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
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)
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.
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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| Total number of parks with Green Flag award | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total number of museums | 0 | 0.39 | 0 | 0 |
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.
* 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 |
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Bingham, Nottinghamshire, NG13
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.
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Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45
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.
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Winscombe, Somerset, BS25
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.
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Colyton, Devon, EX24
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.
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Oakham, Rutland, LE15
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.
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Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41
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.
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Poynton, Cheshire, SK12
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.
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Swanland, Yorkshire, HU14
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.
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Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7
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.
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Dunnington, Yorkshire, YO19
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.
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Longridge, Lancashire, PR3
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.
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Church Crookham, Hampshire, GU52
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.
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Yarm, Yorkshire, TS15
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.
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Woodley, Berkshire, RG5
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.
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Shebbear, Devon, EX21
Shebbear Caute Chapel (now private house). Photograph by Martin Bodman.Back to map Compare with UB10The 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.
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Leyland, Lancashire, PR26
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.
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Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10
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.
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Kirkham, Lancashire, PR4
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.
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Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5
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.
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Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18
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.
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.
TTFN!!
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