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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 have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Clayborne's World - A Trip Over The Atlantic!

10/9/2020

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Clayborne has returned to Britain after his short trip to Los Angeles. Despite not being able to go away myself, I have been following my little travel companions adventures in the United States instead. A big thank you to the Virgin Atlantic crew for taking good care of him on his journey, especially Lucy, who I work with at Tesco.

Lucy was on her first repatriation flight and returned safely to London this week. By all accounts Clayborne thoroughly enjoyed his brief time away. It looks like he may well be travelling again very soon also. Lucy will be flying to different parts of the globe continuing to bring people back home to Britain and it will be nice for Clayborne to fly with her, helping to document her journey during this strange time, in the history of the World.

Until Darrell and I are able to travel, as we always used to, it is quite fitting that Clayborne is able to take on that mantle during the interim, flying to places that are on my bucket list. I look forward to the day, when I am able to step on a plane once again and start where I left off in 2019. I am of course counting down the hours when I can see Darrell again, but I am also yearning to continue my journey around the World. I have rarely stayed in the UK for this length of time, without holidaying abroad at least once, so my feet are itching more than they ever have.

Once again thanks to everyone at Virgin Atlantic, Captain, crew and Lucy for allowing me to at leat 'feel' I am there with you all. I look forward to Clayborne's next adventure to Lagos and Delhi!

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Clayborne - Off To Los Angeles!

30/8/2020

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Clayborne, the Cancer Research Teddy is off to America next week, more precisely Los Angeles. It has been a while since I last travelled, so it was only right to let this little bear go off on an adventure of his own.

During this pandemic, I have seen many new colleagues come and go at work, as furloughed staff join our ever-growing numbers at such a difficult time. One such person is Lucy, who was a member of the cabin crew for a well known airline. I have got to know this fantastic lady well over the months she has worked with us and like everyone who has joined the team, she has become a much loved, valued and respected member of staff. Without people like Lucy, the darkest days of the pandemic would have been even more difficult to bear and it is a credit to everyone who helped to keep Britain fed, that all of us managed to get through relatively unscathed.

This coming week Lucy will be taking to the air once again, as she joins the airline, flying to Los Angeles in order to help repatriate British tourists returning home, not the easiest of jobs it has to be said under the circumstances, but all part of the new normal we are currently living through.

Luckily for Clayborne, Lucy suggested taking him with her on her journey, photographing his time in the United States for Cancer Research and Roaming Brit. Suitcase packed, mask suitably attired, Clayborne is off, and I look forward to seeing the photographs, as I know all of you do also. A big thank you to Lucy for taking him along and best wishes for a speedy journey and safe return.


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Clayborne Embraces The 'New Normal!'

20/7/2020

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From the 24th July all of us will be required to wear masks in confined spaces, like shops. We already have to wear them on public transport and this was a natural next step in the fight against Coronavirus. In my opinion this should have been done four months ago, but we are where we are, and just have to make the best of this terrible situation we find ourselves in.

At Cancer Research we are also getting ready for the big day and Clayborne the Cancer Research Teddy, has also been given a new mask, made by our very own Anita, who also volunteers for the charity. 2020, the year that never was, should have been a busy period for Clayborne, travelling to Japan and Thailand, and like all of us, he is feeling the strain, looking forward to his next trip abroad. In the meantime he is venturing out and about around Portsmouth with me when we can.

Remember to wear your masks from Friday and help protect shop staff like me, during this crucial phase of the pandemic. Without your support we couldn't continue doing the job we do, making money for cancer research; we look forward to welcoming you on your next visit, sporting your new mask of course!

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Well that's the end of the public information advert. I had a particularly successful day at the shop today, sorting out the electrical department, which was looking rather tired.

We managed to make £260.00 last week on electrical items, (£2600 overall) a great total after four months of lock down and I want to continue this growing trend. This is my section, so I only have a few hours to stock up; still I think it's looking great for the days ahead. Whatever you are doing this week, have a good one!

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Cancer Research Returns!

6/7/2020

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Cancer Research reopened today, after closing its doors nearly four months ago, just before the pandemic took hold in the UK. I will be returning to my voluntary job next week, but wanted to pop into the shop today, to see what measures are in place when I finally start on Monday morning. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised  at how organised everything was. By their very nature, charity shops, create the feeling of cluttered disorder, so working in such an environment will be yet another challenge to overcome in the age of COVID.

I stayed for about an hour chatting to Zerina and Sam, as they navigated this new World, which remains alien to them on their first working day. Of course, having worked for Tesco for the last four months during the height of the virus, I am well-used to the social distancing measures in place to protect staff and customers; Cancer Research have done well to get everything ready and in place for the reawakening today.

It was great sat talking with Zerina once again, having only spoken to her on the phone; I have always enjoyed her company and as with the Newcome on Saturday, it felt like I had never been away. She was her usual jovial self  and realistic about the difficulties ahead. My biggest concern is accepting donations from the public and what procedures are in place to limit exposure to any potential danger. By next Monday, I will be working in three front facing, customer orientated roles and that leaves me at a higher risk than most, so anything that can be done to protect me at this time is important. I am a natural worrier who suffers with anxiety, so reassurance and peace of mind are mandatory to my sense of well-being!

All donations will be stored for 72 hours before being displayed in the shop, in case of any contamination. There are of course gloves, masks and visors, should I need them and like most other establishments, a one way system is in place. I feel confident enough to return and once again next week and want to play my part at this crucial time. Too much Cancer research has been put on hold and with a lack of income, charities have suffered more than most, so as someone who has volunteered for many years, I feel it is right to continue to help raise funds, for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I would like to wish everyone at the shop the best of luck for the future, and look forward to playing a small role in the perpetual success of this friendly shop, at a time when the World needs all the help it can get!

Stay safe everyone!

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Clayborne's World - Cancer Research Teddy In All The Best Places...Spoon, World Buffet!

6/2/2020

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Hi everyone, I'm Clayborne the Cancer Research Teddy! Last Thursday I accompanied the crew of Cancer Research, Commercial Road on their dinner date at Spoon, World Buffet. I have travelled all over the World, so it was fitting that I could also attend this evening with everyone at this new Portsmouth venue. I had a fabulous time, like everyone who went and am looking forward to my next adventure, at home or abroad!
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Clayborne's World - Cancer Research Teddy, In All The Best Places ... Jersey!

18/11/2019

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Jersey, Channel islands:
5 - 7 November 2019

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Clayborne - Cancer Research Teddy In All The Best Places ... Yan Woo, Portsmouth, Celebrating Our Glorious Leaders Birthday!

14/10/2019

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Yan Woo, Portsmouth:
14 October 2019

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Claybornes World - Cancer Research Teddy In All The Best Places ... Asia 2019!

17/5/2019

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Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea and cambodia:
29 April 2019 - 17 May 2019!

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    Author

    48-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my home town of Portsmouth on the south coast of England!

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  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
    • Three Months
    • Six Months
    • One Year
    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
      • No Wives Club
  • About
    • New Life
    • Wedding
    • 21 Years
    • Timeline
    • My Story
    • Australia 2016/17
  • Guest Bloggers
    • Penelope Wren
    • Debra Rufini
    • Claire Coe
    • Richard Guy
    • Optimistic Mummy
    • Julie Rawlinson
    • Letters Of Hope
  • Links
  • Contact
  • My Writing
    • Short Stories From My Youth
    • Verruca Almond
    • The Streets