres a £10 assisted passage to Australia, Canada, and South Africa by the British Govt., so you can say that leaving this country to live elsewhere has been the norm for over half a century, while thousands of British went off to trade and handle governmental or military posts in India (which then included what's now Bangladesh and Pakistan). We have a long history of moving to live elsewhere - it's nothing to do with the 'current climate' although everyone who decides to bugger off always says it is. The 'current climate' is, therefore, over 100 years old!
You always moan about where you live, Merlin. Why don't you do yourself a favour and leave, then? Surely you can sell your house and afford a smart flat in a better neighbourhood, and save yourself the aggravation?
You always moan about where you live, Merlin. Why don't you do yourself a favour and leave, then? Surely you can sell your house and afford a smart flat in a better neighbourhood, and save yourself the aggravation?
Bar the Bull
At the Start
I am now living in Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Close enough to Croker for it to be handy. Not close enough for it to be a nuisance.
Close enough to Croker for it to be handy. Not close enough for it to be a nuisance.
cricketfan
At the Start
Gibraltar City Centre for me - but it's only 10 mins walk to the beach !!
Bar the Bull
At the Start
Very good, actually.
The move was an absolute pain in the ring, but we're back and settled in time for the baby, which is a good feeling.
I have started a new job aswell, so I haven't had time to breathe; I cannot remember a tennis grand slam or a Derby/Oaks weekend that I have had so little time to follow/bet.
But back on topic to the thread.
A dream for me (and Mrs. BtB) would be to live in the countryside, but my line of work makes it unlikely I will get to earn a crust outside a big city. And I detest commuting with a passion. So I am always likely to be a suburanite.
Welcome back to the fray, BtB. Sounds like a stressy time now behind, ready for the next one! Have you got a definite date for Baby Bull's grand entrance? Or is that grand exit? Bit of both, I suppose. Hope all's well there.
Bar the Bull
At the Start
11th July. Cannot wait.
Nervous and excited at the same time.
Nervcited, I suppose.
Nervous and excited at the same time.
Nervcited, I suppose.
Very bestest of best wishes to all of you for the great day, Bar. Do you plan to be in attendance for the main event, or has Mrs Bar barred you?
Bar the Bull
At the Start
One month from today.
Isinglass
At the Start
well, I am very confused about lots of things, and especially about where I live. Hubby and I wanted to live in the country and he is a West Country boy so plan was we would give up London jobs and house near to London and move to Devon. We bought a cottage 4 years ago. In the time we toyed with this idea property prices tripled in area we wanted to live in so we ended up with a big mortage. But turned out employment in area we bought was hard to come by and paid peanuts which did not pay bills. So, we got a flat near London to maintain jobs near London. Arghhh. We became those loathed weekend visitors to our village which is a tiny farming one in deepest darkest Devon. I thought the two lives would balance each other, but instead it was chaos, too much travel and too much house cleaning! You would not believe how many spiders take over if you are not at home. It did not help that on a lot of weekends we were not in either home - but somewhere else racing.
So, now we are selling near London, and I am unemployed. Eventually hubby will keep job near London by commuting from an ancient flat he owned in Wiltshire, and working from home when poss, coming home at weekends when not. whereas I will live and work in Devon. Bills ? Who cares ....
Currently going through a personality crisis as to whether I can live so isolated or will I be still driving up and down motorways to go racing and see people? I am useless at finding my way out of paper bag too, so will no doubt be mostly lost on motorways.....
Very peaceful in our little village, love Dartmoor and Exmoor wildlife and the weather. But like all villages the people are a little too close for my London based personality. I have a feeling I may get burned at the stake or something. The farmers are dairy and they are really nice, I have so much to learn from them about things in the country. But there is a lot of big money coming in from London and abroad and the two do not mix that well. We have a huge amount of money in this tiny village and poverty. Everyone tries to get on, but instead get on each others nerves. You know same old argument, the money has regenerated the falling down houses, including ours, but it is a steep learning curve for us all.
Would like to live nearer racing, but which one, Newmarket or Cheltenham? Then again, London was good, so many tracks nearby within an hour. Because of racing have friends all over the place so could live anywhere I guess.
Confused ? Me too. :brows:
So, now we are selling near London, and I am unemployed. Eventually hubby will keep job near London by commuting from an ancient flat he owned in Wiltshire, and working from home when poss, coming home at weekends when not. whereas I will live and work in Devon. Bills ? Who cares ....
Currently going through a personality crisis as to whether I can live so isolated or will I be still driving up and down motorways to go racing and see people? I am useless at finding my way out of paper bag too, so will no doubt be mostly lost on motorways.....
Very peaceful in our little village, love Dartmoor and Exmoor wildlife and the weather. But like all villages the people are a little too close for my London based personality. I have a feeling I may get burned at the stake or something. The farmers are dairy and they are really nice, I have so much to learn from them about things in the country. But there is a lot of big money coming in from London and abroad and the two do not mix that well. We have a huge amount of money in this tiny village and poverty. Everyone tries to get on, but instead get on each others nerves. You know same old argument, the money has regenerated the falling down houses, including ours, but it is a steep learning curve for us all.
Would like to live nearer racing, but which one, Newmarket or Cheltenham? Then again, London was good, so many tracks nearby within an hour. Because of racing have friends all over the place so could live anywhere I guess.
Confused ? Me too. :brows:
Isinglass, Songsheet has a couple of old barns I'm sure she'd love converted into bijou dwelling-houses! You could invest in her farm, insuring you could see lots of horses and cows and dogs every day, without the need to pay towards any of them, and go racing at Taunton, Exeter, Newton Abbot and up to Chepstow as much as you needed. Your husband could work in Wellington, just a scenic mile away, or Taunton, or even Exeter. You would meet Songy's wonderful dairy-farming friends and colleagues, who are SO kind and friendly, and go to agricultural shows. Goodwood isn't that bad a run from there, and Songy does London in what seems to be an unnaturally fast time! There, I've sorted out your lives for you. No, no, no need to thank me now...