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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe, and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions must be made. Illness, family bonds, and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in the life of a 'Roaming Brit!'
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Rejecting Trumpian Politics!

4/5/2025

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Yesterday, my new home of Australia, rejected Trumpian politics in spectacular form. Our current Labor Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, won a second term in office, after the people of this great nation rejected the politics of his rival, Peter Dutton, and consequently, the divisive right wing rhetoric of Donald Trump. The majority of us who live here, collectively, gave a rather large sigh of relief, as normal service resumed today.

The day before, things were very different in The UK. In local council, and Mayoral elections, right wing populist party, Reform, won a resounding victory, taking hundreds of seats from the Tories and current Labour Government. They also secured a hard fought by-election victory, in the once safe Labour constituency of Runcorn, and won its first mayoral contests, in the newly created combined authorities of Greater Lincolnshire and Hull, and East Yorkshire.

The contrast between Australia and the UK was stark, and left many expats like me, with links to both countries, confused and unable to comprehend just what was going on!  Australia seemed to be following in the footsteps of Canada, with an unequivocal rejection of 'Trumpian' politics and the hate of the far right; Britain on the other hand was moving towards a right wing future, unlike anything it had seen before. Just what was happening, and why, isn't immediately clear, but I do have some thoughts on this amazing few weeks in world politics.

Australia is quite a liberal society as a rule. On the surface they are accepting and welcoming, and I do feel safe living here. It is rare for extreme political turmoil to exist down under; democracy flourishes with mutual respect and understanding from all sides. This is of course in complete contrast to The USA under Donald Trump. I don't think I can remember a time when I have felt more anxious about the state of the World, and this is a direct result of one man — no, not Putin, but Donald Trump. 

President Trump has turned the World upside down and everything we took for granted has been swept away. The World is out on a limb, adrift, polarised and unable to move forwards with certainty, as normal politics is relegated to the sidelines. If you understand history, as I do, you can literally feel the seeds of hate being sowed, as the politics of division, conflict, and discord take centre stage. 

Parties like Reform and its leader Nigel Farage, pray on people's insecurities, they exploit normally rational, good, forgiving people, into believing all the World's ills are as a direct result of immigration, diversity, 'wokeism' and inclusiveness. This is patently untrue and used as an excuse to introduce ever concerning policies that seek to create disunity and marginalisation. This isn't how it should be — human beings are caring, compassionate, and willing to accept those who have fallen on hard times; we do not reject people because of the colour of their skin, sexuality, or gender. We are being manipulated, gaslit and encouraged to spew hate and vitriol, rather than dealing with the real issues at hand.

Sitting here in Australia, I am cocooned from most of the hate emitted from America and Britain. I am lucky to live and work in an environment, that has encouraged me to be the person I am, and not hide my sexuality from other people. I enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of my life, and I am not denied access to jobs and services, that have been removed in the new Trump America. Furthermore, I am personally shocked at the policies and Executive Orders coming out of The USA, and fear for the future of everyone who lives there.

Whether you are gay, straight, old, young or poor, your quality of life in America (unless, of course, you are rich), is under threat from a Government who doesn't care about your wellbeing and future. Not only that, but the rights you once took for granted are being eroded at break neck speed. I see this, normal educated people see this, yet the MAGA brigade doesn't. This is dangerous, and creating a political climate of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear — The US is heading towards a dystopian future, with most peoples heads stuck in the sand, unable or unwilling to do anything to stop the barbarity unfolding on America's streets.

In four years time, my old home of Britain could also be facing a similar future. The worst case scenario would see Reform winning in any future general election, and The UK as I know it, would no longer exist. The NHS, Department of Education and International Development, and Department of Social Security, would all be under threat. Nationalistic, right wing politics could become rooted in a society, that used to have compassion, empathy and an open heart to anyone in need. This is more likely to happen now, after the success of Reform, than at any other time in living memory.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to wake up and start to deal with the huge problems facing the UK. All the public see is a failing system, higher taxes, two tear justice and immigration that is out of control. This isn't necessarily the case, but it is a perception conjured up by the right in order to gain support. Sir Keir needs to reconnect with those who voted for him and deal with the systemic crumbling of a political system that appears to be out of touch with ordinary people. If they don't grapple with the 'rot' that has caused generations of despair across the country, they will be booted out when the election is called in four years time.

Today I feel happy to be in a country, where the electorate voted for common sense, continuity, stability, and inclusive politics, as the World falls apart around us. Australia is the success it is, because of its welcoming nature. 33% of the population of Western Australia are immigrants, and that is what makes this State, unique. The prosperity I enjoy today, is because of the opportunities I have been afforded here, and although I do moan about Australia at times, I wouldn't change my place within it, for anything. This progressive, nurturing, all-embracing, beautiful country is, quite possibly, the best place to live in the world right now, and I am damn well thankful for that!
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Brexit - 5 Years On!

1/2/2025

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The Last Drop Elizabethan Pub!

12/1/2025

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Both Darrell and I, are suitably stuffed after a huge Sunday lunch, at a place I have never been to before. A colleague at work recommended 'The Last Drop, Elizabethan Pub' in Befordale, here in Perth, and I wasn't disappointed!

To be quite honest, I had no desire to go out this weekend, but after seeing the photographs of this truly unique venue, I was hooked, and decided we had to visit, and I wasn't disappointed.

Situated in beautiful countryside, the building looked every inch British, as we drove up the drive to the car park. This large, imposing house almost stuck out like a sore thumb, in the hills around Armadale. However, with the sun shining, and temperatures in the 30s, the beer garden beckoned, and I was looking forward to a relaxing few hours away from Midland!
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As I walked inside the pub, I was immediately transported back to the UK, and places I had visited over the years. From The New Forest, the village of Titchfield where I grew up, and my ancestral home of Whiteparish, the feeling of history was everywhere. The difference being, this was a mock Elizabethan/Tudor house in the middle of Western Australia; the location couldn't really be any different.

There were beer mats attached to the beamed ceiling, a large open inglenook fireplace and antique furniture. This place felt like a home from home, and I instantly felt relaxed, sat in this atmospheric country pub.

After Christmas, we both just wanted something light for lunch, so ordered a pizza each. Now, judging on previous experience, we believed it would be just enough to fill a hole. The portion sizes over here are a lot smaller than Britain; so you can imagine, my horror, when these two massive pizzas, stacked high with topping, were brought to the table. The portion sizes at The Elizabethan, are huge. They were so big, Darrell and I could only manage half a pizza each, and even then we were absolutely stuffed.

I thanked the lovely waitress for the food, apologised for not eating it all, and politely refused a doggy bag. Neither Darrell nor I wanted to eat anymore; as magnificent as lunch was, it was just far too much food for us!

Today was my perfect Sunday, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I haven't felt so connected to home, since arriving in Australia, as I did today. Apparently, there is a large Expat community living in Armadale, and this makes it particularly interesting for me. I do meet a lot of Brits in my job; only this week a lady from Liverpool, where my Gran was born — for me, building a tangible connection to my past is important and helps me settle into Australian life. In reality, I will always be a little Englander, and my roots run deep through my psyche. A simple day out is a reminder of where I came from, and today, just where I'm heading; for that I was truly grateful!
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Click above to visit The Elizabthan Pub Website!
In this week's YouTube video, I am sounding off about the aggressive society we are living in. From Elon Musk to Donald Trump, the World really does feel like a horrible place at the moment. Talking about my own experiences, dealing with some truly awful characters, I am really trying to put the pieces together, to discover, just why these awful people exist, and what we can do to live our lives better. After all, there are some good people in the World, even though it just doesn't seem like it at the moment!
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It's been a bloody difficult few weeks if I am honest!

15/12/2024

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Darrell and I have just returned from the city, after spending a lazy Sunday, Christmas shopping and having lunch. This is the first time we have travelled to Perth in about two months; we have been so busy that we just haven't had the time. Of course, the CBD is now adorned with festive decorations, lights, and a large Christmas tree opposite the railway station; despite the sweltering summer heat, even I am starting to feel a little bit Christmassy!
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Temperatures have been particularly hot, compared to 2023, and I am told this year's summer will be even hotter than the last — that suits me perfectly. However, I am all too aware, of the difficulties of living in Australia, in such a severe climate.

Darrell has just given up vaping. This has been hard for him since he has smoked or vaped for many years, but this time it is a case of having to!

Darrell has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, which in part is to do with his smoking and vaping, but also the weather here in Western Australia. With the sun incredibly bright, and without 400 UV protective sunglasses over many years, he has paid the ultimate price. Both of us are staying positive and hoping the rate of deterioration can be stemmed for now. Of course, only time will tell — weekly monitoring and regular eye tests will help — changing old habits will help a hell of a lot more!
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With Christmas just two weeks away, the last Christmas card I received from Mum when she was alive is on display. I always think of my Mother at this time of year. Speaking to my Father, back home in the UK tonight, we reminisced about Christmasses past, and how much we used to enjoy them, unlike today. 

Things have changed dramatically over the years, and although I still love this time of year, it just isn't the same. Living in the Southern Hemisphere has changed my concept of Christmas. Oh, I still put up a few decorations and a tree, enjoy sending Christmas cards to friends and family, and buy presents for our nearest and dearest — that's something that will never change. However, I am aware, that for the most part, it will just be me and Darrell celebrating together — so different to years gone by. 

There won't be a large Christmas roast, just cold meats, and salad around a neighbour's house. Nobody wants to be cooking a three-course British Christmas Dinner on the 25th, least of all me. This year, I will be putting my feet up, and letting someone else do all the work. This will make a pleasant change, since I am the one who usually does it all.

Both Darrell and I remarked, earlier, how much we miss Christmas with friends in Southampton. We truly had some memorable times, with some remarkable characters; not traditional celebrations, but rather unconventional in nature, partying with like-minded individuals and enjoying the festive cheer. 

Things are very different now and that can be hard to come to terms with!
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The past two weeks have been somewhat difficult if I am honest. After Darrell's news about his eyesight, I was due in hospital for a procedure, that had been planned for several months. This wasn't something I was looking forward to, but an absolute necessity, especially at my age. Thankfully, living in Australia, I didn't have to wait too long, and it was carried out quickly, without incident. Nevertheless, the procedure did throw up some concern, after two small tumours were removed.

This was completely unexpected, but after a follow-up meeting with my GP, to discuss the histology report, I was hopeful it wasn't anything to worry about, at least in the short term. I will have to have a follow-up hospital appointment in February, but for now, I am putting it to the back of my mind, along with the anxiety I suffer from, on a daily basis.
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None of us are getting any younger, and I am more aware than most of impending old age creeping up on me, faster every day. In truth, I don't like being 53, and I am not enjoying middle age. I have, however, worked hard to stay fit and healthy over the last four years, and I am doing everything I can to keep my weight under control.  I understand the damage I have done to my body over the years, and although I can not reverse it, I am hopeful I can at least stop the rot in its tracks. 

This week I heard from a friend back in the UK, Julie, who I used to work with at The Newcome Arms in Fratton. Sadly, her long-term partner had passed away; naturally, she was devastated. I didn't know Bill very well, but he was a wonderful character, who was always kind, and courteous towards me, and an absolute pleasure to know.

I felt so upset for her and her family, losing a loved one, especially at this time of year. Bill wasn't an old man, but his sudden passing made me realise, just how fragile all our lives are. 

There are times I feel down and depressed, but I am so grateful for the life I now lead. It may well be quiet and uneventful, like most people's lives in Australia, but it is successful, fruitful, and extremely productive, who could possibly ask for more. 

When someone dies, you often think about your own mortality. I was close to Julie at work and have frequently thought about her. The death of Bill will affect many of those I knew in Portsmouth, and I am just glad I got to know him, and all those from The Newcome Arms. With Christmas just around the corner, it is so important to remember the good times, because those were the occasions that got me through my worst days. People like Bill were the fabric of a neighbourhood that welcomed me with open arms, and that is an aspect of life I miss, living in Australia,

Hopefully, the next few weeks will be better than the last, and Darrell and I can look forward to another happy Christmas together. Putting personal issues to the back of my mind, it's time to look positively towards the future, and put the last few weeks behind us! I will be glad to see the back of 2024, as I'm sure most of you will. This has not been the happiest of years, so lets hope 2025 surprises all of us and is the start of something better!
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Spain, Britain, or Australia — Which Healthcare System is the best?

4/12/2024

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34-Year-Old Friendship Rekindled — The spectre of growing old!

5/10/2024

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Age came rushing head long into my life this week, and, thankfully, not for the wrong reasons. A friend from the UK who I haven't seen in 34 years was in Perth, and I knew I had to see him.

Back in the dim and distant past, Wayne and I had a very close friendship, established during our time working together in the Civil Service. Despite losing touch for many years, I was determined to reconnect, and rekindle what is an important relationship. After not seeing each other for so long, I was worried by what could happen. Would he still be the same person? Would we still have a connection? And can you really rebuild a friendship after a decade and a half apart!

Wayne and I met in 1990, at a time of great change for me. I was evolving from being a shy teenager, into a deeply sentimental young man, with the weight of the World on my shoulders. Wayne was someone who taught me much about life, and for a period of time we were inseparable. Of course, a lot has happened between then and now, but when someone leaves significant footprints on your heart, you know you have to make the effort!

Back in the early 1990s, I had a small group of friends from college. After the odd afternoon out at The Jolly Sailor, our local hostelry of choice, they would drop me off at Wayne's house in Gosport, where I would try to sober up, before heading home. Wayne looked after me in some terrible states. He made sure I was fed and watered, and we formed a close bond. Our friendship was brief on the scale of things, but it was also very important. Sadly, we lost contact, as Wayne moved away, and my life took me to University in Southampton.

Of course, a lot happened in the intervening years; I met Darrell and settled down, and With the birth of social media, I tried my luck, to see if I could find Wayne, initially on 'Friends Reunited.' I successfully found him, after a long time searching, and we finally got in touch once again.

Now comes the weird bit — during the time when Wayne and I weren't in touch, like me, he had relationships, different jobs, and oddly, he was living in Spain, at exactly the same time I was. Even more mind-blowing, is he was in a relationship with one of Darrell's best friends from school. Of all the people in the World, this was an unexpected connection, that fate appeared to be responsible for. You have to remember, during this period, Wayne and I were not in touch, and we only found out this mutual link relatively recently… Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, just to keep you on your toes.

This was a bizarre twist of fate, that on the surface at least, appeared to be just too much of a coincidence. However, it was, and here we were, 34 years later, chatting about it, sat outside The Belgian Beer Café, in Murray street, ten thousand kilometres from home, where I first met him, just after leaving school…

​This brings me nicely on to my vlog this week. After seeing Wayne, I realised just how old I was. Wayne was still the same person I knew all those years ago, I could tell instantly from his smile; our conversation was just like picking up from where we last left off, but we were both older, much, much older, and different in so many ways. Age, for me, is quite a traumatic thing — it is a sore subject, that I do my best to avoid. I never want to admit my age to myself, but, seeing someone from your past, allows you to reevaluate just what growing old means.

Those 34 years have gone so fast, yet It really does feel just like yesterday and in many respects, it scares me that I am now in my mid-fifties. In another 34 years, in all likelihood, I'll be dead… We really are on this planet, for such a brief period of time, just the blink of an eye!

Despite my own feelings on age, It was nice to see someone from my past. I guess that is the point you realise just how far you have come in life. The 1990s were great years for me personally, and I look back with fondness at a time that allowed me to finally come out and be the person I was always destined to be. I am not in contact with many friends from that period, so it was even more important to cement a bond that would otherwise have been lost — Social media really does have a lot to answer for. It can be responsible for conflict, abuse, bullying and resentment, but it can also bring people together in a rewarding and tangible way. It's good to have Wayne back in my life, even if it has made me question for fast approaching, inevitable and challenging old age. Furthermore, it is the reopening of a story that I had believed was over, and the beginning of another chapter, and a second chance at a friendship that I had thought had gone away!
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Chatting About My Childhood - Growing up in Fareham!

8/9/2024

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Living The Quiet Life Down Under - Nearly two years since we left the UK!

27/8/2024

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Wow, how time has flown! It has been nearly two years since we left the UK, and what a productive 24 months we have had. This time two years ago, I was busy saying my farewells to family, friends, and colleagues. It was an emotional time for me, especially since I had made some wonderful connections during my time living in Portsmouth. These were the people that got me through the tough times, when Darrell was locked down in Australia and the pandemic was raging across the World. Without these people, life would have been harder than it already was. As my World got even tougher, during our final few months in Britain, all of these people became the family I had lost.
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Darrell and I have managed to stay in contact with family and friends from across the globe. We both owe them a great debt of gratitude for all they did for us, making our final weeks happy and memorable. I miss them every day; a photo on a wall cannot make up for physical contact, but both of us have memories that resonate every single day, and thankfully we have social media and video calls, to keep those friendships alive.

My oldest, dearest friend, Ramona, celebrated a milestone Birthday recently, and we spoke to each other for over an hour. Chatting about the old times, shared friends, and memorable times spent together over 32 years. Those important milestones, that we both share, have been instrumental in keeping me firmly in Australia. Ramona knows where Darrell and I are better off, and she has always been honest about where she believes the best place for us is. Ramona and I have always had an honest and open friendship, we have shared so much over the years, her advice is invaluable; she is actually one of the few people I listen to!

We also managed to speak to one of our closest friends in Portsmouth, Zerina. Not only did I volunteer for Zerina at Cancer Research in Portsmouth, but Darrell also worked for her as her Assistant Manager. She was one of the most influential people in my life, when I lived in Britain, and she is always, without exception, a joy to be around. We had some hilarious, fabulous times working together, and she has become a very close friend. She is the big sister I never had, and was a sounding board for all my anxieties. In many respects we were like chalk and cheese, but like Ramona, she always gave wonderful advice, which I listened to without exception. 

These are just two people I think about daily; there are just too many others to mention, but all of them lifted me up at times when I needed it most. Unfortunately, we don't have the same friendships here, but that is a conscious choice we both made, in order to forge a successful start to our life in Australia. It has been essential to establish ourselves, and work hard in order to succeed in this new venture. The time for friendships may or may not come, but Darrell and I have each other, and that is all that matters… For now!
Of course, we do have our two cats to keep us company — Pippa and Akira. Darrell and I have always had cats in our life, for as long as I can remember, when living in the UK and Spain. Sadly, we lost our last two companions when we lived in Gran Alacant; if I am honest, I was reluctant to get any more animals — not because I don't like them, but because of the travelling life we have always led.

Both of us have travelled so much over the years, we never knew where we would be from one day to the next. My life is now firmly rooted in Australia, but it isn't a country I necessarily want to live in forever. I would like to retire to Spain or Asia at some point, and having animals will make that move more difficult. In the end, however, I agreed that we couldn't live without pets, because of what may or may not happen in the future. Our two cats really do make our home, and if the opportunity to move abroad comes, then both of them will make the journey with us. These two are our children, and wherever we are, they will be too!
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Darrell and I have rewarding, successful jobs that we love. We have managed to find the perfect careers, that we both enjoy. If I am honest, I never believed I would find a secure, well-paid position this quickly. The employment market in Western Australia is rather volatile at the moment, but we have both persevered, and settled into a positive routine, that allows us to enjoy the lifestyle we have now become accustomed to. Wages are significantly higher here, compared to the UK, and five times higher than they are in Spain — I am well aware of how lucky we are!

Approaching my mid-fifties, I never believed I would be where I am today. I have worked in many jobs, and have always been able to adapt to my changing circumstances quickly. Today I am back doing what I love best, in a retail management capacity, working with some amazing people, who have become important to my success and wellbeing in Perth.

In time, I hope to restart volunteering as well, rather like I did in the UK. It has always been essential for me to give something back to the community in which I live, whether through writing in local magazines or dedicating time helping others who may be going through a difficult time. For now, with changes on the horizon, I am looking forward to the new adventures to come. There are plenty more years ahead to dedicate to all the passions I have in life, including my blogging today. Until the right voluntary opportunity arises, I am happy to do the best I can, in an industry I love.
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First and foremost, I will always be English, it is part of who I am, and I am proud of my heritage. In many respects, my home in Perth is a homage to all things British. The memories I bought with me, are a reminder of home, and the pictures and photo's that adorn my walls are distinctly European in feel. 

Darrell and I have travelled extensively, especially in Europe, and both of us are fond of the European continent. Despite loving the UK, its politics, eccentricities, culture and society, I am also a Europhile. Both of us lived in Spain, have family in Croatia, owned a house in France, and fell in love with Sorrento in Italy. We will always be Europeans at heart and if it hadn't had been for Brexit, we would probably still be living in Spain. Having lost my Spanish residencia during the pandemic, both Darrell and I made the conscious choice to build a life away from the UK.

With that said, I pride myself on the Britishness I hold dear, even my bad teeth. I have a painting of the late Queen on my wall, photo's of our travels around the UK on display, and of course, British staples in the pantry. I always try to buy British food in the supermarkets when I can, rather like I did in Spain, and always make a beeline for the international food isle in Coles. From Marmite, English Cheddar and Scottish Oat Cakes, to Branson Pickle, HP Sauce and Eccles Cakes, they are all there. Thankfully Aussie culture is very similar to back home, and food wise, I fit in quite well… apart that is, from the overload of Chicken Parmi in restaurants, and the fact that Australians can not cook a British Roast.

There are many aspects of the UK I miss, but I can live the English life right here if I so chose. I have been known to watch UK TV all day and then, in the height of the Aussie summer, pop down the beach and enjoy a lifestyle most Brits could only dream of — living the best of both Worlds!
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... And finally, I still manage to keep fit and healthy, something I have been doing since 2019. Then I weighed a staggering 110 kg, smoked cigarettes (Up to 80 a day at one stage) and drank like a fish (a hangover from my days living in Spain and the 1 euro pints of Mahou.) After a brush with health anxiety, which I still suffer with today, I made a decision to change my lifestyle. Today I weigh 74 kg, although I have weighed as low as 70 kg, and I am not as strict as I once was. I have my good and bad days, but on average I have managed to maintain a healthy weight for five years now and have no intention of giving up.

This week we took a walk to the John Forrest National Park for a 6 km walk. The weather was rather grey and overcast, which made me feel quite at home and was ideal weather for walking. This park reminds me of El Clot De Galvany in Spain where we used to go walking, and The New Forest back in The UK. These are the places that keep my fitness regime on track and allows me to explore the local area. 

I still walk every day in Australia, far more than I ever did in Spain and on a par with the miles I walked when I lived in Portsmouth. I don't drive a car, nor have I ever wanted to, so walking is my main means of transport if you like. My two legs take me everywhere, and I am actually really proud of that fact. If I did drive, I believe I would be in worse physical shape today than I am — definitely overweight and most certainly a heart attack waiting to happen. Walking is somewhat of a passion now, and a pastime I intend to keep up, wherever I live.

If these last two years in Australia have taught me anything, it's the resilience and determination I have to survive. I have had so many ups and downs in life, that a little thing, like moving to the other side of the World, wasn't going to stop me from achieving my true ambitions. I have grown to love this country, simply because it has given me everything I ever wanted, and that is important. Without Australia, I would probably still be underachieving in Portsmouth, in a country that has quite simply had its day. For the first time in a long time, I feel optimistic for the future, and can finally see light at the end of the tunnel… Life is indeed what you make it, and we are both giving it one hundred percent — things can only get better!
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Talking About Social Media!

10/8/2024

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This week, I have been talking about social media and its impact on my life. I am an avid user of the medium, as many of you know, and couldn't live without it. I am, of course, very different to most people — having lived all over the World, it has been an important tool, to keep in contact with friends and family, as well as those people I have met whilst travelling over the years.

In the wake of the riots across my home country of Britain, it has been critical for me to defend social media to a point, whilst realising the need for change. Even after the hijacking of various platforms by far right and left protesters, spouting misinformation and lies, I am aware of the significant role it has, in the social fabric of society. It is nevertheless, actually quite chilling, knowing, that the owners of these powerful online sites, allow some truly repugnant content to be published. Like most normal people, I deplore the use of it for destructive, divisive and in some cases, deplorable criminal acts. In the real World people would be held accountable for their actions, in the World of X and Facebook, there appears to be no limits, to what people can say, promote and incite.

I write for Roaming Brit at least once a week; in the past, I would often write several times a day, and I enjoy expressing my views on every conceivable subject imaginable. Writing is a part of who I am, and it is a passion that I have followed since I was a young boy, of eleven years old. I am able to create my own content, that falls within my own moral code. As a blogger, who is paid by Google, I have terms and conditions to adhere to, if I deviate from these rules, my earnings will be affected, and I could be liable to prosecution. I can still make my voice heard and indulge my need to have an opinion, responsibly, without malice and within boundaries that I don't tend to cross. You don't need to hide behind a fake profile, spewing lies, if you, like me, just tell the truth.

In the past I have over stepped the mark and have got in a lot of trouble, by doing so. I have been in Facebook jail, more times than I care to remember and sanctioned on X (formerly known as Twitter), for nothing more than just saying what I believe is right. This was of course in the days before Elon Mask took over — these days you can do and say what the hell you like, and get away with it. Have standards really fallen that low? Well yes, they appear to have, and the World is becoming a nastier place as a result.

Last week, through the power of social media, I was able to meet local artist Alison Hanrahan, here in Perth, not too far from where I live. I fell in love with a painting she had produced and just had to have it. I met her at The Ellis House Arts Centre, in Bayswater; we had a nice chat about her art, and it was a pleasure to get to know her. This is the 'good' power of social media at work; this is the way I have met many people over the years, and this is the right way to use this valuable resource.

I have come to the realisation, that online social media has to adapt, amend and improve, especially in this violent World we live in. I do value freedom of speech, but when peoples lives are put at risk through lies and abusive behaviour, it is time to regulate. All of us need to take responsibility for our actions, and we have a duty to tell the truth. It is important we don't inflame situations that can result in harm to others, and we must ensure our words are honest, genuine, and accurate. As a person, I was never brought up to lie, but I have had my moments, like everyone else —  well, we all make mistakes! When you see the deaths of three innocent children, used as the catalyst to cause violence and mayhem, through misinformation and lies, you know it's time the World changed, and with it, the companies who facilitate this detestable behaviour.

​Please, be kind!
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A Labour Win — Thank God for That!

6/7/2024

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When the exit poll came through at 5 am on Friday morning (Australia time), I couldn't quite believe it. The polls showing Labour twenty points ahead, throughout the election campaign, appeared to be correct, judging by this final, most accurate poll. I for one, took it with a pinch of salt; I still didn't believe it was accurate, sceptical about information collated before a single vote was counted.

It wasn't until the actual results started to filter through, that the penny dropped. Labour was indeed on course for a landslide victory, akin to that of Tony Blair in 1997.

I was up at 3.45 am to watch the British election results counted throughout the United Kingdom; sitting in my lounge in front of an electric fire, in the middle of a cold (well relatively chilly) Australian winter, I was ready to watch the results tally up. With a cup of tea and a warm hot water bottle, I anxiously awaited confirmation of this projected Labour Landslide.

Usually I would be at work on a Friday, but I had taken a personal day, because of a pre-planned hospital visit. At 9 am I had to make my way to Midland hospital, mobile phone in hand, watching the results while I walked to my appointment. Later that afternoon, I was back home, glued to the box once again. It was clear there was indeed going to be a new Labour government, and I was delighted.

As the afternoon progressed here in Australia, the scale of the losses, from one of the worst UK governments in my lifetime, was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I couldn't have been happier. Watching the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg and Liz Truss lose their seats, as a political wave of change engulfed Britain, was satisfying, after everything they had done to bring Britain to its knees. These were the people that had lied repeatedly, partied during the pandemic, paid millions of taxpayers money to their mates for unusable PPE, and destroyed the hopes and dreams of a nation with their Brexit lies. This was karma coming back to bite those who had spent so long, taking their positions for granted, and disrespecting the British public.

Despite this great Labour victory, there are some warning signs on the horizon. Reform will now have a voice in Parliament; this extremist, homophobic, racist party will now be voting on the future of the UK — that is scary. Then there are the one-trick pony 'Gaza Activists,' who high jacked some local constituencies, because of their extremist views on the war in the Middle East. Of course this only happened in areas with a high Muslim population, but the appalling, confrontational campaigns they fought, against good, trusted MP's, was a disgrace. MP, Jess Phillips, spoke up against the treatment she received from these awful groups, organised to cause maximum disruption, hurt, and pain to her, just because she was a woman — that was shocking to see. The UK is not a fascist country, and that kind of behaviour should not be tolerated. Those responsible should be bought to justice!

I am not a political activist, and have voted for most political parties during my lifetime. This time, however, I was sadly unable to vote, but my support for this new Government is unequivocal. The Tories had to go; they had caused so much damage to my home country that it would have been impossible for them to continue. They have a lot of expectations to live up too, and I hope they will succeed in their endeavours to change Britain for the better.

It is true they won a landslide with a small percentage of the vote, but that is the British electoral system, so they can't do anything about that, unless they feel the need to in Government. Nevertheless, they are now the party in charge, and all of us should give them our full support. If they don't live up to expectations, then I, like everyone else, will vote them out. The hope is, however, they will achieve great things in the UK and the Tories will remain out of power for a very long time; after the catastrophe of the last 14 years, do they really deserve to govern again?
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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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