In 1948 my Grandmother got on a boat from London and 6 weeks later she arrived in Sydney.
She was 21 and had been preparing for a life in politics when she found herself instead, living in Newcastle, NSW. She married my Grandfather and they started a poultry farm together. Instead of lunches at the houses of Lords she was spending her days getting familiar with farming chickens and raising two children. After they sold their farm, she opened up a dress shop in the main street of Wallsend and operated that for 8 years.
63 years later, it’s thanks to her that my husband and I are about to pack up our life and move to London. Our visa was approved today. We’re officially moving to London. O.M.G.
SHOP HERE
May 4, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Great story Clare!
My grandfather also came over from England in the early 50s, met my Nana and I am the first of their 16 grandchildren. Quite a few of us have spent some time living and working in the UK. I hope you really enjoy it and it opens up some fabulous opportunities for you both.
Best wishes,
Monique.
May 4, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Wow Monique – 16 grandchildren! Thanks very much – am very excited to see how it all turns out.
May 4, 2011 at 8:55 pm
What a fabulous adventure for you, congratulations!
May 4, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Thanks Mandy!
May 4, 2011 at 9:30 pm
So very envious of your adventure, I spent the usual coming of age 2 years in the Uk, on a working visa, unfortunately I have no EU born ancestry, so alas this will most likely be my only overseas living experience. I wish you both a fruitful and successful adventure full of fabulous fun times, K x
May 4, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Fantastic! How exciting! We came to Perth from London 2.5 years ago and the journey has been amazing.
Although I can’t claim the dynasty you mention here, my parents were signed up as £10 Poms in the 60′s but found out they were expecting me so didn’t come! I think I was meant to be here …
And I’m sure you’ll have a ball over there. Congratulations
May 5, 2011 at 8:01 am
It will be amazing Clare. I’m so happy for you. No matter how successful the move is (however you want to measure success), it will be an incredible experience, challenge and memory (assuming you come back!).
I was reminded last night of what a big deal it is to move cities and especially countries when hubby came home from work with an idea which involves relocating. I surprised myself with how quickly I shot it down, but I’m loving feeling so settled with the kids happy in childcare, me starting my little biz, hubby in a good job, lovely friends, etc, etc. It is an admirable thing to uproot oneself and reinvent your life, but I’m sure you will find much joy to compensate for the inevitable stress.
Congratulations!
May 5, 2011 at 8:07 am
Thanks Kirralee – it’s funny, I was just starting to enjoy feeling settled too but you just never know I guess!
May 5, 2011 at 8:10 am
Clare
London will be very lucky to have you as a member. Wish you safe travels!
borders4walls.com
May 5, 2011 at 8:56 am
Thanks Fran!
May 5, 2011 at 10:49 am
Wow – Such exciting news for you both. Can’t wait to hear all the details and we wish you the best of luck.
Great pictures of our grandparents!
May 5, 2011 at 11:11 am
Thanks Bec – aren’t they great. Ben scanned them – will tell Elizabeth now!
May 5, 2011 at 9:14 pm
It will be a great adventure for you and Eddie, Clare i hope you both enjoy it very much. Best of luck Clare / Eddie
May 8, 2011 at 10:39 pm
I’m so excited for you Clare! Congratulations on your new site design and your upcoming new adventures in London. Exciting times ahead!
May 9, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Thanks Justine! It’s all happening! Will be in touch to give you the updated link to your feature soon too.