Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with unitedkingdom

How can I find a long-lost relative living in England?

tracicle — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:01:43 -0800

Trying to track down my uncle, who lives somewhere in England. My grandfather died this morning, and I have been asked to try and find my long-lost uncle to inform him. All I know is that on oldfriends.com he says he lives in London, but I have no more details. Online phonebook and electoral roll searches require a location, or for me to go through a lengthy process and pay money. What other routes can I follow?

I don't consider this a matter of life and death (he estranged himself from the family and swore never to come back to NZ, so I don't expect him to jump on a plane in any case), so I'm not willing to expend money or a great deal of legwork on finding him. I'm hoping there's a website I don't know of, or a phone number I can call in the UK that could help me.

UK Fringe Resources Wanted

divabat — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:33:21 -0800

What are some great resources, preferably online, of fringe arts (burlesque, cabaret, circus, improv, street theatre, etc) in the United Kingdom? I only know of Ministry of Burlesque and that's it. I'm looking for listings of events, schools, workshops, venues, performers, anything to do with the more oddball non-conventional performing arts. I'll likely be concentrating on England, but Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland-related links are good too.

Help us find a Labrador Breeder

smcniven — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:29:06 -0800

Looking for a good Labrador breeder near London. We are thinking about getting a puppy and would like to find a good, reputable Labrador breeder in the London area. Some complications are 1) that we are moving back to Canada next summer and are still unsure if we should wait until we return home before doing this, and 2) a very energetic 4 year old who loves dogs but doesn't realize that he needs to calm down around them (he hugs every dog he meets in public, tries to walk them, gets upset when we say it's time to say bye etc.. However, he did spend about 20 minutes with an 8 week old Lab the other day and was surprisingly well behaved.)

One thing I've been told is that the breed line in the UK is somewhat better than the one in North America. I don't know if this is relevant to us as we've never talked about breeding (and most likely wouldn't). I do like the look of the smaller Labs here in the UK (I believe they are called the "gundog" line).

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Is it possible for my wife to go from Australia to the UK on a tourist visa and then apply for a settlement visa when we get there, without having to come back to Australia again?

ranglin — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:25:03 -0800

Is it possible for my wife to go from Australia to the UK on a tourist visa and then apply for a settlement visa when we get there, without having to come back to Australia again? Hi Guys.

Wife and I are thinking about visiting the UK at the end of the year and, if we like it, possibly staying there to live for a while. However, we want to try it out first, so were thinking about going for a "holiday" first and then seeing what we want to do when we get there. I'm a British Citizen (dual-citizen), so I can just go over and do whatever I want, but we were wondering if it's possible for her to go over on a tourist visa and then change to a settlement visa once she's there, or if she'd have to come back here first (which would be a pain!)? I've tried googling this with no luck, and the embassy wants to charge you $10 just for picking up the phone and ringing them.

Any help (including possible places to look) would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

How to shop online in the UK?

Polychrome — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:02:51 -0800

What are some good places to shop (online) in the United Kingdom? I've just moved to the UK and am trying to acclimate one step at a time; currently, I am at a loss of where to buy stuff. I used to live in the US and I used to buy the majority of non-groceries online. I am looking for some good, reliable UK shopping sites that are priced below retail and have a variety of items: clothing (sites like revolveclothing.com, bluefly.com, eluxury.com, delias.com, victoriassecret.com), fragrances/cosmetics (sephora.com, beautyhabit.com), and interesting miscellany (ebay.com, amazon.com). Obviously amazon.co.uk and ebay.co.uk are options, but compared to ebay.com, ebay.co.uk is pretty barren. Likewise, internationally shipping items from US sites is another option, but international shipping is pretty killer lately and the aim here is to not only make shopping easier but to also save a little money in the process. Recommendations for good sites with reasonable international shipping is very welcome, though.

Amazon.co.uk looks like it will work for things like books/media/electronics, but I am having a lot of trouble finding places to buy clothing and cosmetics. Any help is appreciated!

The Dean Dome is so very far away now

K.P. — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:40:03 -0800

Is there any way to watch UNC basketball in the UK? I'd like to be able to watch the rest of the season, the ACC tournament, and the NCAA tournament. But I'm going to be in England the whole time. I'll be somewhere with a very basic cable television service from Virgin (this one I think), so traditional TV doesn't seem to be an option. Is there any way to watch online?

I won't be in London, but might consider making the trip for the final tournament games if there is a pub showing them on a big screen.

London calling; can I answer?

punishinglemur — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:17:43 -0800

The documents that the UK wants from me for a visit are extensive and horrifying. Will I be able to get into the country? I'm planning to visit my girlfriend, who is currently in the midst of a nine-month working gig in London, for a week (spring break) in late March. Looking over the list of documents they expect from me is horrifying.

I get the feeling they're going to think I'm a bum. I have no property, and my bank statements will show that I have a habit of not having much money at all. My employer is my college's cafeteria. I'm going over spring break, so there's no work to be excused from. I own no property. If it weren't for my parents' generosity, I wouldn't have the funds to make this trip work.

Are they going to stop me at the border? Do I really need written proof from my college that I am on spring break? Is this whole thing really as rough as it sounds?

Help me understand how to top up my PAYG account.

kalimac — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:11:55 -0800

Idiot-Cellphone-Filter: Oh God, oh God, I do not understand your UK cellphone-topping up technology. I just got a UK cellphone (with Orange) and I do not understand how to get money into it. (Waving 5 quid in front of it while shrieking "make my balance go up", strangely, does not work.) Okay. So. I have a credit-card looking thing, that's registered to my Orange account, and I've seen stuff everywhere about "top up your cellphone here!" How does this *work*? To break it down, I guess -- how do I get money into my PAYG account, using either the card, or these topping-up points? I tried putting the card in, but it got treated like a debit card, and I pretty much gave up there.

Thank you for your kindness as I wander my way through this strange new culture :)

Nickel and dime stuff

Hogshead — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:47:58 -0800

I've got a quantity of US coins, maybe $30-40. I'm in the UK, specifically London, and not likely to be visiting the US again. How can I do some good with this money? Banks won't convert foreign change. Does anyone know of a charity that might accept them, or something similar?

Will I be allowed back into the UK?

vacapinta — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:27:04 -0800

Can I leave (or rather re-enter) the UK before I've gotten my Residence Permit? I am currently in the UK on an EEA Family Permit. This is fine as it allows me to live and work here based on the fact that I'm married to an EU Citizen. I've already traveled abroad and allowed to enter based on my EEA FP.

However, the EEA FP expires in October. I have an application (EEA2) in for a Residence Permit but current waiting times are 6-7 months. This means I'll be in the country with an expired EEA FP and no Residence Permit. The fact that the EEA FP is only valid for 6 months and yet it takes more than 6 months to get a Residence Permit has been noted as a serious implementation issue.

It is ok and legal for me to be here during that period since I am exercising my EU rights via my wife. I'm not worried about that.

What I am worried about is whether people at the border will recognize all that and let me back in. I've scoured personal anecdotes on the Web. Some say not to worry about it as long as I am traveling with my wife and I have a copy of our marriage certificate. Others say that without a valid entry permit I may not be allowed to enter the country (and may have to apply for an EEA FP extension outside the country)

Needless to say, this is all very confusing. I simply want to know if I can visit my family for Christmas. I know the "safe" thing to do is to stay put until I get my residence card. But...I'd really like to be able to leave the country if I am confident I can get back in.

(Extra info: I am an American and thus dont need a visa. Working in the UK for a UK subsidiary of an American company)

Can a Canadian journalist make it in the U.K.?

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:26:30 -0800

Canadian journalist wants to work in the U.K. - does this sound remotely feasible? I'm a Canadian journalist with a few years experience at a regional daily. I'm considering making the move to the U.K. over the next few years, likely London, and would appreciate any advice from fellow Canadians who've successfully (or semi-successfully) made the jump.

In particular, I'm looking for suggestions or experiences in getting visas, the type of work I can expect to find (or not find), level of experience required, and whether I stand a chance in hell of making this work. I'm reasonably confident in my abilities, but not sure how they'll hold up in a major market. Totally willing to explore different employment options, although my past experience is mostly in news reporting, online/print/radio.

I've set up a temporary email account - throwaway227@gmail.com. Any additional questions or comments can be sent there. Thanks in advance!

Which Right Honourable Gentlemen first said 'cheese'?

boubelium — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:04:16 -0800

Who was the first British Prime Minister to be photographed? And, who was the first PM to be photographed while holding the office?

I'm assuming it would be someone after Canning. I would guess that Wellington must have been photographed in his later years. Perhaps Peel was photographed while PM? Sadly my google-fu has failed me, but I hope you all will not!

Does being a citizen of a Commonwealth country make it easier to get citizenship or legal resident status in the UK?

HotPatatta — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:00:21 -0800

Can Canadian citizens become permanent residents or citizens of the UK more easily than, say, a U.S. citizen? I'm just curious, since Canada--and other Commonwealth countries--share the same queen.

Is there anywhere to look at Pella replacement windows in or around London?

Rock Steady — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 04:30:32 -0800

Is there anywhere to look at Pella replacement windows in or around London? My parents are replacing the windows on their house here in the US, but are currently living in London. They would like to be able to visit a Pella showroom, or at least a builders' supply place that carries them, so they can get a look at them first hand before approving them. The official Pella distributor for the UK is in Ireland, so that's not very useful. Convenient to the Docklands/Canary Wharf area would be preferable.

Help This American Student Navigate the NHS

awesomebrad — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:39:20 -0800

NHSFilter: I'm going to be studying in the UK for a year, and I have some questions about my coverage under the NHS. I'm going to be entering the UK in September for a year-long course of study; I know that because I'm on a student visa and will be in the UK for more than six months, I'm entitled to NHS coverage. I do, however, have some questions.

I've taken several prescription medications to help control acne for the past two years. I know that the general charge for prescriptions is £6.85, and also that there is a list of medications which are not covered. I cannot, however, find this list, and as controlling acne isn't exactly essential to my survival, I need to know whether I'll be able to procure my medications in the UK under the NHS scheme (I don't need to worry about finding a GP to register with, as my school provides one). The medications I use are: Doryx (which is a slightly modified form of doxycycline), Nicomide (nicotinamide/niacinamide prescription vitamin), Retin-a micro, and Brevoxyl 4% creamy wash.

Additionally, I've just had a minor surgical procedure performed, and although it has gone well, it will require follow-up extending into the first part of my stay in the UK (just checks to make sure there's no recurrence). I noticed that the student coverage doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, will this be an issue? And the follow-up should preferably be performed by a specialist: will I/how will I need to go about getting a referral?

I've tried to include everything I can think of, but if you can see any issues here that could crop up and I haven't specifically asked about, I would appreciate it if you could let me know.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

Oxford: Parking for myself and a car?

MasonDixon — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:35:29 -0800

Oxford UK: Want to know where I can park myself at an inexpensive B&B and my car. (There is an older AskMe B&B Oxford question, but it is two years old.)

Looking for an inexpensive B&B for myself --as a student I always liked the cheap ones where I got to stay with an "old" couple whose kids had moved out or somesuch. Needn't be in city centre, but I would like it to be no more than a half hour by foot, bus, train or car.

As for the car, I know this is somewhat dependent on where I lodge, but will I be ticketed without a permit for street parking? How is parking generally in Oxford? Are daily or weekly car parks available for a reasonable rate?

Why is the United Kingdom still a united kingdom?

dcrocha — Mon, 14 May 2007 11:46:56 -0800

Why is the United Kingdom still a united kingdom? I was reading The Economist two weeks ago and they had an article about Scotland and how the Scottish National Party, which strongly advocates for independence from the U.K., may have a nice victory on next elections with their newly-created platform of seeking independence based on a possible automatic admission to the European Union.

It was also mentioned in the article that Scots like to be called Scots, not Brits; the same goes for Wales (Welsh, not Brit) and so on. I did know that before. The article also said that British government, in the past few years, has given member countries much more power over their own matters than ever before. I did not know that before.

With all that said, my question is: if nobody likes to be British, why does the United Kingdom still exist? Why don't the four member countries split up, join the EU and start minding their own businesses?

Reading an unwritten constitution?

awesomebrad — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:45:54 -0800

Reading an unwritten constitution? I'm an American student of Public Policy, and next year I'll be studying government in the United Kingdom. I need a primer on the workings of government in the UK, and I suppose that if my situation were reversed, I'd start by reading the American Constitution and move on from there. There is, however, no such document in the UK, so my question is: where to start? I'd like to read a book (or a few books, if necessary) that covers how exactly government functions in the UK, the idea being to give me the same level of understanding of UK government as someone politically aware who grew up there (or close to it). I can handle academic writing easily, but the more readable, the better. Bonus points for books taking an institutional view, like James Q. Wilson's Bureaucracy. Thanks in advance.

U.K. Christmas

ericb — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 16:07:45 -0800

As a child, I was an American expat, growing up in Scotland. This time of year I have many fond memories of Christmas Pantomines, Christmas Pudding, Paper Crowns & Crackers, 'Cadbury's Christmas Selection Boxes,' etc.' I also remember getting copies of year-end "annuals," particularly the 'Beano Annual' and the 'Blue Peter Annual.' There were many others, but I am at a loss for remembering their titles. What are/were some of the others published at Christmastime?

No surrender?

Pretty_Generic — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 11:21:56 -0800

If Blair called for a referendum in Northern Ireland on joining Eire, which side would win? Has the higher birth-rate of Catholics made a difference? Is the increasing paramilitary disarmament indicative of a political climate in which a democratic handover could take place with an acceptably low level of violence?

Music insurance in the UK?

dodgygeezer — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 06:53:06 -0800

[UK Music Insurance] I always felt that my record collection was too personal/horrible/crap for anyone to bother stealing it, but a friend of mine who lives just round the corner has had most of his collection pilfered so now I'm not so sure. While my collection doesn't include many items that are in themselves valuable, just the number of CD's and records would make them very expensive to replace. Any ideas on what insurance options are available? By the way I should say that my friend's collection was neither horrible or crap but I thought it was esoteric enough that no one would bother stealing it.

Skeet shooting in UK?

mattr — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 02:31:36 -0800

Any UK Shooters? Inspired by an earlier question about shooting - I was reminded of a long standing ambition of mine mine, to take up Clay Pigeon (Skeet) shooting.

Does anyone know of a good place to begin Clay Pigeon Shooting - to the West of London preferably - and not exclusive/expensive - I know the West London Shooting Club and Holland & Holland...but both are prohibitively expensive...

Radiator Help

grouse — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 05:37:45 -0800

RadiatorFilter. I live in a student flat in the UK built in the last two years, that has a radiator with a large turning knob and a small dial on the end of the knob. How am I supposed to set it? The knob has the following markings:

* . 1 ^2.^.3..4--5-| p

The dial has the following markings:

* . 1 . 3..4 5 |

No one really seems to understand what they do--most people didn't even notice there were two controls. I've tried setting them by trial and error but I don't really understand what is going on. Any explanations?

Getting tickets to a football match in the UK?

Wolfie — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:04:03 -0800

UK Mefiers - Need advice on how to procure tickets to a proper football match. My husband is an Arsenal super fan and while our Tivo is flush with recorded games – he’s never seen one live. The ticket schemes seem like you have to get put on a waiting list when you are born to ever hope to buy a ticket from the club – so what’s a couple visiting from San Francisco to do to get tickets for the Fullham game on the 26th? I’ve seen a few online brokers – are there any that have a better or worse reputation? My understanding is that reselling tickets is illegal – but what are our chances if we loiter around Highbury on game day? Any advice welcomed...

Ways for an American to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK?

Mayor Curley — Tue, 26 Oct 2004 06:56:11 -0800

UK immigration: My cousin (an American) is investigating ways that she can become a permanent resident or citizen of the United Kingdom. Does the UK have a repatriation scheme? I have records to prove that she's the direct descendent of a dozen English-born people, but the real number is at least in the hundreds and can be documented with a little legwork. Unfortunately, they came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony nearly 400 years ago.

We have another cousin who will eventually be a citizen through marriage, but that's probably years away. Could the naturalized cousin eventually sponsor the cousin in question?

Or is there a better option than either of these?