Reply With QuoteCongrats to your Son.
Warm people up there, sure he'll love it
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Chaps.
Youngest completes his maths degree and graduates in a few months and has landed a position with BAE Systems starting in August in the audit and governance department.
His first year sees him based in Preston so it’s time to help him find him a new home. He is happy to live a little way out and considering both house share or a flat.
Any knowledge of the city and nice area to live would be great.
Many thanks in advance
Pitch
Congrats to your Son.
Warm people up there, sure he'll love it
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Can't help you with local knowledge but my Dad was the HR Director for BAE based in Preston. Spooky.
Don’t you just love this place.
Many thanks for your kind words xxnick, his biggest interests and loves (apart from the obvious) are football, maths and the military, so he has landed his dream gig with plenty of footie grounds around him.
Cheers guys
Pitch
Some years ago I found myself passing through Preston between the bus station and railway station. I chose to walk- around a 15 minute walk if I recall. It was a weekday evening in early summer, still daylight. It’s one of the few times I’ve ever felt unsafe walking around in public in Britain, on account of the groups of “disaffected yoof” hanging around. And for reference I’ve spent a lot of time in places like SE London and Bradford.
I’m sure the outlying areas are fine but based admittedly on that one experience the city centre isn’t a place id be keen to go back to.
I work in Preston and use to work near the BAE office.
I don’t have much knowledge of the rental market, other than a lot is student accommodation as the University has undergone huge expansion in the last couple of decades.
If you want to know what any particular area is like drop me a PM.
If I don’t know the area myself, I’ll know someone who will.
For what it’s worth, BAE is renowned for being a great company to work for.
Last edited by Cynar; 19th April 2024 at 11:07.
Not at all the impression I’ve ever had in Preston. It’s not Bourton on the Water, but no worse than any other city I’ve been to. I’ve never felt unsafe there. There are some rough areas I wouldn’t choose to go, but the city centre isn’t one of them.Originally Posted by draftsmann
My UK home is in Preston, and I work for BAES (albeit in the desert now).... I like Preston but it's a college town and tatty in areas..... Lytham St Annes (Lytham bit more pricey than St Annes) was where I lived when I started out...... would be where most of the BAES graddies live I would've thought, just a bit of a drive (40 minutes or so?) to their other site in Samlesbury, Preston-wise its nice round Winkley Square / Avenham Park... feel free to PM me with any questions regarding the company or the area :)
Samlesbury fella checking in.... Haven't the company provided some details about the local area? The used to but that was a good few years ago.. same as above feel free to drop a message if an insider view would help
Depends if he is based at Salmsbury or Wharton , both well out of Preston city. Once he knows location decisions will be easier.
I have spent over ten years working in Preston in the last thirty years. I would echo comments above, very warm people and Bae is a great employer, good luck to him.
Mean and totally unnecessary post.
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They have an office in Preston as well as the massive Salmesbury and Warton sites.
I remember a fun day many years ago doing skid training with Lancashire Police driving instructors on the runway at Salmesbury.
Many many thanks all(?) for your kind thoughts and taking the time to reply, its great.
His mew employer have been superb and are indeed assisting with relocation, it was just useful for us to have some thoughts from the TZ faithful.
Thank you also for the offers of PM's, I would hope next week we will know where he will be based.
All the best
Pitch
I live about 4 miles north west of Preston in a smallish village. Worked for 18 years in central Preston and never had any issues.
As stated above Lytham is a nice ( but getting pricey) place with lots going on in summer.
St.Annes further north of Lytham is O.K. but watch out for drugs.
I'm ashamed to say I'm fromBlackpool and advise you to avoid it like the plague.
Lots of nice villages around Preston, many with good pubs (i.e. The Eagle at Weeton).
And, don't forget if he's into any sort of activity the Lake District is only about and hour North.
Yes, yours was, in response to my truthful account of my own experience in that location. What’s bothering you?
Lancashire hot pot and pickles , lovely warm hospitable people , these are my personal experiences , genuine affection for them all .
The world has moved on , this is obviously a very bright intelligent young man making his way in the world , he will find Lancashire and it’s people as welcoming and caring as Norfolk.
This is 2024 , your son is “ obviously very switched on to get to this point , good luck and best wishes to him , all our futures rely on his generation and people with his ,intelligence in these enduring challenging times .
Im confident in the future ,your son will like me reflect on my informative years in Lancashire with affection .
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Last edited by Norbert; 19th April 2024 at 21:43.
I grew up near Preston and spent many a weekend day and night there.
It’s a good city.
I really miss the easy access to the Lakes. I do not miss the rain.
"Bite my shiny metal ass."
- Bender Bending Rodríguez
I know a fair few chaps who are based at Samlesbury who live in and around Chorley. Well connected to M6 and M61, reasonably priced and enough going on for someone on the younger end of the spectrum.
To be fair, Pitch asked for knowledge of Preston. I hardly think one 15 minute walk where you felt scared by some “yoof” qualifies as knowledge. I totally agree, yours was an unnecessary post, based on basically no knowledge at all.
Last edited by Cynar; 19th April 2024 at 23:20.
It was a one-off anecdote, as I made clear. But for context, over a 30 year period my work took me to every major city and town in the British Isles, and that was the only time I ever felt uncomfortable walking around a place. If you think that’s “unnecessary” then I bow to your prerogative. I equally appreciate that many people become defensive about “their” place; and this too is your, and the other chap’s, prerogative.
Have a nice weekend.
Exactly
It's guys like these that will need to pay for the triple lock going forwards(not too political I hope)
On another note we're a good few comments in and no comment on the standard of the ladies.
Good luck to your son, and I hope he makes a life for himself in Lancashire.
As a professional earning a good wage, he should have a very good standard of living, including the ability to buy a house, something those in the SE can only dream of.
Not too far from major cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle with proper scenery on his doorstep.
What is not to like?
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Yes, just don't understand this (and same goes for cars and other stuff). If I lived somewhere crap I'd say so.
FWIW, I see your post as helpful.
Nothing useful to offer despite living in Preston for 2-3 years
There is an amazing Indian restaurant on the way from Preston to Samlesbury.
I was a regular there when I was in Preston.
Still make it a point to get a takeaway everytime I go that far down south!
It's called Bukhara.
Many thanks again chaps for all the kind words and PM’s.
BAES are being just superb with their support. The start can’t come soon enough, he is just so looking forward to his new career and starting proper.
Pitch
Morning Chaps.
Time is moving on and BAES have been brilliant.
Henry is off up early July for a meet day and I’m heading up so we can have the following day hopefully viewing some flats.
He has dropped on a couple so far, Winckley Square and Ring Way which are in his £700p/m budget but hoping to get a load booked in to view. He will be based in the city centre so this is ideally where he would like to be.
Again thoughts on the area would be great.
Many thanks
Pitch
Winckley square is nice and right next to Avenham Park. Likely to be Old Georgian property whereas Ringway probably modern tower block or similar. Both very central and within walking distance of the BAE office.
A lot of the accommodation is targeted at students as the Uni has expanded massively in recent years.
Last edited by Cynar; 18th June 2024 at 09:39.
Soz on this only just checked as we are in Preston. It’s a nice place.
One viewing on Ring Way and the Winckley Square places in a bit.
So where do we eat tonight.? Henry fancies a curry.
Pitch
I worked for Preston C.C. for 16 years in Environmental Health retiring early 9 years ago.
During that time we only ate at one or two curry houses which may well be closed now !
All I will say is choose with care and do some research.
I now live near Garstang 8 miles north on the A6 where there is a very good Indian called Sabza in the High St.
You may have to book but it’s worth it. Take your own booze as they are not liecenced.
Martyn.
The only thing I can add Pitch is that ‘acceptable’ accomodation goes fast so be careful of losing the perfect flat when you want to look at others. Last year I helped a young Ukrainian resettle in Liverpool - we had two viewings booked, the first was too far out of the city centre (and the open window and plug in air freshener led to me discovering they had a plumber booked to fix a leak in the bathroom = minging) the second was a newish student type studio flat which also let to young professionals perfectly located in the city centre - we accepted it on the spot. He can always move after 12 months once he’s found his feet.
Last edited by Suds; 26th June 2024 at 16:02.
East is East good northern chain with great naan, mowgli is, well, mowgli :) go to Winedown after for a few drinks, or Lonely People for cocktails......
Damn I want a curry now!
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Bit late to the party, but The Elephant in Euxton is very good, albeit a few miles South of the city.
Surprisingly, given the large Asian population in Preston, the curry houses aren’t that great.
Most of my Asian colleagues go further afield towards Blackburn if they want a decent curry.
Last edited by Cynar; 27th June 2024 at 17:42.
Well, just back from two days in Preston flat hunting with Henry and I could not have been more wrong on my preconceived thoughts of the city, amazed.....
Firstly grub, we dropped into East is East (cheers tintin) the first one we came to and it was pretty good based on Suffolk standards, cheers.
Preston after two days wandering during the days and night was just lovely. Compact, clean and clearly is on the up with the investment that seems to be being pumped in. The Uni seems to be gathering pace, with recently developed student accommodation popping up everywhere.
Henry just really liked how everything was so close and compact and when we walked into Winckley Square it was a wow moment, what a fantastic part of the city with the gardens, so peaceful. We wandered down to the park and walked along the Ribble and it was so lovely. Wandering around late on Wednesday night the whole city just seemed nice and not at all intimidating, it felt far nicer and safer than Lowestoft town centre. Good splash of eateries and bars and pubs, we tried a few and everyone we met were so friendly.
We viewed several flats and you are quite right @Suds, the places are moving quick. The last one we looked at yesterday on Winckley Square (we viewed three here in total) turned out to be the one so we secured it pretty quick and paperwork is underway. We looked at others north of Ring Way on Union Street and another in Limehouse but WS is perfect plus a jog down to Parkrun.
The most important thing from the trip is Henry loves the place and the flat he will make home for 12 months, he is really excited and just can't wait to get cracking. Me...... I am so happy and so pleased with where he is ending up and once mum gets up there as well when we move him in I know she will be the same.
Many thanks to everyone who have commented on here and WhatsApp and helped with the trip and thoughts, it has been very appreciated.
The other big plus is that's kiddy 3 of 3 now off the payroll so job done..
Cheers all
Pitch
Glad everything has turned out well Paul.
Feel free to PM if there’s anything he ever needs when he moves in.
That’s very kind and thank you buddy for all your insight it has been very useful
Pitch
Same if needs anything from the bae side just drop a message
That’s great thank you.
Pitch
I lived in Preston for 3 years whilst at Uni. It was a great place as a student. Probably different as a professional, nevertheless it’s a charming place with some great countryside on the door step. Quite a few of my Uni mates stayed in the area, and still live in the area 28 years on from graduating, that probably tells you more.
Last edited by neebsta; 1st July 2024 at 23:18.
Winkley Square is a very nice area. I worked at Preston College for a short time. They delivered their professional courses from offices in Winkley square. At lunch it was two mins to some great eateries. A great location and very central for the city centre and the Uni.
Cannot comment on Preston but I will mention that my youngest daughter was a secure comms project leader at BAES and keeping a keen eye on her progress (as you do), my impressions are that it is a great and very supportive company to work for! I suspect your son will do well and thrive there.
My first 20 years were in Preston (Penwortham) or "Penlytham" as it has got a little posher recently, not a bad place at all, plenty of work with BAE, BNFL, (BL and GEC back in the day). Easy access to Trough of Bowland then the Lakes if you are oudoorsy. Manchester and Liverpool close as well.
Moving back this year to Much Hoole, can't wait.
Many thanks chaps and so lovely to hear thoughts on the city and BAES, I remain vert grateful.
Our son is back up on Monday staying overnight for an introduction day on Tuesday. It was only last week we were in Preston but he cannot wait to get back In these first few months since being offered and accepting the position the manner with which he has been welcomed is incredible, he is just so enthused and cannot wait to give it his all.
Wifey's Everton have a friendly at Deepdale next month.so that hopefully will be the first game of many.....
Cheers again guys.
Paul
And to conclude.
We drove up last Friday and spent the weekend moving and settling him in, left Sunday.
We had a great weekend taking in the Parkrun and a couple of great nights out, great places on Winckley St and Wings and Beer was a find. Such a laugh and people were so friendly when out, they loved a Suffolk accent LOL.
Been chatting with him this week and he has settled in so well and loving getting round the city. Monday works start proper with a few weeks induction.
Many thanks again everyone for your kind assistance and taking the time reply and message me, it’s been a great help.
With kindest regards
Paul
Must be brilliant Paul to know he’s settled somewhere and looking forward to his new career. :-)
My Sister had to live there for her Uni degree, sorry to anyone who lives there but if you gave me a free house i would still not go there
Perhaps it isn’t how you / your sister remembers it and worth a visit.
Glad to read your lad is happy OP
Is your life that miserable you felt the need to post this?
Paul, glad your son is settled, nice one!
Cheers buddy and many thanks for all your assistance.
Paul
Thanks mate and I was a bit puzzled as to that reply as well, doesn't really add to me feeling nice about how my 21yo has settled in Preston and living there for the next 12 months....... Takes all sorts I guess????????
Paul
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