• 1999 Aug - Milton ready to spin a way down to OZ
• 1999 Oct - Moving from the UK to Australia
• 1999 Nov - The Gloucester connection

THE GLOUCESTER CONNECTION

Gloucester to South Australia is not the most traditional of migratory route for migrants, but Australian News is helping to change all that!

In August we featured the story of Milton Westcarr and our tale helped reunite two old friends who will soon be sharing barbecues Down Under. 

"I've known Milton since Sunday school in Gloucester ; we also did our engineering apprenticeships together," Andrew Warren told us on the eve of his departure for OZ.

"But we found out that we were emigrating at virtually the same time by chance. My wife Cathy went to the doctor's to get her tetanus booster and the nurse asked where we were going. When we said we were emigrating to OZ she asked, "Do you know Milton Westcarr?" Karen was astonished and replied, 'No, I don't, but my husband does.'

"Apparently, he used the same doctor a couple of weeks earlier. I gave him a ring and he started screaming with excitement. Since then I've read his story in Australian News !"

"We've been thinking about Australia for several years. A few years back we actually sent in our applications, but a close friend passed away and we didn't bother going," adds Andrew.

"In January last year we saw an advert from an immigration consultant, signed up with him and realized we had a chance of making it. We got accepted under the Generals Skills category."

Andrew, his wife, son Brett and daughter Hayley headed off to South Australia on September 15 th partly, they say, because they were impressed by the state's efforts to tempt them to settle there.

" South Australia 's dedicated immigration office contacted us when we were close to getting a visa. They offered us plenty of information on lifestyle and job opportunities in the state. When we got our visa they contacted us again about their Meet and Greet Service.

"To be honest, we talked about New Zealand , but there seems to be fewer opportunities for a skilled fitter and turner there."

Classed as a Grade One Machinist and a First Class Fitter by the Australian Trades Recognition Board (TRA), Andrew expects to find work quickly. "Recruitment companies said they wouldn't touch me until I arrived.

"Why are we going at all?" he asks. "How about higher standard of living, a better climate and a better future for our kids.that sounds reason enough doesn't it?" 

Photo of Andrew and Karen arriving at Adelaide Airport
Photo of Milton and Andrew at Semaphore Beach

Andrew and Karen arriving at Adelaide Airport NEXT >

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Milton and Andrew at Semaphore Beach

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