It may look like I’m deep in thought, but 99% of the time I’m just thinking about what food to eat later.

                                                                     It is with great regret that I am ending (well having a sabbatical) from my blog, WHY I can hear you all shout because well i'm simply boring at the moment and believe it or not this is not a depressed status but one of commonsense.

My last blog consisted of cushions yes cushions and much as I'm sure you wanted to read about them it only proves to me that in all realty I am pretty boring right now.

but ONE day I will be back, whether its because i'm finally back out from these four walls so you can imagine April onwards or .................. when I finally make the move (once again lol) to the Country and the blog can be all that it was supposed to be raising chickens, fresh eggs for breakfast, living life with fresh air (trying to avoid the days they say goodbye to the pigs that is the worse smell ever and I've worked in an operating theatre and that has some awful smells) long walks in fields with the dog (i'm also obviously planning a miraculous recovery) but maybe it is all relative I was fine in Norfolk, I was fine in Stokenchurch lots of fresh air walks with both moved back to the fast paced and stressful life of Uxbridge and before I know it ........................................i'm down on the floor So I'm off to get myself as well as I can get, I'm proud of the fact that despite my illness I get up every morning and run my business (although I'm pretty rough by the afternoon I've achieved all I can) and after a rest by the evening I get back to work on the business once again (still striving to buy a house one day).  I try and spend as much time with my kids as possible no one can feel you more with happiness than your children, despite having 4 boys and 1 girl I'm blessed that they all get on (well they do now), I have FAB friends who offer me great support and the BEST husband (despite my blogs  :P ) loves and helps me 24/7 and I really couldn't do it without him.

So farewell and thank you for reading and hopefully you'll still be around when the next installment of blogs begins............................

TTFN!!!

Never get into fights with ugly people, they have nothing to lose!

It is 5.11am and I am awake and blogging, which is A: a good thing as it means little man is asleep and I have the laptop B: a bad thing as it means some nondescript person has annoyed me so much it has woken me up.

So what happened - I brought a game that consists of breaking down blocks for absolutely no reason for my son who has already broken his 1st game that came at Xmas (how can a game break so soon, should be my first anger issue) then the game didn't arrive in the time that was stated so I contacted the seller (you can see where I brought it from) they finally replied saying it had been posted through my letter box on the 31st January and they had the tracking information.
It was sent through a courier company called Amazon Logistics (never heard of them before but a well known first name) I said Ok but it hasn't come through my letter box so I'll need to contact the company, the company wouldn't speak to me as I am NOT the customer.I contact the seller again and explain I can't chase up my item as they are the couriers customer not me - they reply back (weirdly always with a kiss as if that softens the blow) this is what they wrote!

"hello, no problem, however i cannot contact them about this item as it is marked as delivered, once it has been delivered i can no longer inquire about the item apart from viewing the tracking order which does in fact state it has been delivered to your house, i do not understand how the item could not be at your house if the tracking information has stated its been delivered and the address is correct? it was definitely delivered on the 31st in the mail slot, is there anyway it could have gotten misplaced through your mail slot? thankyou x"

Hence why I'm awake at some godly hour, can't hear a sound outside even the birds are still asleep.
                                                                                              
Whilst I'm awake for no reason other than sheer frustration, I must confess something (and as I know no one else will be awake no one will see this) but ..........................
I buy too many cushions, nothing so great as too many shoes, too many bags even too much jewellery no little old me buys too many cushions.
We moved into our house 17 months ago and the cushions have been (and each colour change means a new set of cushions EVEN if I go back to an original colour as I would have sold the first ones, to buy the next ones lol)
pink and lime green        (summertime when purchased them and I also should point out i'm buying 4/6 cushions at a time).
then I went for brown velvet but it was really dark and disgusting so I won't even show a picture of them. Then (as its still winter) a purple and gold this isn't the same cushion but is the closest design to it but mine had more gold in it.

Then I went for Red chenille  then I tried pictures Elvis, Marilyn and Paris in black and white (really cheap covers but were horrible material - you get what you pay for) then I went back to the original Pink / Green ones and I mean the exact same ones but rebrought aaargh!! Then I had 3 really lovely petal type pillows that I tried to get everything to match with

really hard to match as you can see (my actual photo of my old armchair/loveseat) as the cushions are two toned but such lovely cushions, have thrown away, given to charity or sold these ones in case ONE day I can find the perfect use. Ie ; in the suntrap conservatory overlooking the sea???? In fact in my quest look at houses recently I came across a 1970 /80's throw back house with a sea view in Ingoldmells, Lincs  http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-28231698.html
back to the cushions (sorry I get easily distracted) I have a 3 seater, a 4 seater and an armchair in my living room with a total of 19 cushions, no wonder I come down the stairs every morning and they're on the floor again. Anyway I settle for 4 soft touch mocha cushions, 4 light brown faux fur cushions , 4 heather soft touch cushions, 2 small purple cushions and 3 x-large cream cushions that came with the sofa and I've never changed (although I have been tempted) but ................ I haven't finished I also have a sofa bed in the Dining Rm and that has 5 cushions on with a nautical theme exact cushion shown I have 2 of them, then 3 others with shells, beach huts etc you get the idea and you'll be pleased to know NO cushions on my bed.

I have my son's parent evening at college tomorrow night and am I worried about what might be said, nooooooooooooooo he's a good lad but as us parent know parents evening is compulsory even at College but the thing I am worried about and must say this quietly is getting there.
With my illness I sometimes struggle to drive a car in fact the last time I drove now would be roughly 4 weeks ago.But and I'm going to come across all (female) Victor Meldrewy I can't stand my husbands driving. Is that a bad thing to say??? The last time I got in the car with him he drove me to Uxbridge so I could have a Costa with the girls and I swear my face almost melted into a lorrys. My life flashed before my eyes and possibly the lorry drivers but he would have at least survived all the way u there in his castle. I think he went to the Frank Spencer school of motoring and they passed him as didn't want to see him back there again, hee hee (ssssh or he may never taxi me around again)

Aw such memories of a happy childhood watching great sitcoms, Some Mothers do have them, Fawlty Towers, Butterflies (I cry with laughter when I watch them) when I was older but still young if you get my meaning I watched Vince and Penny now what was that show called??? Ah "Just Good Friends".

But back to the driving how to cope in enforced stressful situations ???? I have taken some advice from Psych Central.


When dealing with stressful situations, consider the four points below. They may aid in decreasing the amount of stress and changing the way you view it.

1. Nothing and no one can “make” you feel anything. How you feel and the way you deal with a situation is a choice. I’m reminded of a counselor who would often state “no one can drive your car unless you give them the keys.” You cannot control others’ actions, but you can be responsible for your reactions.In English then I have given hubby my car keys and now I must cope with the repercussions of my actions, I must not constantly put my hands up to my eyes whilst he is driving, or let him now that he is driving in both lanes, or tell him someone is about to cross over the road etc etc. I will mediate through the journey (possibly with my eyes closed as if the music in my head is sending me to a wonderful place and I am not, not being driven anywhere by a scary driver) The serenity prayer states “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” COURAGE a very apt word in this situation, yes I can recite this when it gets too much :P .When applied, this can be a great stress reliever. Look at the situation and ask yourself “is this something I can change?” If so, start exploring positive ways to change the situation.
   If the situation cannot be changed, such as an illness or the economy, accept it for what it is. Accepting does not mean giving up. By accepting the situation and finding ways you can cope with what cannot be changed, stress can be drastically reduced.
   
2. Exchange attitude for gratitude. Our attitude has a profound effect on how we deal with situations. Negative attitudes affect our physical, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. When in a particularly stressful situation, try exchanging attitude for gratitude. When you are running late for a meeting because you are stuck in traffic, change your attitude. Instead of being frustrated about the traffic, find some gratitude. Look around and think of all the things you can be thankful for. Sometimes you can find gratitude in the smallest things. You can be thankful for life, health, strength, friends, family, nature, etc. Focusing on gratitude can definitely change your attitude. I am grateful that hubby is kindly taking me out of the house, I will accept that gratitude and the fact that I age by 5 years (at least) every time I get in the car with him with the gratitude it deserves lol.
   
3. Relax, relax, relax. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. If we do not help ourselves, how can we effectively help others? Relaxation rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit and leaves us better equipped to handle stressful situations when they come.I do hope my humming doesn't annoy him or distract him from his driving!!!!Try to find something that you enjoy and do it every day. If you can set aside time for relaxation, do it. Try to set aside a designated, uninterrupted time and stick to it. Many people state they don’t have time to relax, but relaxation does not have to be time-consuming. Relaxation can include periodic 5-10 minute breaks of breathing exercises or watching your favorite show for 30 minutes. Relaxation can also include connecting with positive people.
   
4. Look at the big picture. Evaluate your stressful situation from a “big picture” point of view. Ask yourself “how important is this?” and “will this matter in the long run?” If the answer is no, it’s likely not worth your time and energy. Evaluation and Summary - "how important is this" VERY if I want to see my kids grow up "will this matter in the long run" er YES so that didn't go down very well. In summary I need to get myself and the kids a NEW chauffeur as in the great words of Sir Alan hubby .

“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”

- Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

TTFN!!!

Understanding Fibromyalgia for friends & family!

I know I said I wouldn't harp on about my illness but as I've been housebound for the past 10 days and not being able to get out and about see friends, see family has been really hard going so I found this open letter from a chronic pain specialist about Fibromyalgia which I hope will help ease my guilt (although I realise I shouldn't have it) and my paranoia ( I realise I am actively avoiding people not because I don't want to see them but because in my stupid head I feel they would be better off without ME the anchor weighing them down) .

For the record I and everyone else didn't decide to get ill, this is not an easy way out of working (in fact I work harder at my business than I did before I got ill) this is not an easy illness to live with, WHO would ever want to be in pain every single day, ALWAYS tired and living off of a cocktail of drugs. Never leaving the house for fear you might not be able to walk back (my knees are the worse part of my illness but this changes as just as I get used to a pain WHAM I get a brand new one to knock me out). I ADORE my family and friends but its not that I don't have the time for them I simply don't have the energy for them but ......................I WANT to!!!

Understanding Fibromyalgia

An open letter to anyone who has a fibromyalgia patient in his or her life.

By Karen Lee Richards

If you are reading this, someone close to you lives with and suffers from fibromyalgia (FM).  Since FM is invisible, many find it hard to believe that it is a real illness or that anyone could really hurt that much all the time.  Unfortunately, this is one of the main reasons that fibromyalgia is so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and not properly treated. 

Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder that has three primary components: pain, fatigue and sleep problems.  (1) Pain – The pain may vary in intensity and location, but it is present most, if not all, of the time.  (2) Fatigue – The fatigue is not like the tiredness you might feel after working too hard or overdoing it on a sports field.  It's a pervasive, all-encompassing exhaustion – like someone pulled the plug on your energy source.  (3) Sleep – The person with FM usually has difficulty sleeping.  And even when they do finally sleep, they never reach that deep REM stage of sleep where the body refreshes and restores itself. 

The root cause of fibromyalgia remains a mystery, however, it is usually triggered by some kind of trauma to the body, such as an injury or illness.  In some cases, it can also be triggered by a severe emotional trauma.  Regardless the source, FM devastates the life it touches.  Unrelenting pain and fatigue reduces a person's ability to concentrate, perform daily tasks, work, socialize, exercise and sleep.  The more severe the symptoms, the more incapacitating it can be.  Fibromyalgia often leads to depression, isolation and loss of self-esteem.  Sadly, people whose FM is poorly controlled may also be at increased risk for suicide. 

There are four main things someone with fibromyalgia needs you to understand:

1.  What they are feeling and experiencing.

If you have a difficult time imagining what it must be like to live with the pain of fibromyalgia, I'd like to  challenge you to try an experiment.  Take a wooden clothespin – the kind with the spring that works by pinching one end together and clamping the other end to the clothesline – only instead of attaching it to a clothesline, clamp it to the end of one of your fingers.  Now go about your business and see how long you can leave it on.  While you still have the clothespin attached to your finger, try to imagine how it would feel if you knew you couldn't take it off when the pain got to be too much.  What would it be like to have that non-stop pain all over your body?  Now think about what it would feel like to have the flu at the same time – the kind of flu where every muscle in your body aches and it takes every ounce of energy you can muster just to drag yourself out of bed.  Finally, imagine that the pain and fatigue doesn't just continue for a day, or a week, or even a month, but goes on for year after year with little hope that it will end.  If you can imagine that, then you have a small inkling of what your loved one lives with each and every day.

2.  What they are not.

Fibromyalgia is not a psychological disorder – it is an all too real physical illness.  Those who have it are not hypochondriacs; nor are they lazy, overly sensitive or just trying to get attention.  And they are not simply depressed.  Although depression may or may not accompany FM, it is not the cause of it.  The percentage of people with FM who also have depression is no greater than for any other chronic illness.  

 

3.  Every fibromyaglia patient is different.

The differences in FM patients exist on a couple of levels.  One is the severity of their symptoms.  While one patient may be able to continue working, another may be severely disabled and in some cases, even confined to a wheelchair.  Just because you may know someone else with FM who is functioning fairly well doesn't mean your loved one is faking or not trying hard enough.  It simply means they have a more severe case. 

Another big difference is how various treatments options work.  What helps one person with FM doesn't necessarily help another.  Also, people with FM tend to have a lot of sensitivities to medications, so it often takes much trial and error to find something that will help.  We find that what works best for most FM patients is some combination of medication, gentle exercise, lifestyle changes, and often some kind of complementary treatment like massage therapy, acupuncture, supplements, etc.  Unfortunately, it can take a long time to find that ideal combination.    

 

4.  What you can do.

The main thing your friend or family member needs from you is your understanding, support and encouragement.  They know you can't take their pain away.  They just want you to listen without judging them and let them know you care.  Often people with fibromyalgia have told me that the emotional pain of having loved ones question the validity of their illness or accuse them of just being lazy is, in many ways, worse than the physical pain they have to deal with.  They already struggle with feelings of guilt because sometimes they can't “be there” for family and friends as much as they'd like to be.  Try to reassure them that you care about them for who they are, not just what they can physically do for you.

OH and (just a few) samples of things that might help.................

 •    Wash his car and put a little note inside for him to find later. (#8)
•    Don’t make her feel guilty about things that she cannot do. (#14)
•    Ask, “Do you have an errand I can run for you before coming over?” (#21)
•    Withhold from sharing every “cure” you’ve heard of for his illness.  He’s bombarded with cures and needs you to be his refuge from that. (#57)
•    Don’t say, “You look great!”  If she does, it invalidates the pain.  If she doesn’t, she knows you’re lying.  Either way you can’t win. (#109)
•    Watch for local events that may bring a bit of joy to your friend’s life, and rent a wheel chair if necessary. For example, would your friend love a cat show, a harvest festival, or a local parade? Do something out of the ordinary. (#195)
•    Clip cartoons that will make her smile. (#304)
•    Learn how to spell and pronounce the name of your friend’s illness.  It’s courteous. (#321)
•    Make her a CD of inspirational music that has gotten you through tough times. (#465)

This is a small selection  from Beyond Casseroles - 505 ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend.


 I will TRY and be more positive in my next blog.

TTFN!!

There is light at the end of the tunnel ............. just praying it's not a train!!

Its very hard to try and make a blog seem interesting, witty when .................. I don't leave the house for a week and I mean not EVEN opening the front door. Think of it as groundhog day but without the ability to change anything as the characters are all the same (my lovely family) but the day starts the same and ends the same there just might be a few different conversations each time, however in my case as I can't always remember what I've said from one minute to the next I do have a very BIG tendency to repeat.

Its my legs once again and a few new ailments came up this week, so I literally wake, do my work (luckily as it's January and the whole world seems to be broke there isn't too much to do) then snuggle on the sofa (on my own) before little man gets home from preschool and then a tornado jumps on me (his interest in my wavers when he sees the laptop) and then I head upstairs to rest in bed, strange thing about my body I seem to be unable to curl my body up now.
Previous to this illness I always remember sleeping (well waking who remembers how you actually sleep) in the foetal position apparently meaning -
The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. Sleeping on your left side can cause stress on your vital organs (liver, stomach, lungs). Luckily for me I always sleep on my right, hmmm!
But now I have one leg curled up and the other leg outstretched as if i'm in the middle of a running race (hence why I ache so much and feel like i've run a marathon every morning then!!)
SIDE SLEEPER WITH ONE KNEE BENDED
You are inclined to be fussy, always whining and complaining. Nervousness is probably your second name. You tense up easily and get overly excited over small matters. Life isn’t such a big deal. Learn to relax. says it all for me really doesn't it, won't show that to hubby as I am already Mrs Meldrew in his eyes.

So I've been nowhere, seen no one which means (yes) I've spent far too much time on the internet yet again (obviously when my 3 years old is so kind as to giving me my laptop back) I also have started watching money programmes which must be a good thing if only I could remember the sensible advice they give you by the end of the programme.

So from the money programme and my dads advice (thanks dad) the decision is to open up a cash ISA so save for the deposit for the house in a couple of years. As the average house in my area (terrace house 3 bed) is now £300,000 aaargh the plan is to still move away.

Hubby still wants to live by the sea but Devon / Cornwall side the image of me rolling back down the hill (any hill) in my wheelchair does not please me (much as it had also been my dream)

Please NOTE no one was injured in these gags and it shows that (some) people care hopefully they'd catch me too!
But ................... it shows the worry I have :P.

So we are left with 2 other options Norfolk (which we love and miss) and Lincs (where we have family and the prices are great for houses) although could head Milton Keynes way hmmmmmmm.
LOL so as I was saying Norfolk and Lincs and remember we have 2 years (schooling commitments and saving time) so the possibilities of changing my mind are endless. Plus we could always win the lottery and I swear it wouldn't change me.
Anyway I found a great site (and as it comes to my memory as I don't read my blogs I might be repeating myself if this is the case just ignore me and smile sweetly as my family does) Family Investments do great postcode checks on areas, costs of living etc etc. So this is what I got for UB10 (where I am now) NR15 (Norfolk/Long Stratton) & PE23 (Lincs/Family)....

Find and compare postcodes

Find out how your postcode scores in the main categories for family friendly living. Results are grouped under Property, Safety, Education and Amenities.
Compare your postcode to the National Average and other postcodes in England and Wales. Alternatively, click on the map to choose your own family's priorities and discover your ideal location.

Results for UB10

Property
House price affordability is measured by calculating the average house price to average earnings ratio.

	UB10	National Average	NR15	PE23	Location
Total number of residential properties	13,748	11,630	6844	4138	Compare a postcode or explore our interactive map
Average value of 2 bedroom property(£)	251,078	174,632	153,385	117,729
Average annual salary(£)	26,510	21,380	20,909	17,196
House price to earnings ratio	9.47	7.86	7.34	6.85

Safety
Crime data from local police forces which measures number of crimes between Dec 2010 and May 2013.

	UB10	National Average	NR15	PE23	Location
Total no. incidents reported.	6400	5,379	1239	1322	Compare a postcode or explore our interactive map
Total no. burglaries	1005	542	172	139
Total no. vehicle crime	576	444	71	68
Total no. anti social incidents	2759	2,756	624	724

Families
Data measures cost of and quality of childcare as well as population of young families.

	UB10	National Average	NR15	PE23	Location
Annual no. of births per 1000 women	66.5	63.1	61.3	62	Compare a postcode or explore our interactive map
Early Years Care establishments	27	23	21	14
% of Early Years Care establishments rated outstanding	0	0.15	0	0
Annual childcare costs*	6475	4,321	4465	4110

Education
We analysed Ofsted data for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 attainment at primary and secondary schools.

	UB10	National Average	NR15	PE23	Location
Average Key Stage 2 score**	29	26	30	28	Compare a postcode or explore our interactive map
Average Key Stage 4 score***	84	73	91	69.8
Total number of independent schools	0	0.48	0	0

Amenities
Measures numbers of family friendly leisure activities.

	UB10	National Average	NR15	PE23	Location
Total number of leisure centres	0	0.37	1	0	Compare a postcode or explore our interactive map
Total number of parks with Green Flag award	0	0.5	0	0
Total number of museums	0	0.39	0	0

*Family Investments obtained local childcare costs from more than 100 local authorities, however, not all authorities were able to provide data and for this reason some postcodes will not show detailed childcare figures.**Schools' average student point score for Key Stage 2 across all subjects. ***Percentage of Key Stage 4 pupils achieving grades A*-C in both English and Mathematics GCSEs at local schools

Average results are based on the postcodes that we have been able to include.

Because of the differences in the way data such as crime and education statistics are reported and collated in Scotland and Northern Ireland, we unfortunately couldn't find an accurate way of including it this time around. Postcodes without a residential population, such as business parks and warehouse areas, were also discounted from the final results. If your postcode is not coming up in this search, we suggest you try your next closest postcode.

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Helping families do the right thing.

• 35 years experience of helping families invest for their future.
• We look after £4.5 billion of family money for approximately 1.8 million people in the UK.*
• As a mutual organisation, we're not owned by external shareholders. We're answerable only to you, our customers.

More about us
* All figures as at 31st December 2012

 
I Can only imagine that you'll all be tempted to type in your postcode now. They also have a Top 10 (and you know how I like a good top 10 of places for families to live)

Our Top 20

Our unique study identifies the Top 20 places offering the best range of essential and desirable factors that create the ideal family environment.

1	Bingham, Nottinghamshire, NG13
2	Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45
3	Winscombe, Somerset, BS25
4	Colyton, Devon, EX24
5	Oakham, Rutland, LE15
6	Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41
7	Poynton, Cheshire, SK12
8	Swanland, Yorkshire, HU14
9	Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7
10	Dunnington, Yorkshire, YO19
11	Longridge, Lancashire, PR3
12	Church Crookham, Hampshire, GU52
13	Yarm, Yorkshire, TS15
14	Woodley, Berkshire, RG5
15	Shebbear, Devon, EX21
16	Leyland, Lancashire, PR26
17	Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10
18	Kirkham, Lancashire, PR4
19	Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5
20	Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18

• Bingham, Nottinghamshire, NG13

  

  Bingham Market Square. Photograph by Alan Murray-Rust.

  Back to map Compare with UB10

  The market town of Bingham is in the borough of Nottinghamshire and has a population of 9,000 people. It lies nine miles east of Nottingham and is also close to Newark-on-Trent and Grantham. The postcode is renowned for its excellent education, scoring highly in KS2 and KS4 results, with four local schools, including three primary schools and a secondary comprehensive. In addition to a weekly market, the centre has a range of retail outlets, including a post office, pharmacy, and six local pubs. Equipped with sports amenities and a swimming pool, Bingham Leisure Centre is popular with residents, as is the local Scout Group which attracts 140 youngsters. Bingham’s affordable house prices make it an attractive destination with an average two bed property costing £138,969 versus the national average of £173,632.
  

• Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45

  

  Crowthorne, Berkshire. Photograph by Sleepmyf.

  Back to map Compare with UB10

  Crowthorne is an affluent village in the Bracknell Forest district of south-eastern Berkshire. It has a population of 6,711 and is best known for its biennial carnival, encouraging children from local schools to create floats for the procession. The town has a wide variety of societies, including the Symphony Orchestra and Cricket Club and the village sits south of Sandhurst, home to the Royal Military Academy. House prices are above average, but employment opportunities are good with average earnings of £27,903. Good schools, such as Wellington College, a co-ed boarding and day independent school, as well as Ludgrove and Edgebarrow attract families to the area. Proximity to Reading and Heathrow Airport is a bonus for families looking to commute into London.
  

• Winscombe, Somerset, BS25

  

  Winscombe, Somerset. Photograph by David Howard.

  Back to map Compare with UB10

  The village of Winscombe is in north Somerset, close to Axbridge and the famous Cheddar Gorge to the south-west of Bristol. It has a collection of local shops and businesses in its centre, along with a doctor's surgery and two dentists. Notable landmarks include the Village Square’s 12th Century Church and a charming pub, The Woodborough Inn, which attracts families with its skittle alley and dining areas. Two schools, a state secondary school and a nearby independent school are located in the village next to a recreational ground providing a variety of sports facilities. Community spirit is high due to annual events like the May Fair and Michaelmas Fair, as well as very low levels of crime.
  

• Colyton, Devon, EX24

  

  Colyton, Devon. Photograph by Felix O.

  Back to map Compare with UB10

  Nestled in the Axe Valley, with the River Coly flowing through it, the small town of Colyton in Devon is an excellent choice for families who enjoy the great outdoors as the Jurassic Coast is a short tram ride away. The town has a population of just 2,783 residents and first appeared as an ancient village around 700 AD, featuring in the Domesday Book. Dating back to 1546, Colyton Grammar School made headlines recently for achieving very high rankings in national league tables and is known for impressive Key Stage 4 results. The town offers a wealth of medieval character as well as a number of shops, galleries and pubs, while the ancient marketplace hosts several carnivals and fairs throughout the year.
  

• Oakham, Rutland, LE15

  

  Cutts Close Park in Oakham. Photograph by Cmglee.

  Back to map Compare with UB10

  Found in the East Midlands, Oakham, which featured in last year’s top ten, is just 28 miles from Nottingham and a short drive from Leicester and Peterborough, with a total population of 9,975. The town lies near Rutland Water, one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe, offering a range of outdoor leisure activities on its doorstep. It is also home to Oakham School, one of the major English public schools, The Catmose College, a specialist visual arts college founded in 1920, and Rutland College, which lies on the outskirts of the town. Key attractions include Oakham Castle and the popular historical open-air market held in the town square. The railway line connects the town to Birmingham, Leicester, Peterborough and Cambridge which is attractive to families.
  

• Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41

  

  Wokingham Baptist Church. Photograph by Dahliarose.

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  Wokingham is a historic market town in Berkshire situated 33 miles west of London and has a population of over 35,000 and it topped last year’s list. Records show that it held its first market in 1219 while by the 17th century it was famed for its bull baiting. Nowadays, it is well-equipped with various facilities, including a range of excellent private and state schools, several churches and an art gallery. What’s more, transport to London Waterloo takes little over an hour, making it an ideal home for commuters. This may explain the affluence of the area as the average salary is £27,903. Wokingham was last year’s number one spot and it remains an excellent place to bring up a family. Rising house prices in the area, and across the south, have affected the affordability of the area and it has dropped slightly down this year’s rankings as a result.
  

• Poynton, Cheshire, SK12

  

  Poynton, Cheshire. Photograph by The Yes Man

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  Poynton is located at the eastern most limit of the expansive Cheshire Plain and is a short distance from the scenic Peak District. The west of the parish is predominantly residential, with diverse amenities, buffered from Hazel Grove and Bramhall. To the south of the town are two business parks but to the east the area is rural, bounding on the former deer park of Lyme Hall. The A6 road passes to the north of the parish, and the Macclesfield Canal runs along the east. The Manchester and Birmingham Railway offers local services to Manchester and Macclesfield. Education in Poynton is run by Cheshire East Council and local schools include five primary schools and secondary school, Poynton High School.
  

• Swanland, Yorkshire, HU14

  

  Swanland, Yorkshire. Photograph by © Copyright Michelle Middleton.

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  Swanland is a village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire in England, to the west of Kingston upon Hull city centre and two miles north of the Humber Estuary. At the centre of the village is a large pond around which are a number of listed houses, two churches and the Village Hall which hosts a variety of events, from village fairs to dance lessons and concerts for the community. The Swanland Preservation Society has been running for over 25 years and is a dynamic force in keeping the area a pleasant place to live. Meanwhile, the local primary school is popular with families because of its consistently impressive Key Stage 2 results. With very low crime rates and competitive house prices, Swanland is a picture-perfect destination for families.
  

• Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7

  

  Faringdon, Oxfordshire. Photograph by Reading Tom.

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  Faringdon is a market town in the Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire. Sitting at the top of the Thames Valley, its northern meads stretch down to the River Thames. In 2004, Faringdon became the first Fairtrade Town in the South East of England and has since held an annual arts festival in early July. There are many clubs that run throughout the year, including cricket, football, rugby, tennis, plus a range of art and music classes. The town is nestled around the Parish Church which dates from the 13th century. Along with a leisure centre, a short stroll from the centre you’ll find open fields and a network of footpaths to nearby villages. There are a number of pre-schools and preparatory schools making up the above average Key Stage 2 results in the area.
  

• Dunnington, Yorkshire, YO19

  

  Dunnington, Yorkshire. Photograph by © Copyright Bishop Bunnies.

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  Dunnington is a village and civil parish in the City of York, North Yorkshire, and four miles from York city centre. In 2006 the village placed runner-up in the small town category of the Britain in Bloom, with people being attracted to its charming older centre, part of which is a conservation area. 'The Windmill' public house is popular with locals who enjoy its traditional menu and selection of fine ales. The high street is home to a range of shops, including a local butcher, newsagent, beauty salon and toy store. Other attractions for families include the park, which plays host to a variety of sports, and the library. The primary school is celebrated for achieving good Key Stage 2 scores, attracting young families to the area.
  

• Longridge, Lancashire, PR3

  

  Longridge, Lancashire. Photograph by Robert Wade.

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  The small town of Longridge is located in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, situated about eight miles northeast of Preston. Traditionally a quarry town, its appearance has changed significantly in recent years as a result of new housing developments. Considering its size, the town has all the amenities a family would need; the lively side of the town is thriving with nine pubs and a variety of restaurants. Longridge also has a public library and several primary and high schools. The monthly farmer’s market attracts food lovers and locals gather for the annual ‘Field Day’ with a parade and various fundraising attractions. The town rates very highly with low levels of crime and reasonable pricing for a two bedroom house, coming in at £162,612, £12,020 lower than the national average.
  

• Church Crookham, Hampshire, GU52

  

  Church Crookham, Hampshire. Photograph by Paul Appleyard.

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  Church Crookham is a village and civil parish in north east Hampshire, located 40 miles south west of London. Local residents are proud to consider Crookham as a separate village to its neighbour, Fleet, but they are still in close range to the facilities that the larger town has to offer. Sitting on the Basingstoke Canal, it is a great area for families who enjoy countryside pursuits. Church Crookham is historically famous for the Tweseldown race course, a point-to-point racing track, and the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. In recent years the village has seen a huge development in new housing, including the selling of the Barracks to build a new estate.
  

• Yarm, Yorkshire, TS15

  

  Yarm viaduct. Photograph by Andrew Duffell.

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  The small town of Yarm, North Yorkshire has appeared in the Top Twenty Hotspots chart for two years now. Situated on the River Tees, the town is full of character with its rural surroundings, Georgian buildings and cobbled areas which won the high street the ‘Best in Britain’ award in 2007. Yarm is known for its historic Cricket club which dates back to 1814 and celebrated local team. Seasonal matches are supported by the community who also attend local fun runs, fairs and farmers’ markets. A draw for families is the variety of schools in the town, with three primary schools, a mixed comprehensive and independent high school to choose from. Low crime rates and affordable house prices for two bedroom properties also attract families to the area.
  

• Woodley, Berkshire, RG5

  

  Woodley Shopping Centre. Photograph by Mike McMillan.

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  The town of Woodley in Berkshire has a strong community and family feel amongst its 27,000 residents and placed second in last year’s ranking. The bustling town centre has many shops and holds Saturday markets and monthly farmers’ markets for locals. There are also multiple leisure centres and parks to explore. The town is famous for its aviation history and is home to the Museum of Berkshire Aviation. A thriving amateur dramatics group performs several productions throughout the year for the local community. Woodley also has two secondary comprehensive schools, which have both achieved specialist school status, and several primary schools known for their high Key Stage 2 scores.
  

• Shebbear, Devon, EX21

  

  Shebbear Caute Chapel (now private house). Photograph by Martin Bodman.

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  The small rural village of Shebbear in Devon has appeared in the Top Twenty Hotspots list for two years running. It has a close-knit community of 7,000 residents. The focal points of the community are the old village hall and the local primary school which both organise an assortment of events for the calendar, including the annual Flower Show. Despite its size, the quaint village is well equipped with a shop, doctor’s surgery, church, chapel and a village pub, The Devil’s Stone Inn. Families are attracted to the small class sizes in the primary school, which recently achieved good results in the Ofsted report.
  

• Leyland, Lancashire, PR26

  

  Leyland, Lancashire. Photograph by Robert Wade.

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  The town of Leyland is in the South Ribble district, approximately six miles from Preston, Lancashire. The historic area has a strong community spirit, hosting festivals throughout the year. In the last few years new housing and multiple supermarkets have opened to cater for the growth of families in the area. House prices are very affordable, with two bedroom properties selling for an of £113,856, compared to the national average of £175,632, making the location perfect for commuters looking to reach major cities via Leyland’s railway station. The town has a great status in terms of education, with three high schools and two colleges that are well ranked by Ofsted.
  

• Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10

  

  Sedbergh, Cumbria. Photograph by Andrew Mawby.

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  The small historic town of Sedbergh is about ten miles from Kendal in Cumbria. The charming town is within the scenic surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a short distance to the Lake District. The narrow main street is lined with shops that frame the parish church which dates back to the 12th century, and the remains of a Saxon castle. Schools are celebrated in the area, with examination results scoring above national averages. Since 2003, Sedbergh has come to be known as England’s book-town due to its thriving count of independent bookshops and dealers.
  

• Kirkham, Lancashire, PR4

  

  Kirkham, Lancashire. Photograph by © Copyright Paul.

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  Kirkham is a small town and civil parish in the Borough of Fylde in Lancashire, midway between Blackpool and Preston. Kirkham lies at the centre of a relatively rich agricultural area in which sits Kirkham Abbey ruins. The small library has been enjoyed since 1939 and was recently refurbishment. Local bookshop, Silverdell, has been voted "Independent Bookshop of the Year" and has held signings with the likes of Michael Caine. A key calendar fixture is Kirkham Club Day, an annual gala, which takes place in June. Kirkham has two secondary schools and an Independent School, with two local primary schools feeding into them. Local attractions include the Kirkham Swimming Baths which date back to 1914 and now serve as a public swimming pool. With average two bedroom house prices coming in at £137,629, just under £40,000, below the national average it’s no surprise the area scores highly for families.
  

• Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5

  

  Kesgrave, Suffolk- photo by: © Copyright Uli

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  Kesgrave is a small countryside town located on the edge of Ipswich, Suffolk. With a population of around 14,000, it is predominantly a residential area. Plenty of local amenities and country walks keep families occupied and the town has five primary schools, including Cedarwood which has a Civic Trust Award. The famous Bury St Edmunds Abbey and Kesgrave Hall are key historic sites in the area, with the latter acting as an RAF base during World War Two. Cycling lanes along main routes in the town were recently built to enable pupils to cycle to Kesgrave High School. High Key Stage 2 scores, low crime rates and competitive house prices make this town ideal for families looking to settle.
  

• Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18

  

  Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. Photograph by Skinny de.

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  Buckingham is a town in north Buckinghamshire, South East England, close to the border of Oxfordshire. It caters for residents with a variety of restaurants and pubs, including a host of tea-rooms, as well as local amenity stores, including Boots and WH Smith. On top of its three primary schools, and one academy, the town is home to one of the UK's two private universities. Many historic houses can be found in the area, some of which are opened to the public and the town is not far from the home of favourite childrens’ author, Roald Dahl. The county is well-connected with four main railway lines running through it, including the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, making it a prime location for families.
  

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ooooops sorry that was Top 20 but still very interesting............... anyway little man is now up so I must forsake my laptop 

TTFN!!