Life Down Under (From Swindon Advertiser)

Life Down Under

4:35pm Monday 29th September 2008 in Ex-pats News

WITH almost 40 per cent of people abandoning the UK, heading just about as far away as is physically possible to Australia, we wanted to find out more about their biggest national celebration - Australia Day.

Swindon ex-pats living the high life in Australia couldn't speak more highly about their experience since quitting the town, including ex-Adver staff, former crime reporter Gareth Bethell, and freelance photographer Paul Skillen.

They've both been away now since October and are settling nicely into their new lives.

Gareth, 27, who is in Sydney with his girlfriend Anna Fearon, 25, said the Australians' friendly nature was the most noticeable difference, aside from the temperature.

"The Aussies are famed for their friendliness but I didn't expect to put it to the test quite so soon after we arrived.

"Me and my girlfriend Anna had been in the country for a couple of weeks when I was pulled over for speeding.

Seeing as we were heading to the beach I'd decided to leave my wallet, complete with driving licence, at home.

"This it turns out, is illegal over here, just like speeding.

"Fortunately this particular police officer was doing his bit to enhance the reputation of friendliness and he decided to let me off with a lecture - "don't want to ruin your holiday, "' he said. "I didn't bother telling him it wasn't a holiday.

"We've been in Sydney for a couple of months now and the friendliness is just one of the reasons we love it.

"We arrived in time for Christmas and seeing people dressed as Santa in 30 degrees plus is something I'm not sure we'd ever get used to.

"But something I can easily live with is the Aussie attitude.

"Whereas the Brits, in particular the English, seem almost ashamed to take pride in their country, here they can't get enough of it. The way they back their own, whether it's sports stars, rubbish celebrities or big businesses, is, I think, a good thing."

Paul, who worked as a police officer in Swindon for nine years, has joined the Western Australia Police force since moving over, and is based at Cottesloe, Perth.

In keeping with current affairs affecting the police force in the UK, Paul sends his regards.

"I'd like to say hi to all my mates back in Swindon, and in particular my over worked, and very very underpaid former colleagues. I hope they get the pay increase they so richly deserve!"

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