Category: Britain

The Precarious State of Britain!

6/9/2025

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Sexuality Affecting Childhood!

21/7/2025

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Mask on, Mood off: Reflections in Isolation!

25/6/2025

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Well I guess it was only a matter of time before I got the bloody thing again and on Sunday it came hurtling towards me, at break neck speed, hitting me square in the face with a bang.

A friend had come over for Sunday lunch — I was cooking a cottage pie, something I haven't had in years; wonderful comfort food during these long winters months in Australia. I had been feeling under the weather all day. My voice was a little horse and I had a tickly throat. My sinuses appeared to be blocked also, and I was starting to get a cough.

Dinner tasted great, just like Mother used to make. Savoury mince, carrots and peas, with a garlic mash topping and a layer of strong grated cheddar on top. However, this 'old school' dinner, hadn't done much for my sense of wellbeing, and by the time I had finished, I was feeling decidedly worse. Sitting down in the family room, I decided to take a COVID test. Luckily we had some in the cupboard, still in date. I thought it best just to make sure everything was OK.

Within seconds, the second line popped up on the bio-sensor — I was COVID positive! Now look, I know, COVID isn't what it used to be, top of the evening news, or even a brief mention in The Daily Mail, but to some — like me — it is particularly worrisome. At the moment, here in Western Australia, COVID and Flu are on the increase and despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, I am well aware, I suffer more than most.

Laying on my bed, at my Aunts house in Portsmouth, Boris Johnson, The British Prime Minister, gave his address to the nation. We were all told to stay at home, we weren't allowed to go outside, and we had to avoid contact with the most vulnerable people in society. I gently put my mug of Bovril down on my side table and checked my phone. Already, the PM's speech had reached Darrell in Australia, who was completely locked down on the other side of the World. Both of us were trapped in our respective countries, unable to leave, travel and be with one another. After 23 years together, we were finally separated, for reasons beyond our control. At that unhinged moment, in March 2020, I knew things were serious; this was the day the World changed and life went slowly down hill from then — Just look where we are today!

As a key worker, I wasn't afforded the luxury of staying at home. As a supermarket employee, I was part of the thousands of supermarket workers, up and down the country, charged with keeping the food chain going. Without us, people wouldn't be able to eat. We were given a letter to afford us the privilege of walking or driving to work, just in case we were stopped by the police. With the streets of Fratton empty, life, for me at least, carried on relatively normally and for that I was truly grateful.

I contracted COVID-19 for the first time, shortly after lockdown, losing my taste and smell. Because it wasn't on the list of approved Government symptoms, I continued working, doing my bit for the country. As I know now, Anosmia is a symptom of COVID. This was the only symptom I had, and it took several months for my senses to return. I tried everything to get my sense of taste back — chocolate muffins with mustard, chilli and peanut butter — all to no avail! By the time it returned, I was self-isolating with a second bout of the dreaded disease, this time much worse than before.

Working in retail had become hazardous. Having to self-isolate, with symptoms, meant the whole household had to do the same — it truly was a debilitating time. The Government duly paid my wages, at a time when I was forced to remain at home. Darrell kept in close contact, my breathing became laboured, my head was banging and fatigue was the order of the day. These were strange times, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. As my period of self-isolation came to an end, I looked forward to returning to work.

Walking to work once again, I was struck by the Easter posters and advertising in shop windows, still closed in May, nearly a month after Easter had ended and almost two months after lockdown was announced. The streets were still empty, with hardly a soul in sight. Tesco was my saving grace. My colleagues were my family, friends, confidants, and support. This was a period — although dark — that I look back on with fondness. I cemented some truly amazing friendships and met even more amazing people. New colleagues arrived from all over, from different walks of life, all working together to keep the supermarkets open.

As colleagues became ill, other, new colleagues took over, different faces appeared every day. We celebrated national events and milestones together. Shared Birthdays and Christmas as a family and navigated the strange 'new normal,' as Britain grappled with the increasing number of COVID cases, reported daily on the news. The outlook looked bleak, but, we all had each other and became the support each of us needed, in the absence of friends and family.

From lockdowns to furlough, 'Eat Out to Help Out,' local lockdowns, mandatory mask wearing and the resulting cold sores and the bucket loads of sanitiser, cracked bleeding hands and blisters, we got through it all, mostly intact. Of course, each of us knew someone who had lost someone, but in the main, we all survived to tell the tale. These were anxiety inducing times, but they also made us stronger and more able to cope with whatever was thrown our way.

Today there are no nightly statistics, no records of deaths and no news nightly briefings from the Government. In 2025, COVID still exists, as I can testify today, but simply, it is no longer part of the media agenda. As vaccinations and immunity have slowly watered down a virus, that was so dangerous before — and to some, still is today — we have all learnt to look past the worst and remain positive for the future.

Here I am, thousands of miles from home and a lifetime away from the Coronavirus of the early 20s, but I am still suffering from the dreaded virus, just not in the same way. For most, the Pandemic was a lonely time; for me, it was nothing but. Today in Australia I am more lonely now than I ever was during the coronavirus and that is why I am in a reflective mood this week.

To admit you enjoyed the Pandemic years, is the wrong thing to say, but I do long for a time, where all of us were as one, as we were then, and part of something greater. Suffering with COVID today, just makes me remember how different things could have been. I realise just what is important in life — it's friends and family, the memories we share and the times we had together — I miss that, I miss it more than I can say, I miss it with all my heart!

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30th Anniversary Blogs - Bullied for Safeguarding Volunteers!

7/6/2025

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Today's blog is about an important series of events that became the catalyst for my blog, 'Roaming Brit.' Ten years ago, in 2015, along with my husband Darrell, I was a victim of sustained bullying, from people who worked for one of the oldest charities in the World. This period was the most distressing and abusive time in our relationship together. Even today, I still suffer from the effects of a phase, that will forever remain a part of my psyche. I will always carry the burden of torment around with me. It was quite simply an interval, a glitch, that was responsible for a change in our circumstances, that we are still living through today, despite the memories finally fading into the background.

Bullying is something you think only occurs in childhood, but when it happens in your mid-forties, you can't believe what is actually transpiring before your very eyes. Both Darrell and I, were working alongside one another as Managers, for a large NGO on the south coast of England. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our positions, especially working with the volunteers who worked for us. I was always taught, from an early age, to look after and protect the most vulnerable people in society. As a Manager for a charity, it was part of my remit and something I was very aware of, every day I went to work.

You can imagine my horror, when two of Darrell's paid employees, began targeting and abusing a particularly defenseless member of his volunteer team. He naturally asked me for advice. We were both in the same positions at work and as a Manager it is something we had to deal with on rare occasions. I suggested he report it as a safeguarding issue and the HR department would do the rest. I had no reason to expect anything different. Furthermore, I felt sure the organisation would do all it could to protect, the individual concerned — how wrong I was!

Not only did the charity do nothing to support Darrell or the victim, but those responsible started bullying Darrell as a result. From attacks on personal property, to homophobic abuse and attacks at work, the abuse was relentless. Darrell became ill, withdrawn, and his mental health became a source of concern. As someone who had worked for the charity longer than him, I decided to do what I could to help.

Despite doing my best to intervene, I was also dealing with a safeguarding issue at my own place of work, which was also being disregarded by my boss. Later, a former colleague also began to attack me personally, and it appeared on the surface, at least, that both of us were being singled out for protecting others.

With no support from our mutual boss, within a short space of time, we both became ill. We were advised to stay away from work, for our own health and wellbeing. Our mental health was in tatters, as we sought answers as to why nothing was being done to protect us and others. I contacted helplines and organisations who could help. I spoke with my union, ASDAW and anti bullying charities, including 'Solent Mind' based in Southampton. All of them said the same thing, we were being targeted for safeguarding others and as they dug deeper, under the surface, our sexuality was also a factor as well. I can't describe the feeling you get, when you realise you are being mistreated, for just doing the right thing. It hits you head long, like a brick in the face.

For a year we suffered, while still trying to find answers as to why we were being ignored. Despite returning to work for a brief period, in the end, just before our wedding in 2015, we both decided to pack up, sell up and leave the UK for good. Every professional organisation we talked to, said this was the right thing to do. The sociopathic nature of what we endured, would never stop until we made the decision to walk away, from the sinister nature of mistreatment we were dealing with. It took a while, but finally, after talking to family, friends and professionals, we left for a new life in Spain.

My last day at the charity was tinged with sadness, leaving the volunteers behind. We had built up a great rapport over the years, and they were a big part of my life. The Head of HR came in, to try to draw a line under this sorry chapter, and we both spoke candidly about just what had happened. She agreed the way I was treated was a disgrace, but said there wasn't much the charity could do, since its reputation was at stake. Despite knowing just how malevolent and malicious those involved had been towards us and many others, (We weren't the first) there was very little she could do. The primary person responsible was a known bully and abuser, and she had done this many times before.

Our new life in Spain was a breath of fresh air. We had a new, strong and altruistic network of friends and colleagues and an even bigger group of Expats, who helped us begin the transition from turmoil to tranquillity. We were both as happy as we could be and loving every day again on the beautiful Costa Blanca. Smiles returned to both our faces as we finally escaped the pain we left behind.

Despite writing about my experiences as often as I could, answering emails and messages from readers who were also suffering from bullying, we both enjoyed a happy existence in Spain. I received many cries for help over the two years I was living in Gran Alacant, even from those who actually worked at the charity I once held in such high regard. These were the hardest messages to reply to, and I just gave them the advice that was given to me — Never try to beat a sociopath, you will always fail!

Personal tragedy ended our time in Spain all too quickly. While sat surrounded by packing boxes in the lounge of our villa in Puerto Marino, I received an unexpected call. The Charity Commission was investigating the charity I had worked for and wanted to hear my side of the story. I was finally given an opportunity to give mine and Darrell's side of the events that brought us to Spain; it was a vindication of everything we had gone through — finally someone was listening to us.

I never found out the results of the enquiry. However, I finally realised that many others in the UK and further afield, had also suffered at the hands of people who had no place working with vulnerable people. I was made aware that changes would take place. Although nothing could be done to save mine and Darrell's careers, we were helping the commission compile evidence, against people who were distinctly corrupt and disturbing in nature, and for that they were truly grateful.

Since then, I haven't thought about that terrible time in 2015 too much. I do have days when the pain resurfaces, and I do suffer with severe anxiety every day, but my life is so much better now than it ever has been. In a way, the success I enjoy ten years later, is all down to the bullies who gave us such a hard time. So I suppose I should finally take the opportunity to thank them, for affording us the life we enjoy in Australia. So thank you — I hope you are also enjoying the fruits of your labour as well.

During the 30 years we have been together, neither of us have experienced blatant bullying and abuse. As I look back over our years together, it is painful to relive such painful experiences, but it was a time that made us stronger as a couple and more aware of the ugly nature of people. Not everyone in your life is good for you, and it really is up to you to kick them into the long grass and carry on living your best life. They were terribly soul-destroying months in 2015, but without them, we wouldn't be where we are today, and for that, fate gave us a second chance and a reason to exist again.

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A Tale of Four Countries!

30/5/2025

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Today, as part of a series of blogs, celebrating mine and Darrell 30 years together, I am writing about the attachment we both have, to various adopted homes across the World. Darrell and I have done a lot of travelling since we met in 1995 and have lived in a good few places, both in the UK and further afield. You won't be surprised to hear, we have built many emotional attachments to various countries, during our 30-year relationship. We have lived in the UK, Spain and Australia and even brought a house in France. We were both born to travel, and that will never change, no matter where we are in the World.

Currently based in Australia, I think it's safe to say we both yearn for Europe. When we bought our house in France, back in the early 2000s, we both had a dream to live on the continent. Buying a small stone cottage, in the village of Le Lande St Simeon, in Swiss Normandy, meant we finally had a foothold in Europe. Of course back then, we had no idea where we really wanted to be, so bought our house, site unseen, in the hope it would become our forever home. At the time, thousands of Brits were buying up property, especially in France, and we didn't want to miss the bus, so to speak. A small house in France, was a big step on our journey together and the beginning of a love affair, that is still very much alive today.

2000 - 2004 was a productive time for both of us, running our own business in Salisbury. Our time was valuable, and although we travelled to France once a month, our commitments prevented us from taking our French dream any further. Instead, we bought a holiday home up north in the UK and another house to rent out, not too far from our new home in Lancashire. Eventually, we made the difficult decision to sell the French house and concentrate on setting up our life together in the UK. Despite this, our European dream was still there and both of us longed for a new life away from Britain.

Nearly fifteen years after we bought our house in France, we finally realised our dream once again. After our marriage in 2015, we packed our bags and left the UK, heading to Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca and a new adventure in Alicante. This was a place we could finally call home, and we both fell in love with this little urbanization, just fifteen minutes from Alicante Airport. We had finally found somewhere we both loved and began planning for a future in Spain. Of course, it had its ups and downs, but this was what we both wanted and were determined to make this new journey work for the both of us!

Unforeseen circumstances changed our whole outlook on Spain, just a few months after we arrived. Although we loved everything about our life in Gran Alacant, it just wasn't to be. When I look back now, I am sad we didn't fight harder to stay. At the point we both finally felt settled, both our respective parents fell ill, Brexit became law, and worst of all, the Pandemic hit the World. We probably could have fought harder, but it wasn't a battle either of us were prepared to undertake. After a little over two years, we left — Darrell to Australia and me back to The UK.

My time back in Portsmouth with family was special. I made so many good friends in the four years I lived there, and that's all that mattered. It didn't end well family wise, but the lifelong relationships with people I worked with, has become a great source of comfort living in Australia. We really did make some fabulous memories to take with us, and I will always look back at my time working at Tesco, with immense fondness. Of all the companies I have worked for, over the years in the UK, Tesco has been the best, without exception. At my time of life, it is important to have memories and a sense of satisfaction. Money is no longer critical and my time living back home in Pompey, showed me how valuable friends are!

When Darrell returned from Australia, after his Mother's condition became manageable, we both planned to settle down in The UK once again. We both had jobs we loved, working with people we adored, and at the time, were extremely content with the family bonds we had. I say had, because that changed in the blink of an eye, our fate literally changed overnight; a row between us and my Cousins got out of control and Darrell and I made the decision, to leave the UK for good.

My family, no matter how much I love them, have always been rather fractured; that is true on my paternal and maternal side. It was no surprise when boiling tensions came to a head one evening at my Aunts house. I felt rejected and cast aside, but that is the nature of my family. One minute your face fits, the next it doesn't. I was never truly allowed to have an opinion living at my Aunts, and Darrell and I never really had the privacy we needed. So in many respects what transpired was good and forced us to finally make the decision to move to Australia, no matter how reluctant I had been, to move here over the years.

Mine and Darrell's life has always been a rollercoaster ride. We have had great productive periods, like when we lived and ran a business and Salisbury, but in the main it has never been stable. When you marry someone from a different continent, life will never be the easy ride your peers enjoy, although they may of course disagree.

Having lived in Australia for three years now, we are finally doing the best we ever have and achieving everything we have ever wanted. We bought a new house and car, we both have fantastic jobs we love, and we can afford to travel whenever we want. In Western Australia, we don't want for anything. If we had moved here years ago, I think both our lives would be very different today, but we didn't, and we struggled as a result.

Despite the success we now enjoy, neither of us are fully content with our life down under. People here are not as welcoming as those in Spain or The UK, and although we have a very close network of friends, who we value immensely, we don't have the integrated structure we had living in Europe. That does make for a very lonely existence if I am perfectly honest, and both of us really do look back at our previous life with envy.

We are well aware of where we are better off, however. For the next ten years at least, we will be living here, working hard to pay the bills, accumulating enough money for the next stage of our adventures. In retirement, we will probably not be living in Australia. It seems likely we will rent out our house here in WA and live a more frugal existence in Asia. Initially Spain would have been top of our list once again, but with uncertainty on the continent and geopolitics playing its part, I think we would prefer a more balanced, anchored life, in Thailand or Vietnam.

We will have many more options available, once the house is paid off, and until then we will just continue to strive for a better retirement. Neither of us knows what will happen down the road, but we can at least plan for every eventuality. We will never be multi-millionaires or indeed well off, but we will always be able to survive in circumstances, where others would simply fail. This journey has taught us much about the meaning of life and at 54 years old, it isn't over yet. Despite everything, despite the way we feel and despite the challenges ahead, both of us are looking forward to a productive future and the beginning of the final chapter in our partnership together!

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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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!