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Hi, to all the lovely members of Poms in Oz and Poms in Adelaide. It's been a while since my last post, I know, but I'm moved to make contact again for two reasons. The first, and maybe the most important, is to say, to those who don't already know, I only found out this evening that our wonderful Gollywobbler (Gill), passed away in January of this year. To say I'm feeling very sad is an understatement. She gave so much to members, old and new, of PIO and PIA, insofar as migration matters were concerned, and helped countless numbers of people who didn't know which way to turn about starting their migration journeys to Oz. We had some personal contact through these forums, but although we never met in person, I knew she was a wonderful human being. Such a sad loss. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. This heart-rending news makes my second reason for visiting PiO/PiA pale into insignificance, but because my husband and I owe so much to members following my initial plea for help and advice about returning to Oz after a long absence, and the sound advice we received which resulted in having our permanent residential status restored, I felt I should let you all know that we have finally received our official date for our Citizenship ceremony and are thrilled to say we'll become Australian Citizens on 23 January 2017. It's been a long road, but one we're very happy to have travelled. Thank you to everyone who contributed with help and advice, especially in the early days. I so wish I could have told Gollywobbler about our happy ending. She'd have raised a glass or three, I know. I'm raising one to her now. God bless her lovely heart.

Blimey!! Glencoe was only asking!! She didn't mean to rattle your cage, I'm sure, but you're obviously rattled. Yes, Karma could seem to be a bitch, but as it only reflects one's input, it's pretty much a reflection of what we are and the way we live our life, don't you think? It's like-for-like, or 'do as you would be done by'. I wish you well, Ken.

So that's it then, Ken. You didn't like it and will say so, if anyone asks. But why bother in the first place? If you don't like it, I presume you've returned to the UK. If not, you should, because life's too short to be staying where you're not happy. Although, if you haven't left Australia yet, I would respectfully remind you to think back to what made you leave the UK in the first place. That's a tough one, I know, but the answer could be in there somewhere.

Hi there, Glencoe! Adelaide's great, in our opinion. It's certainly a good place to start your Ozzie Adventure, and hopefully the road to the rest of your life. Yes, there will be plenty of questions before you set off, so ask away. The time will fly and you'll be here in no time! Happy planning, preparing and packing! x

Hi Peter: Look no more! We watch UK tv nearly every evening via a fab VPN site called HOLA! Just Google 'Is HOLA! safe?', and put your mind at rest by finding out all about it and how it works. It was recommended to me over a year ago by a good friend (English) here in Adelaide and I've had it ever since. All you need to do, when it asks for your UK postcode during the download process, is type in your old UK postcode, which makes it think you're watching from the UK. That's what I did, and other friends I've told about HOLA! did the same - even though they don't live there anymore - and Hey Presto!, you've got UK tv on tap! It's brilliant, perfectly safe and FREE!! Tonight, for instance, my husband and I watched episodes two and three of the latest 'Vera' Series on ITVbe, and this afternoon we watched Ep3 of the latest hilarious UK Gogglebox, miles better than the Aussie version, which doesn't quite 'hit the spot' where off-the-cuff humour is concerned, imo. You can also watch UK tv progs through another website called DailyMotion and don't forget, YouTube have most UK tv programs. Don't pay for it, because there's no need. Just check all these sites out and see for yourself. And don't worry, they're all perfectly safe! Happy viewing!

That's a bit warm for early October, isn't it?! Glad we're in England at the moment and making the most of an Indian Summer which seems to be fading fast now! Heavy rain and high winds for the next couple of days, so will no doubt be glad to be back in dear old Adelaide in November. Forecast for England is that we're in for a 'Killer Winter'! Ooh, think I prefer hot to freezing cold; can always go and sit in a cold bath!

What a great post - perfectly balanced and fair. You deserve to do well in Oz, Rachael, as you're obviously prepared to give it a proper 'go'. Wishing you all the very best!

I can't do without my electric blanket in Adelaide winters. We never feel as cold in the UK as we do in Adelaide during winter, but that's because we don't have central heating in Oz. But oh, what a difference our electric blanket makes!!

Ooh, not sure I agree with you there, vs. I'm thinking the JCC packet mustn't been left unsealed after initial opening if they weren't crisp. I've always thought Sao's and JCC's were pretty much of a muchness myself. Like them both equally. On a different subject, if anyone wants to enjoy really retro oldies all day long, going back to the '40s and '50s on UK radio online, I recommend strongly that you google 'Angel Radio' (Portsmouth). You'll be so glad you did!! I have it on all the time and love it!! It's 00.45am here in the UK at present, and I have it on right now!! Lovely!

[h=1]Here's a report from today's UK Daily Mail which should delight those PIA members who are lucky enough to have Aldi supermarkets coming to their necks of the woods! There have been many negatives about both Aldi and Lidl over the years, but things have changed - and for the best. Happy shopping, all! Aldi is crowned supermarket of the year by Which? for the third year running - and Volkswagen bags best car manufacturer[/h] Aldi win comes just days after Lidl was crowned best grocer by The Grocer magazine By NATALIE WAIN FOR THISISMONEY.CO.UK PUBLISHED: 18:08, 17 June 2015 | UPDATED: 18:08, 17 June 2015 13shares 32View comments Budget grocer Aldi has been named best supermarket for the third-year running after beating off competition from Iceland, Lidl, Ocado and Waitrose in the annual Which? Awards. It was a bumper year for Volkswagen, too, as it was crowned best car manufacturer for the first time, with the consumer group rating all of its cars highly. Sony bagged another first at the awards, winning the best audio-visual brand after it demonstrated 'a big improvement' against competition from Samsung and LG, while delivery company DPD was handed a special award in recognition of its 'huge' customer satisfaction score. +2 Runaway success: Budget grocer Aldi has been named best supermarket for the third-year running after beating competition from Iceland, Lidl, Ocado and Waitrose in the annual Which? Awards Meanwhile, First Direct bagged the award for best banking product, Samsung was named the best computing brand and Miele took the award for best home appliance brand. Which? crowed giffgaff the best telecom services provider, while travel company Trailfinders was named best travel company. [h=2]RELATED ARTICLES[/h] Previous 1 Next Two more years of woe for Big Four supermarkets following...The green cars that you can get a £5k grant for: Sales... [h=2]SHARE THIS ARTICLE[/h]Share As well as being crowned best in their respective fields, Which? Awards winners receive a licence to use the Which? icon for 12 months when marketing their brand, although they are not allowed to use it in relation to specific products. The triumph for Aldi comes just days after fellow budget retailer Lidl beat off the rest of the high street, including more expensive and upmarket stores, to be named Grocer of the Year by the Grocer magazine. The fast-growing budget chain saw off finalists including Waitrose, Asda and Aldi, which took the top spot last year. The awards are a coup for Aldi and Lidl, which have made a huge effort to target middle and higher income shoppers with their combination of good value basics and cut price luxury. The awards are the latest acknowledgement from industry figures that the budget supermarkets offer quality as well as good value. +2 On the right road: It was a bumper year for Volkswagen, too, as it was crowned best car manufacturer for the first time, with the consumer group rating all of its cars highly The budget supermarkets have triggered a supermarket price war among the traditional retailers, which have been cutting prices to win back shoppers. However their efforts have not yet stemmed the tide, with their market share expected to rise by another 15-20 per cent by 2020, according to Moody's. Which? group chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith said: 'A Which? Award is our way of recognising the businesses that share our ideals and offer products and services that improve their customers' lives. 'Good businesses can truly be consumer champions. By treating customers fairly, businesses will be rewarded for their efforts with more confident consumers helping to drive growth in the economy.' Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'Customers are the most important people to any business. Without customers there are no profits, no exports, no growth. 'The Which? Awards are testament to businesses who recognise this. It's why we are committed to making Britain the best place to start and grow a business, and helping more businesses deliver the award-worthy service their customers deserve.' Aldi's UK chief executive Matthew Barnes said: 'Which? embodies the interests of the nation's consumers, acting to provide them with the best advice and value for money. 'Winning this award is an absolute privilege and recognises our ongoing ability to help UK shoppers save money without compromise.' DEALS OF THE WEEK Could you save £300 on bills? Big energy switch

Aldi's very good, I believe. In fact, in England, Lidl and Aldi are going great guns, according to what I've read lately in the UK press (I'm back in England at present for 6 months). Only found out the other day both are run by brothers in opposition to each other. How about that then? Lidl in the UK have won lots of awards recently and I believe Aldi are doing really well, too. So, lucky you, if you have an Aldi in your neck of the woods!

It was such a lovely start, reading the positive description of Adelaide in the above link, until I came to the comments following the article. Such a shame! No matter how cheerful and upbeat one might feel when reading such a nice report, there's never a shortage of people ready to drag you back down. Oh well, we love Adelaide - warts and all!

Welcome to lovely Adelaide, samandcraig! So glad you're enjoying everything. It's so easy to find your way around and nowhere takes long to get to. Yes, its good here, isn't it? We love it, too.

Oh, K&L, I'm sure it's all lovely and natural and stuff, but for me it's what the name implies. I just can't get past that when it comes to public hostelries/cafes/restaurants et al. I'm all for mother's milk when it comes to newborns; it's nature's way and a wonderful start to life for newborns. My own two bubs started out on life that way, I'm happy to say. No, it's just me. I guess we've all got the odd foible in one way or another, and this one's mine, although I'm not on my own with this one, I know. Like I say, I realise I'm probably missing out on some nice treats, but - there you go... Each to his own. I love lots of things in life, but this restaurant name thing is not one of them, I suppose. No offence meant to anyone who might be offended. xo