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Can see Point of Ayre from harbour,fantastic little [pop about 250] community. Had rough time with Harvester then foot & mouth but all pulled together.

Yes I checked it out, almost only a stone's throw away.

Lot of Manx boats call & land their Queenies there, transporte south. Were all very supportive 11 years ago, more than British Fisheries.

Andy, meant to ask where you were based when in C&E?

I started off at Salford Docks doing betting duty, then went to Manchester Airport (customs), transferred to Bolton to do VAT visiting before transferring to the IOM in 1980 and I've been here ever since.

My father was Mancunian so always had soft spot for it, has certainly changed a bit over time. You've got great place to be retired, assume staying put.

Yes we're staying put. Our kids (2 boys 30+28 now) have grown up here and we've never thought of going anywhere else. Adam the younger one also works for Customs, Damien the elder lives in the North East of England and is an area manager for Aldi. It costs a fortune leaving the Island for visiting/hols etc,

My daughter [ex blacksmith] was at Uni in Newcastle, loved to visit her, if city had been as it is now, would have moved up there in my youth. Like big town, not city.

He's in Consett, we've been to Metro Centre in Newcastle a few times, that is vast. As you say though, a little more intimate than some cities.

1 visit to Metro Centre, more than enough. Don't do shopping like you youngsters.