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Original poster

moving to London!!

51 replies

JJ · 27/08/2004 18:17

We're moving back to London sometime in the next three months.

Whoo hoooo!

OP posts:
SueW · 27/08/2004 23:18

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

Original poster
JJ · 29/08/2004 17:59

Thanks Sue. I'm very nervous about things like that at the moment. Before it was all done by the company (expat package), but we'll be local now. That's a definite benefit for us, as we want to become naturalize, but it has its own worries, too.

It turns out that buying a house would be a gamble, it seems. If the USD gets weaker relative to the GBP, we'd be taxed the money "gained" on the value of the house in USD. So we'll probably rent. Darn! I had seen some nice houses, too.

Jennifersofia, is that where you live? Thanks for the inside info!

We had some of my husband's colleagues over last night and told them. So it's real and known now...

Tomorrow I have to ring a friend of mine and apologize for not telling her the truth for the past couple of weeks. She'll understand, but probably feel bad about it. I do too.

(See I'm not too old to learn new tricks! )

OP posts:
motherinferior · 29/08/2004 18:02

Hurrah. And if you do come sarf, there are many and various lovely MNers to meet here

Original poster
JJ · 29/08/2004 18:09

Whereabouts sarf are you?

I have a feeling the school we choose will determine where we live. Any helpful hints on that front? I need a private school that has a place available for a 6 year old and also has a sibling policy. The Pointer School head sent me a lovely note saying that they could probably accomodate my son. Is that a good school?

This is the most stressful move I've ever made in my entire life!

OP posts:
lou33 · 29/08/2004 18:13

JJ, have you looked here?

Twiglett · 29/08/2004 18:16

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Original poster
JJ · 29/08/2004 18:36

Lou, that looks perfect. I've been in contact with Gabbitas and they've been helpful, also. The consultancy bit of ISCis looks like it's exactly what we need.

Twiglett, you live near Alleyn's, right? (I might be misremembering..) I contacted them last Spring (for Fall 2005) based on your recommendation and they're very nice. I contacted them a couple of weeks ago, but haven't heard back (school hols, I'm figuring). I'm going to ring them and Gatehouse tomorrow. It looks lovely.

So.. off to look at houses in Dulwich!

OP posts:
Twiglett · 29/08/2004 18:40

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Twiglett · 29/08/2004 18:43

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Original poster
JJ · 29/08/2004 18:45

Oohh, that sounds gorgeous, but I think we're going to rent. Thank you, though!

Does it have a garden? The garden can be a mess, but needs to be big enough for a play area.

argh, I'm not asking about it, really...

Could my husband take public transport to Canary Wharf in under 45 minutes? We only ever have one car.

OP posts:
lou33 · 29/08/2004 18:53

London underground map . Greenwich to Canary Wharf looks v close.

Twiglett · 29/08/2004 18:57

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Twiglett · 29/08/2004 18:58

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tigermoth · 30/08/2004 07:49

oh jj, how exciting that you plan to join us South Londoners

FYI I lived in Central Greenwich for 10 years ( and now live a 15 minutes drive away). I know people who sent their children to the Pointer School and it's got a good reputation. I believe there are some small private pre preps in Blackheath too, but don't know much about them. There's a very popular montessori nursery at Blackheath.

Do you know Greenwich/Blackheath at all? there are lots of lovely houses. I am sure you would find something beautiful to rent. There is lots of green space, too - not just the big parks. As you approach it from central london, the contrast is striking. It's much more 'green' and woody than the built up areas you are leaving. I don't know how it compares with over the river, but for me this is a definite plus.

I now work for the local council. If you want any general info on the borough I'll do my best to help.

Blu · 31/08/2004 12:24

Herne Hill? V close to the Dulwich schools, Thameslink line with good interchanges for Canary Wharf, brilliant park over the road? Newly trendy. Lots of children's activities, good deli, cafes etc.

Original poster
JJ · 25/09/2004 14:20

Just to finish up this thread and because I know you were all sitting on edge wondering...

We've found a school and a house to rent in Hackney near Victoria Park. The boys and I will move out of here on 12 Oct, spend a couple of weeks in the US and then head to London on 26 Oct. My eldest will start school on 1 Nov. YAY!!!!

Thanks again for all the advice.

OP posts:
moomina · 25/09/2004 14:25

Oh JJ, how exciting! Glad you took my advice and went for Victoria Park after all

I'm sure you will love it. There is so much to do around there. The park is so lovely and it's all very child-friendly. Ds was only a few months old when I left but do feel free to CAT me if you want any advice or tips on the area - I might be able to help.

JoolsToo · 25/09/2004 14:54

You'd rather be in London than Switzerland? No offence to Londoners but if there's one place I wouldn't want to be ......

hoxtonchick · 25/09/2004 15:08

JJ, I'm so pleased you're moving to Victoria Park. And so soon too. Good choice of area. We should have an east London MN meet up to welcome you.

Original poster
JJ · 25/09/2004 20:42

hoxtonchick, that sounds great.

Can't wait to move. Switzerland is lovely, but not really for me. I'm sick of the expat lifestyle it's very wearing but haven't been able (and don't think I would be able) to blend in here.

OP posts:
soapbox · 25/09/2004 21:20

JJ - I never really warmed to Pointers. Can't put my finger on it exactly, but is was a bit cold feeling and the Headmaster was a bit much IMO - although I think because it is not one of the 'preferred schools' of the Blackheath mummies it is easier to get into.

The schools that do get very good ratings in the area are Blackheath Prep and nursery, Colfes and Eltham College.

You would be very well located either in Greenwich or in Blackheath/Lewisham borders. You could then hop on the DLR at Lewisham and be at Canary Wharf in about 15 mins.

Blackheath is lovely...

soapbox · 25/09/2004 21:22

Oh BTW - all of my NCT class who were in Bow, Isle of Dogs and Poplar have all moved south to Greenwich and Blackheath over the last couple of years. The complete lack of decent schools being the one and only reason

unicorn · 25/09/2004 22:03

jj - really pleased for you, must meet up on a MN meet up sometime!
Have a great time in London!

tigermoth · 26/09/2004 11:53

glad you've made a decision jj! hope you get to some london meetups soon. There's a christmas party (with kids) being organised at the lovely Coram's Fields playground on 18 December, in case you have missed the thread.

Davros · 26/09/2004 12:14

Well Joolstoo, some people "get it" and some people don't Of course its not for everyone but there are a LOT of us who love it here and get a lot out of it