regions of england question

looking for a primer of england's regional personalities - for example, in the u.s.-there's the northeast, southeast, midwest, northwest, southwest and west coast; and each region has a sort of blanket population stereotype and the kind of weather that typically associated with the area - i.e. the southeast (where i live) stereotype is largely conservative population, elderly and college spring break destination. it never snows and is warm or hot most of the year (it's over 80F right now); another example is the midwest - hardworking, plainspoken, good people - with freezing winter and lots of snow. etc..

my current employer has a division in surrey and another office in staffordshire - i'm visiting england in jan and, not having enough time to see all of england, i'd like to narrow the scope; as i hope, either through my employer or another company, to move over in 2005.

I'm not a city person, I like smaller towns and would like access to university. I like rain and snow and having all four seasons. Maybe the equivalent of amhearst, massachusetts to boston, massachusetts - boston, the music, culture and shopping, is within in an hour or two drive but amhearst is quiet, fairly liberal population b/c of the school, and very beautiful as it has a grt deal of open space and farms.

so what are the regions of england like?

You may be confused on your visit, Corby is ful of Scotsmen

England's a strange place. Populated by a warlike generation of teens-twentysomethings who like nothing better than getting drunk and fighting, and when they are too old to fight they just complain about everything instead.

Geographically, there are big (proportionately) urban areas in all four corners, and a range of similarly sized cities down the centre of the country. It always rains, though moreso on the western side. Surrey is full of expensive houses. Staffordshire is to be avoided. Particularly Stoke!!

Yeah Stoke sucks

North England is full of SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE!

Rocket

Cat Stevens dvd was posted yesterday

so, drugs and rain and fighting?

pulled some numbers - from apr 2002 to mar 2003 - england and wales had a population of 52,332,852 people - total of all crimes committed were 5,899,450 - 991,800 violent crimes(crimestatistics.org.uk); in the u.s., the population in 2002 was estimated at 287,973,924 - total crimes committed were 23,036,030 - 3,520,360 violent crimes

• so statistically speaking, even with a smaller population - a pretty rowdy bunch -

and Stonehenge

oh, i've romantized england beyond reason - btwn the vast history and historical sites, movies past and present, music past and present, BBC, C-SPAN's "Question Time at the British House of Commons" with Tony Blair, all the culture and the proximity to the rest of europe - and how about the recently passed freedom to roam legislation? - no way that would ever happen in the u.s. ... and yes, the aquaducts and stonehenge - a few measily statistics isn't a deterrent.

Yeah but were HARD over here

Originally posted by ShugZV© > Originally posted by lowbranches> so, drugs and rain and fighting?

What about the aquaducts?

Yeah. All right. I'll grant you the aqueduct and the sanitation are two things that the Romans have done.

Yeah, ignore the Clayhead-baiting likes of Mike & Tim: Staffordshire is GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. It's full of tits, fanny and City, and the rent is cheap.

You'll never leave.....;)

P>

I'll have a go.

Northern England is full of people with funny accents who don't work. .

Compass upside down then.

Originally posted by Doctor Clayhead Yeah, ignore the Clayhead-baiting likes of Mike & Tim: Staffordshire is GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. It's full of tits, fanny and City, and the rent is cheap.You'll never leave.....;)

unless tits and fanny mean something else there, then it does here - i'm more of gal that prefers single men without tits. but good to know the rent is cheap -

Originally posted by lowbranches > Originally posted by Doctor Clayhead> Yeah, ignore the Clayhead-baiting likes of Mike & Tim: Staffordshire is GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. It's full of tits, fanny and City, and the rent is cheap. You'll never leave.....;)

i'm more of gal that prefers single men without tits.

Sorry, got my confused "eats shoots and leaves" head on today. Do you mean that you prefer single men who don't have tits, or that you don't have tits but prefer single men? Not that either apply to me!

Originally posted by lowbranches > Originally posted by Doctor Clayhead> Yeah, ignore the Clayhead-baiting likes of Mike & Tim: Staffordshire is GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. It's full of tits, fanny and City, and the rent is cheap.> > You'll never leave.....;)

unless tits and fanny mean something else there, then it does here - i'm more of gal that prefers single men without tits. but good to know the rent is cheap -

Yeah, there was a survey last year which claimed that Stoke-on-Trent was the only major city in the UK where a single woman on an average single woman's wage could realistically afford to live. The expected influx of lithe young independent beauties never occured, sadly.

If you move to Cobridge, I think the council will actually pay you danger money to live there.

I still ain't recovered from taking a wrong 'un at the Weston Coyney crossroads 12 years ago!

Most profitable business in the Midlands - Meir Double Glazing Ltd.

Lowbranches, I know nothing about Surrey and little about most of Staffordshire but I have paid a few visits to the countryside around Leek (which is on the eastern side of Staffordshire) and Macclesfield (which is on the eastern side of Cheshire) and I think you may like the area and here's why. Parts of eastern Staffordshire and eastern Cheshire are in the Peak District National Park which also includes a large part of Derbyshire and parts of Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. There are some beautiful places in the Peak District and the countryside between Buxton and Leek and between Buxton and Macclesfield is particularly breathtaking, even in summer (and if it snows the narrow twisty roads over the hills can become impassable).

However, whilst parts of the Peak District are so peaceful that you could be forgiven for thinking that you are in the middle of nowhere it is not all rural and there are lots of towns and large villages inside or just outside the Peak District such as Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock, Castleton, Hathersage, New Mills, Ashbourne, Macclesfield and Leek. Furthermore, the Peak District is surrounded by cities and large towns such as Manchester, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Derby and Stoke-on-Trent so if you need or want something that is only found in large towns or in cities you shouldn't have far to go. If you can't drive or don't want to the availability of public transport in the area is good compared to other predominately rural areas (for example, there are trains to Manchester from Macclesfield or Buxton, trains to Manchester and Sheffield from New Mills and buses to Derby, Manchester Airport and Sheffield from Buxton).

I expect that you will still have a lot of questions but if you want to do some Internet research on the area look for websites about the Peak District National Park.

Originally posted by Fingers Lowbranches, I know nothing about Surrey and little about most of Staffordshire but I have paid a few visits to the countryside around Leek (which is on the eastern side of Staffordshire) and Macclesfield (which is on the eastern side of Cheshire) and I think you may like the area and here's why. Parts of eastern Staffordshire and eastern Cheshire are in the Peak District National Park which also includes a large part of Derbyshire and parts of Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. There are some beautiful places in the Peak District and the countryside between Buxton and Leek and between Buxton and Macclesfield is particularly breathtaking, even in summer (and if it snows the narrow twisty roads over the hills can become impassable).However, whilst parts of the Peak District are so peaceful that you could be forgiven for thinking that you are in the middle of nowhere it is not all rural and there are lots of towns and large villages inside or just outside the Peak District such as Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock, Castleton, Hathersage, New Mills, Ashbourne, Macclesfield and Leek. Furthermore, the Peak District is surrounded by cities and large towns such as Manchester, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Derby and Stoke-on-Trent so if you need or want something that is only found in large towns or in cities you shouldn't have far to go. If you can't drive or don't want to the availability of public transport in the area is good compared to other predominately rural areas (for example, there are trains to Manchester from Macclesfield or Buxton, trains to Manchester and Sheffield from New Mills and buses to Derby, Manchester Airport and Sheffield from Buxton).I expect that you will still have a lot of questions but if you want to do some Internet research on the area look for websites about the Peak District National Park.

Good call, mate: I'd be lying if I said that Stoke (like most urban centres) was anything other than an ugly shithole, but drive five minutes out of the city in any direction and you're in some of the finest landscape that England has to offer. But like Tim suggests, there are parts of the Potteries that make South Central seem like Disneyland.

Originally posted by Doctor Clayhead I'd be lying if I said that Stoke (like most urban centres) was anything other than an ugly shithole, but drive five minutes out of the city in any direction and you're in some of the finest landscape that England has to offer. But like Tim suggests, there are parts of the Potteries that make South Central seem like Disneyland.

I've not been to Stoke but a relative who has described it as "a toilet" and another relative described Derby in the same way (although I have been to Derby and it wasn't as bad as I feared it would be) and I have been to Leek and the centre of the town is a toilet. I love the Peak District but I also love the parts of the Pennines further north and whilst there are some towns and cities which are shitholes in the Pennines there are also some gorgeous towns and villages. The thing I like most about the Pennines is that you can go to a place and feel as if you are in the wilderness but out of sight on the other side of the next hill may be a major road, huge town or a city. Some of the roads in the Pennines such as the Buxton-Leek road, the Cat & Fiddle Pass between Buxton and Macclesfield, the Snake Pass between Glossop and Sheffield and the road over Holme Moss are like rollercoasters.

If you are looking for somewhere which is not too far from major urban areas but is not too far from wild countryside I think Staffordshire is definitely worth considering (although if you are going to consider it I suggest considering Cheshire too). However, I think that if you were looking for somewhere to live in the area it may be best to look at places that are not too close to some of the towns but not so far from everywhere else that you become isolated so I think medium-sized or large villages which are quite old may be most suitable.

You live in Florida; you'll become insane with England's weather (why do you think so many blokes have made such dreary music), unless your purpose is to get away from the hurricanes.

Originally posted by Tristan You live in Florida; you'll become insane with England's weather

speak for yourself!

BTW, england's such a small place that no matter where you live, you're only a few hours from a major city. and with such good public transport, getting from point A to point B is almost never a hassle.

Originally posted by oldmonkey > Originally posted by lowbranches> > > > Originally posted by Doctor Clayhead> > Yeah, ignore the Clayhead-baiting likes of Mike & Tim: Staffordshire is GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. It's full of tits, fanny and City, and the rent is cheap. You'll never leave.....;)>

i'm more of gal that prefers single men without tits.

Sorry, got my confused "eats shoots and leaves" head on today. Do you mean that you prefer single men who don't have tits, or that you don't have tits but prefer single men? Not that either apply to me!

ah!, i'll clarify...i am blessed with the normal attributes associated with the fairer sex; and would prefer a fellow without that particular physical trait.

outstanding - it's a great deal more help to get input from you all, then to just rely on websites and travel guides and realtors; and i'm using those as well. fingers nailed it on the kind of access, near enough to get to, but far enough not to be in the middle of it. great then, thank you -

I shall try and be serious for a second!

Surrey is probably the most expensive county in England, and real estate prices are at their highest, both purchase and rental. You can expect to pay more in Surrey than London for a house. The countryside is typical of Southern England, within a few minutes drive/rail journey from London you will be out in green fields and villages. Most of the county is typical commuter land south of London, there are some small towns like Dorking that are far removed from the bustle of Kingston-upon-Thames or Guildford. Surrey is served by the second busiest airport in the world (Gatwick), and by good and regular rail links.

Originally posted by AgentWood BTW, england's such a small place that no matter where you live, you're only a few hours from a major city. and with such good public transport, getting from point A to point B is almost never a hassle.

It is true that England is a small country but because some parts of it are incredibly densely populated (such as the massive commuter belt around London, the western part of the Midlands and the huge connurbations on either side of the southern Pennines) and parts of the terrain can be so difficult there are parts of the country which are remote, especially in severe winter weather, even though the country is small. Besides, there are a few major cities in the UK but there are lots more cities which are more like towns so just because if you are relatively near a city with a population of 100,000+ that doesn't mean you will be likely to find what you want such as good concert venues or universities.

The National Parks in the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire Moors and Lake District are not as easily accessible as the Peak District, especially since lots of railway lines in remote areas were closed in the 1960's, so whilst they may make good holiday destinations they are less likely to be somewhere you want to live and work or live when working in a city. Since Staffordshire is between Manchester and Birmingham (both of which I would say were major cities) but also contains some spectacular hilly terrain you can work in or visit a major city but live somewhere more peaceful.

a great help, i'll have a targeted areas to go to instead of getting over there and panicking and driving everywhere and spending the whole time in the car -

there was an excellent news piece on NPR today, they discussed "The United States of Europe: The New Superpower and the End of American Supremacy," by T.R Reid. He was The Washington Post's former London Bureau chief. you can hear the interview at -www.freshair.com

It's about the collective economic power that the european union has now. the eu population is something in the area of 500,000 million - 25 countries? and how the eu is able to influence u.s. companies and even u.s. law.

He also talked about his time living in London and the extremely high taxes (is it called value-added tax?) ; he was trying to figure out why people weren't enraged about the 17.5% sales tax - then his daughter was hurt, they took her to the emergency room - she was treated and released; he went to pay and the nurse said, "you may put away your checks, we don't pay for medical care in this country". - amazing. here, a hospital bill can wipe out a family assets if they don't have health insurance.

thx a great deal.