Alas, unfortunately I am leaving The Motherland once again, this time to work in the delightfull town of Basingstoke. There is no way I will be living there though, but I fancy giving Reading or Swindon a shot.

Does anyone know anything about these places? Best areas to live, prices, nightlife, traffic, tottie....are they posh or as rough as f@ck?

Have we got a supporters branch in that area? Any other Geordies living in those areas?

Of course I will also be only half an hour away from The Smoke so I could join the London branches, maybe I'll make it to one of those curry nights too!

Any info would be very much appreciated.

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2000

Answers

Andy - why not Basingstoke?(:o)

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000

Go to Reading not Swindon (Carrot munching bumpkins).

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000

I live in the middle of Reading - it's a bit dull but yes better than Basingstoke, I used to work there too. Swindon is bloody awful, very inbred. Reading is your best bet as we're only 1/2 hour from London on the train & you can always get out be aware though, my one bed flat costs #600 a month & lodgings can be a premium.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000

Who are you working for in Blasingsmoke?

A bit more background - Basingstoke is a horrid town with only one night club which is like a small Ritzy. The totti is rough and have too high an opinion of themselves, mainly London overspill common cockney types - best avoided.

Reading is slightly better, a few clubs but again all in the Ritzy mould along with the standard Branagan's, Bar 38, Chicago Rock Cafe. It does have one decent club where the bar sells mainly water (if you know what I mean) The totti is a little easier (on the eye & to pull) but the local stuff tends to have a bit of country accent. Whitley is the roughest part to live but really it's posh compared to Byker or Benwell. Beer's pricey, living is pricey, Eating out is non-existant compared to Newcastle (a few indians and the usual chains Bella Pasta etc) And you will not get happy hours.

IF you haven't already put in your notice, stay at home!!!

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2000