[jo b]

Just an update for you guys.

Police checks sent off Dec 20th takes upto 40 days to get them back. Unless they find anything untoward :hopeso :booby

Appointment with meds on 27th Jan :eek earliest I could get.
Recommended by Diny :nice1 Thanks Diny.

In the meantime we can start getting all our other paperwork ready i.e. full birth certs etc.
Hope to send off in Feb so we can get it bakc for our holiday/job hunt to NZ in March. Hopefully we will get our passports back by then :hopeso

Cheers everyone.

Jo :cheers

[Bubbles]

Hi Jo
pretty much the same as me. Medicals on the 28th Jan, police checks sent off on the 16th Dec. Just waiting around again.

Hey Ho !

HAPPY CHRISTMAS and GOOD LUCK

John

[markkellaway]

Jo,

We are also going to the clinic recommended by Diny, do you think she is on comission? ;) :laugh :laugh

Mark. :P

[Diny]

Oh sorry - didn't I mention that Mum and Dad are doctors in Birmingham?

I wish !!!!!!!

Just can't believe some of the prices that folks on this forum have been quoted for their medicals. I reckon that the place in B-ham is one of the cheapest. It's all under one roof too so it all gets done in one fell swoop. I saw Dr Hamilton - a really nice bloke - who was so excited to speak to us as he'd just booked his holiday .... 4 weeks touring NZ in a camper van. I think he went in November so if any of you get to see him, be prepared to 'talk shop'.

Jo, Mark, Rimbo ... and any others going to that clinic for a medical, you'll be passing within 10 minutes of our house (just off jct 12 of M6) so send us a PM and if we're in there'll be a cup of coffee and a butty with your name on it.

Good luck ........ and remember to write your name on the polystyrene cup before you use it ..... ?????????? It will all become clear on the day.

Diny

[jo b]

Diny

how long does it take for the meds etc. to come throrguh or sent to wherever??

I can pick your brains next week (if they're not pickled) :laugh

That Buttie would be very welcoming.

jo

[lindajax]

Hey Jo,
You'll be there before you know it the rate your going - I am so pleased its all coming together for you and everyone else at your stage!!!!

Love Linda xxx

[Diny]

Jo

Brown bread or white?

Our meds took about 10 days all up. They send away the blood tests and hold all the paperwork at the medical centre until the results come back. I had a slight hitch with mine as Dr Hamilton was away for a few days when my blood tests arrived back at the clinic, so I had to wait for him to return before everything could be signed off. Without this hitch I reckon they would have been returned to me within 8 days-ish.

You can either collect them (which I doubt is an option for you guys) or you can pay a nominal fee and get them sent back to you by recorded delivery.

The lady who did my x-ray was a real nice old bird, very 'mumsy', talked me through the entire process (which is nothing more than taking your top off and having a photo taken .... way hey). She even passed comment on how pretty she thought my bra was ......... now that's what I call a bedside manner.

Diny

[jo b]

Police checks came back today phew.


All clear :nice1

That was very quick must be all the police staff clambouring for OT at Xmas :laugh


Jo

[Diny]

So the 50 quid note you put in the envelope did the trick then ;)

Diny

[jo b]

Yeah and the bottle of whiskey ;)

jo

[markkellaway]

Just noticed Diny's comment about the polystyrene cup, and to think I was nervous about coughing!!! :laugh :laugh :laugh

Hope the timing is as quick for us, could be looking at getting the application in way before the end of January!! :clap

Now it's all getting very real, very exciting, and about to get just a little expensive!

Cheers everyone,

Mark. :P

[Diny]

You'll be fine Mark - I just hope yo have a good aim !!! ;)

[markkellaway]

Are we talking front or back here? :uhoh One I can manage, the other, well....... :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso

Mark. :P

[jo b]

Well,

just thought I would update you all, I hope you are not bored by this.
We had our meds today (good luck for tomorrow Bubbles).

The kids were excited at the concept of peeing in a cup. You would think they never get let out :eek

Anyway all went well we just have to wait for the Xray results and it all should come back in 14 days by which time we should have gathered everything together.

We go on holiday to NZ in 6 weeks so I don't hold out for the passports coming back in time with PR stamped in so I might have to chase them for the passports before we go.

Good luck to everyone else.

Jo

[jo b]

Oh and BTW

Diny provided a loverly lunch :nice1

thanks Diny

Jo

[Bubbles]

Thanks Jo
All six of us today. We start at 2:00pm. I hope the docs had a good lunch, he could be working late. :nice1

John

[shagen]

When are you heading to NZ Jo? And where will you be?

We are off to Chch on March 13!

Shagen & Vera

[Diny]

You're welcome Jo.

Next time I'll make sure I have more TUC biscuits so you and PB don't have to fight over them.

Diny

[jo b]

Well,
everything is spread out all over the lounge floor for our ITA.
It will be ready to be sent on Friday, although we will need our passports back quickly for our holiday, I doubt they will come back with PR stamped in them but we need to apply as the 4 months is up whilst we are away.

Ian is starting to apply for jobs and my mind is just racing with business ideas a plenty.

Only 3 and a half weeks to our hols. Fingers crossed that we come back on 20th April with jobs.

Kids are excited about the holiday but if you have read about my daughter she not best chuffed about living there at the mo. Kurtis just wants to live there now.
I think the sleepless night are starting or it's just my heavy cold that I can't shift.

I can't stop thinking about my family who I will be leaving behind, is this normal I wonder?


Thanks for listening

Jo

[jan]

Good luck Jo,

As countless people keep saying to me ` You wouldn't be human if you didn't have any anxieties` true??? :yes :yes :yes

You are about to embark on the biggest dream you have ever had.

Go for it girl. Why not?

Your great for listening and give good advice too, you won't go wrong.

Hope the passports come back :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso

We go to Prague next week :cheers :cheers :cheers :cheers so deffo not sending mine off till we get back.


Jan xx

[Jo and Andy]

Just started on mine,

Andy is going to start ringing his previous employers for letters, I might even write to the Inland Revenue to see if they can do a letter as two of the company's went bust or were sold, after Andy left. Well they just couldn't do without him :laugh :laugh

The medicals and police letters have a shelf life of 3 months, right, but is that in relation to the ITA or PR. Sorry to ask, as I feel a bit stupid.

Good luck for your hols both of you and Jo don't worry it is normal to feel worried, I do, and I think I am pretty normal :mrgreen:
Enjoy your holiday
Bye

[veronica]

think you wil find the police files have a shelf life of 6 months. the medicals 3.

[Moorf]

Yep V, although the Xrays have a shelf life of 1 year :nice1 don't be duped into gettting the xrays done again.. many docs here don't even know that they don't need to be re-done within the year :?

[Nicola]

Well,
everything is spread out all over the lounge floor for our ITA.

Jo

Snap Jo, I did the exact same thing and our ITA is in the post as I type. Have already checked the NZIS site, even though only a couple of hours since I posted the thing off.

Good luck with yours. :nice1

Nic

[AliJax]

More words of encouragement here Jo & Ian.

I can remember milestones like the one your in atm, and it is exciting and also rewarding when you've finally made your dreams come true and made your own destiny.

:cheers This buds for you two - and the kids, they get a fizzy pop.

[Diny]

Hey Jo .... just had this wicked thought:

All your ITA stuff laid out on sitting room floor, can you imagine if a spark jumped out of the fire while you were out of the room getting a coffee.

WHOOSH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:eek :eek :eek :eek :eek :eek

You'll be right mate - get it posted and you'll be away before you know it.

Diny

[kiwidebs]

Jo, whereabouts are you heading on your hols in NZ (and yes, I realise NZ, but anywhere in particular)? And good luck with the ITA submission. Look forward to hearing about your travels to the deep South!!

Debs

[Babette & Andy]

Wow Jo, things are now really starting to happen for you guys!! Did you manage to send the ITA, if so what did you do afterwards - crack open a bottle or collapse on the sofa and stare into space :? :clap :eek :nice1
Not long till your hols now, hope you hear from NZIS soon and you never know you may have the longed for 'gold' in your passports before you go :hopeso
Have a good weekend.
Babette

[jo b]

Well,

I posted ITA yesterday. So now we can walk in the lounge rather than circum navigate it.

Babette no we didn't crack open a bottle as I have been really poorly with a cough (think it's gone on my chest). I feel rather lousy at the mo.
I contacted the case officer immediatly to tell her that we will need our passports back, she said "have you put that in your cover letter" :no . I was in London this week and left all that to my better half :uhoh ."No problems though" she said "just email me with the details."

her reply by email was "Don't forget to return them so we can stamp your passports :nice1 positive vibes eh!!

Ian is now surfing the net applying for jobs, so that will dictate where we live.

Just in case anyone is remotely interested our plans are roughly as follows.

!4th Mar fly Man-Sin stopover at Sin

19th Mar arr in Chc
(meet some forum memebers maybe for a few beers) :cheers
22 Mar drive up to Bleinhiem stopping on the way at beach or Hamner springs.


23/24th Mar Picton boat to Welly (meet Carol with Star bars and any other members in Welly if they are interested) :cheers

26th Mar head up to Palmy meet Sandra
26/27th Mar head to Dannevirke to meet our mates from Wigan.
27th/28th MAr Napier
30th Mar Taupo
1st Apr Rotorua
2nd April Tauranga

Then we will be based in Tauranga but travel about i.e. meet Ali and Linda in Akl etc.

!4th Apr fly home again via Sin with stopover

Well it's only rough as it depends on interviews for Ian.

If anyone knows anyone in the electricity supply industry please give us a shout.

Jo

[Diny]

Jo

Regarding your above itinery..........

I hate you !!!!!!!!

:laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

Diny

[AliJax]

Jo, you say in your update that you are coming to see us, well that'll be great.



You we're asking for contact details in the electrical supply industry I've used this website through work as I need to get new supplies from time to time and this website has the contact details of all the NATIONAL supply agencies. I think Ian will find this to be really useful and I hope will lighten your burden for getting interviews.


http://www.electricity.org.nz/

[Dave & Sandra]

Jo

Glad you picked a Saturday for us as I'm a working girl now. See ya soon.

[Suzy Rimbo]

Hey Jo

It all sound's very exciting' I bet you can't wait. :cool :nice1

I have just been checking out your arrival dates to see if you and rimbo cross, but at the moment he leave's Auckland on the 21st March (unless of course he's lucky with a job).

The lead Ali as given you looks promising :hopeso

I'm sure you'll both knock um dead when you get there, don't forget to keep us up to date on your travels, and keep Ian away from that Manchester street :P

Sorry we won't see you at the next meet, maybe we should do lunch one day before you go.

Suzy

[Rimbo]

We can't afford for you to do lunch :mrgreen:
Invite them for a sandwich :laugh

John
xx

[jo b]

I've been telling lies. :wah

We actually arrive in NZ on the 17th March. I keep doing this thining we get there on the 19th but that is when we land back in the UK.

So pull the dates forward by a day or 2. Sorry Sandra it maybe be a Thursday when we get to you :(

Sorry guys

I actually did this when I asked for a quote for a campervan (I don't know why I am admitting this). I said could I have a quote from 17th March to 19th MArch. We would have to set off back before we got there :oops:

Jo

[shagen]

Jo,

So you will be in Chch on 17th?

We will be in Chch from 16 - 19 March. We woudl love to catch up with you for a drink or two. We will be meeting some of the forum members in Welly and Chch during our week long recce trip.

Cheers,
Shagen

[jo b]

Well, I just thought I would update you all.

Ian so far has 7 interviews lined up, some formal, some informal so fingers crossed.

they are in New Plymouth, Levin, Dannevirke, Hastings, Whakatane, Auckland :no x 2.

Ian has just had his telephone interview this morning with Jenny from NZIS and we should know today :eek .

She siad it will either be a workpermit for 2 years as we haven't got employment yet or Perm Residency, and we will know today :eek. So our plan mapped out really so that we would have something to show prospective employers that we are commited to going i.e residency. It all seems so real now, I am starting to get soppy now over family already.

Only 6 more days to go to our holiday.
:cool
Jo

[Diny]

Fingers crossed for the news you get later today & interviews too ...... brilliant !!!!

Will give you a yell before you leave, but let us know what you hear from NZIS.

Catch you later.

Diny x

[Suzy Rimbo]

Weh hey Jo & Ian.

This is brillient news, :nice1
Oh my goodness 7 interviews wow, I'm so happy for you all :P
Do the parent know yet :eek

New Plymouth is were we are goin to live, we may be neighbours :cool

I hope you get the results you want today :hopeso

Good luck and enjoy yourselfs, PM John and arrange a meet in New Plymouth as it dosn't look like he may be comin home.

Suzy

XX

[Kim39]

Jo/Ian,

Just like to add my good wishes too,and also enjoy that wonderful holiday.

You have to keep us updated on your travels too.

Kim

[Moorf]

Yay Jo - great news! Can't wait to meet you all in a week and a bits time!! NOT LONG NOW! :nice1

Moorf

[jo b]

Oh My God

No I've not heard from NZIS But I have just got the job I applied for in Feb and it is a Salary increase, my new boss is brilliant and he says he has me in line for Senior Campaign planning manager over the North of England within the next 3-6 motnhs and said I have an excellent career ahead of me. :oops: Thing is he doesn't know yet and I love this job too but I love my family more.

jo

[Diny]

It's like waiting ages for a bus then 2 come along at once.

Can just imagine what it's like in your house tonight !!!.

Keep us posted.

Diny

[AliJax]

I bet thats a load off...just over a week now you guys, I'll have the BBQ ready for you when your in Auckland.

And we'll make a day/night of it with Terry & Sophie, & Nick & Sue

You have our number call when you've a spare minute.

[lindajax]

Can I second that invite :cheers
- Jo I'm sorry I've been a bit lacking in the contact dept lately been a bit hassled to say the least will make it up to you and yours when you get to Auckland.

Mega chuffed for you with Ians interviews 7 must be a record eh!
The job thing for you - doesn't it just always happen like that!

Hoping to see you soon

Love
Linda xx

[shagen]

I know how it feels like Jo, when you have made up your mind but can't tell yet! Am in the same boat as you!

Let us know how the NZIS interview went!

Hope it is PR! :hopeso

Shagen

[Carol]

23/24th Mar Picton boat to Welly (meet Carol with Star bars and any other members in Welly if they are interested) :cheers


Jo


oh my goodness....not long now!!!!!!



Do you need a place to stay in Welly Jo??
C
x

[jo b]

Well guys

WE HAVE PR.

That is a weight off our minds. I knew yesterday but had a cracker of a migraine so didn't post.

Carol thanks for the offer of arranging accomodation but we have campervans.

Have campervan will travel..

It seems surreal now I phoned my best mates yesterday and they can't believe it. Mind you neither can we.

See you all in NZ guys :cheers

Jo

[Carol]

wahoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!



wine corks will pop!
:cheers :cheers :cheers :cheers :cheers

[Suzy Rimbo]

WHeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Go Girl, Go Girl,


Jo That is great news for you and your family,

I wish you all a fab holiday and happy hunting for your new home.

I will speak to you when you get back, Take care all of you.

Love

Sue
X X

[Nicola]

Congrats Jo and enjoy the trip :clap :clap :cheers

[Moorf]

WOOHOOOOO CONGRATS JO B AND FAMILY

:cheers :cheers :cheers :cheers :cheers

[kiwidollie]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Have a fabulous trip.

Don't you just love it when things go well....

Look forward to hearing about all the great things you going to be doing.

x

:nice1

[Diny]

Absolutely Brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the club.

Diny

[Kim39]

Ay up lass, good on ya.......congratulations :nice1 :cheers our little NW club is slowly starting to diminish. But this is what its is all about. Well done Jo/Ian. Just go out and enjoy your exploring now with no worries.

Kim

[Babette & Andy]

Go for it guys - what brilliant timing to be able to show your PR (in principal) letter at Ian's interviews :nice1 Well deserved. Will call you before Monday.

Kim - agree, maybe we should start thinking about a 'NW reunion club' for the time is going to come when most of us will be in NZ not NW :P :P

Hugs
Babette

[bbq]

well done Jo

all the best

alex :cheers :nice1 :P :cheers :nice1 :P :cheers :nice1 :P

[Marie P]

HI Jo ,

best wishes to you and your family ,

have a great time in NZ ,

take care and see you again soon .

Marie ,Dave and family

[AliJax]

What can I say that has'nt already been said, all those months ago when Ian & I was in the pub on the first NW meet at the bar and he was feeling more than apprehensive & now 7 Interviews you're all a real inspiration to those like us who are living & realising the dream.

Reunion NW/NZ Meet number one pencilled in for 2005 (Come on you others - we're rooting for you)

[Annierobrigado]

hello jo b and iain,

i am green with envy but deliciously happy for you!

happy trails!

annie

[Karen and Rich Matthews]

What a great post Jo and congratulations :nice1

Wow, I think I need a beer after all that! :cheers

Rich

[StevieD]

Good luck Jo and Ian - exciting times ahead eh....

Steve and Jan

[shagen]

:clap :cheers :clap

[jesselyn]

http://img5.smiliedb.de/sdb28108.gif great news! well done! http://img5.smiliedb.de/sdb31278.gif

http://img1.smiliedb.de/sdb28224.gif

[jo b]

Thanks guys for all your best wishes and congrats

Ian is upstairs finishing packing and I am clearing my picture card for my camera (well supposed to be but got a tad side tracked :oops: )

For all those we are going to see can't wait.

For all of your still in blighty 'believe me it happens quicker than you think!'

See you all soon

Jo & Ian.

[Diny]

Jo

Left a message on your mobile today. Didn't want to ring your land line 'cos I reckoned the call would last a good hour and you wouldn't have any spare time.

Have a great holiday and we'll see you when you get back.

Diny, PB, Fergie & Henny xx

[Tate6]

Ian and Jo--

So happy for you!! :clap :nice1

And keeping the fingers crossed for the interviews! :hopeso :hopeso

Can't wait to hear from you as you are trekking around NZ in Campervan.

Best of luck and have a great holiday!

Terry

[jo b]

Hi guys

Just an update for you all we are in Picton and loving it.

we had a fab time at the Japanese restaurant with all our forum buddies. It is really good to put a face to a name.

Next stop is Carol and Dave with our contraban. I will ring them them in a mo to sort it out when and where we will meet.

Take care guys and speak to you all soon.

Jo

[Diny]

Good to hear from you. Sounds like you're having fun. How are the campers ..... pretty good or pretty naff? Enjoy the ferry, it's a wonderful trip, quite eventful if there's abit of a swell !!

Lots to tell you - will send a PM.

Happy days.

Diny x

[Kim39]

You have arrived then Jo..............enjoying it so far? I think you have a long way to go to match Rimbo's thread's, but go on give it your best shot.

Looking forward to updates.....

Kim

[Timbo]

Glad to hear you are enjoying yourselves Jo, keep us up to speed.
I think it is just brilliant how many forumites go to the trouble of looking up others when on their travels. It really makes this cyber world come to life.

[jo b]

Well Guys,

sorry it's been a long time but I haven't really had chance to get on the net much. We really must be suffering either from serious jet lag or we are just natural born campers. We go to bed at 9-10pm and wake up at 7.30am :eek . Never been known on a holiday before.

We are absolutley loving it. I am Dannevirke at our friends house for the Easter weekend. Their house is BEAUTIFUL, underfloor heating, central vac gorgeous kitchen, 5 beds, 3 acres. Never in Wigan or England for that matter would we be able to afford a place like this.
We had a great time in welly although it rained and we made the most of the pubs, sorry Carol if I was a tad tiddly but it was great meeting you and your lovely family.
Dave I hope you enjoy your Golden Virginia, it was good meeting you too.

Anyway Ian had an interview in Waipakurau (20 mins from Dannevirke)and that was for a different job which he applied for which incidently is a lot more money so fingers crossed. He has an interview on Tuesday in Dannevirke then we head off to New Plymouth for another interview, where we will give Rimbo a bell and catch up with the gossip.
My mum and Dad are loving it and my Dad has had 2 interviews himself :eek :eek Although he is officially retired they said it was no problem. I don't think he really wants to work - just live in NZ, which you can't blame him.
Picton is a beautiful little town, I really liked ChCh, Welly we didn't really stop there just an over nighter and Napier and Hasting are both very pretty towns.

The kids are loving NZ and Bethany is also happier about moving now she is here.
We have brought the English weather with us unfortunately as it has not stopped raining since last night.

I will try to update you all soon.

Take car

Jo and Family

[StevieD]

Nice to hear from you Ms Bradley! Good luck Jo, enjoy yourselves.
See you when you get back, whenever that is???

Steve and gang

[Diny]

Sounds like you're having a great time. Had to smile when you mentioned that you got to bed early and get up early. That's exactly what we did when we toured NZ in camper vans ..... must be all the fresh air.

So - your Dad has had an interview? That's amazing. And good news that Bethany has 'warmed' towards the idea of NZ, it'll make things much better. Hope you manage to catch up with Rimbo. Spoke to Linda the other day, she's looking forward to seeing you up in Auckland.

Will mis you at the meeting on Saturday .... I imagine it will be unusually quiet :? Keep on keeping on mate, sooooooo much to tell you when you gt back. Love to the clan.

Diny

[Suzy Rimbo]

Hey Bradley bunch great to here your havin a fab time, and gosh dad having 2 interview's that brill.

Were have you liked the best so far Jo?, or is it to early to say yet.

Ian seems to be doing really well, does he like the sound of the job in Waipakurau?, is it better than the one he applied for? (apart from the money that is).

Will miss you all at the meet on sunday, but I'm sure you can fill us in more at the next one in May.

Take care all of you and I hope the rest of your journey is fruitfull.

Suzy