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You will need to take with you to the Police Station , your passport, work permit two passport sized photographs and the registration fee. Visit: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk. Banking It is advisable to open a bank account as soon as possible, ideally you should do this during your pre-assignment visit to the UK. Once your bank account is open you will then be able to transfer money from your bank at home. There is no limit to the amount of money that you can transfer. Most banks are now offering telephone and internet banking so that a visit to your local branch is never necessary. Emergency Services Fire, Police Ambulance and Coastguard services are reached by dialling 999 from any domestic or pay phone. Police Local police stations can provide helpful advice about crime prevention, and household security. Sevenoaks Police Station (like many other 'smaller' stations) is not manned 24 hours but the telephone number is re-routed to a switchboard during the night. Phone 01732 740055 Dealing With Crime Crimestoppers: Call anonymously if you have information on anyone involved in criminal activities. Calls are free. Phone 0800 555111 Neighbourhood Watch. If you'd like to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme in your area, call the national association in London: 0171 772 3348. Animal Welfare RSPCA - 24-hour nationwide animal cruelty and emergency line: 08705 555999 Environment Agency 24 - hour emergency helpline 0800 807060 24-hour floodcall service 0645 881188 Health Hospitals Accident and emergency departments will treat serious injuries and sudden illness. For people living in the Sevenoaks District, the nearest hospital with a 24-hour walk-in accident and emergency department is: Kent & Sussex Hospital, Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells 01892 526111 Doctors You should register with a local doctor. In an emergency, dial 999 or go to your local hospital's Accident and Emergency Department. Dentists You will also need to register with a local dentist. Most dentists in the UK only offer private dental care. There are a small number of dentists offering cover under the National Health Service but a charge is still made for treatment of adults. There are exemptions to charges under the NHS treatment. Once you are registered with a dentist, you are eligible for 24-hour emergency service at NHS dental practices. In an emergency, call your local surgery to find out which dentist is on duty. For more information, call the Health Information Service. Orthodontic care of children's teeth is available - though this has to be paid for. Opticians All opticians provide eye tests. There is no need to consult your doctor to arrange this service. A standard charge will be made by the optician for an eye test though tests for children are free. Lenses and frames are charged for and prices will vary dependant on style. It is therefore a good idea to look at the special deals which will be offered by many high street opticians. Late-night Chemists Chemists (Pharmacies) often operate a late-night rota. Details of your nearest late-night chemists are usually listed in the local press. Education There are a good number of schools available to your family in the Sevenoaks area. They range from state maintained schools to fee-paying independent schools, from pre-school crèches to colleges. Some schools specialise in either national or multi-national students. All schools are inspected and league tables have been produced for the state schools giving details of examination record etc. If considering using an independent school, you will need to find out what the fees are, how they can be paid and whether grants are available. Certain pupils may be awarded scholarships or bursaries by certain schools. This is very much at the discretion of the school concerned. Many of the independent schools in the area have long waiting lists, so the earlier you can reserve a place, the better. Adult Education There are several Adult Education Centres around the district offering a good variety of courses - of varying lengths and duration. Whether you are interested in brushing up your computer skills, learning to ice a cake, trying your hand at lacemaking, learning a new language or exercising those tired and flabby muscles, adult education classes will be a source of fun and knowledge. Sevenoaks: Hatton House, Bradbourne Road, Sevenoaks. TN13 3QN. Telephone: 0845 6065606. Information can also can be obtained from www.kent.gov.uk/adulted Language There are obviously many words in the English language which have different meanings in different parts of the world. For our American friends, who may require a quick (and very amusing) lesson in our use of the English language, try The very best of British . Property There is, of course, a wide diversity of properties available, both for purchasing or renting. Markets do fluctuate and at present there is a relative scarcity of property on the market so the customer has to move quickly. If you are renting, you will need to consider whether you require furnished accommodation, whether you wish to hire furniture or whether you are bringing your own. Obviously you will have to consider what type of accommodation you require, the desired number of reception rooms and bedrooms, the size of the garden and the distance from work, transport and local amenities. If you are purchasing your property, you need to read the deeds carefully as they often include clauses regarding your responsibilities in the neighbourhood that you would not be aware of. Insurance If you rent a property, the landlord will be responsible for providing insurance cover for the property and any furniture of household items which are included in the rental. Utilities - General On moving into rented property the managing agents will arrange for the gas, electric and, if installed, the water meters to be read. Meter boxes will be found in all homes. In newer properties these will be outside, contained in white boxes. Meter readers will visit your home on a six monthly basis to read the meter. They carry proof of identity. If you are not at home when the meter reader calls a pre paid postcard will be left for self certification of the readings. It is quite important that you take the meter readings and send on the details as this will avoid large bills for underpayment of accounts. Electricity The electricity supply in UK homes is 240 volts, AC single phase, 50 cycles. Plugs are square, 3-pin 13 amp. There is a quarterly standing charge for the supply of electricity and a unit charge for the amount of electricity consumed. Bills are issued quarterly, in arrears. Emergencies: 0800 7838866 Customer Services 0800 0568888 Gas Natural Gas is supplied to the majority of homes in towns and cities. Gas is probably the main fuel used for central heating installations in UK homes. Billing is similar to that for electricity. Calor or bottled gas is sometimes used as a heating or cooking fuel - this is an expensive form of fuel. If you smell gas anywhere, either in the house or in the street, call immediately. Telephone: 0800111999 Oil The use of oil for heating is mostly found in country areas. This fuel is stored in large tanks outside the property. On moving into and out of such properties it is usual to ensure that the tank is full. Water Water rates are assessed on the rateable value of the property. When renting property it is necessary to determine from the outset who will be responsible for the charges, the tenant or the landlord. In some cases this is negotiable, however where a water meter is installed the charges for water rates are the responsibility of the tenant. You should be aware that an additional annual charge is applicable if a sprinkler hose is to be used in the garden. Mid Kent Water: Telephone: 01634 873111 (Helpline) South East Water: Telephone: 0800 526800 (Leak Alert Line) Thames Water : Telephone: 0645 200800 Sewerage Private residents are generally responsible for repairing any drain damage on their property. However, there are exceptions so it is worth contacting Sevenoaks District Council for full details. Refuse Disposal Your normal household refuse is collected from outside your property on a weekly basis. Most people use the black bin liners which are provided by the council on a regular basis (though you can always request more by dropping in at the Sevenoaks District Council Offices on Eardley Road, Sevenoaks - or you can buy bags from supermarkets). You will need to find out what time your Refuse Collection Service passes your property. Many people put their rubbish out on the proceeding evening (especially where there is an early morning collection) - but be warned, foxes love to rip these bags apart and spread your most embarrassing refuse all over the neighbourhood. It will be your responsibility to clear the mess up.…the 'Bin Men' (as we fondly call them) certainly won't do it for you. Each year the District Council publishes a booklet packed with useful information about its environmental services. The booklet includes information on: recycling; paper collections; Special holiday arrangements for refuse collections; free Saturday refuse collection service (includes bulky items); free weekday bulky refuse collection service; and free fridge, freezer and white goods collection service. It also includes details of a special offer to residents of Sevenoaks District, who can buy composting bins at specially reduced prices. Recycling Improved local facilities mean households can now recycle more of their waste. There are now recycling centres throughout the area. If you are unsure of where your nearest facilities are you can call the Recycling Centre, Sevenoaks Direct Services (Dunbrik Depot, Main Road, Sundridge) on 01959 565489/90 Postal service First class postage to UK locations currently costs 30 pence and should be delivered the next day. Second class post should be delivered within three days and costs 21 pence. Postage stamps can be purchased at Post Offices, some stationers, newsagents or at supermarket kiosks. A Guaranteed next day delivery service, Datapost, is available through the post office. Alternative services are operated by independent companies such as DHL or TNT. Valuable material should be sent either by Recorded Delivery or Registered Mail. Details of these and overseas services are available at the Post Office. Mail is delivered daily, except Sunday and some areas have two deliveries a day. Driving Things to watch out for that may be different from what you are used to! 1. Drive on the LEFT! 2. Stop at Pedestrian Crossings (or Zebra Crossings as we often call them because of the black and white stripes) if you see anybody anywhere near one! British people expect cars to stop and often launch themselves on to them without a second thought. 3. Do not park between the white zigzags on either side of the zebra crossing. Although people get away with this in many countries, the police are not forgiving of this sin in the UK. 4. You cannot turn right on a red light unless there is a green filter light telling you to do so. Driving Licence You may be allowed to drive for up to 12 months, from date of residence, providing you have a current valid foreign licence or and International Driving Permit. An application can be made for a full UK licence from the local Post Office. Vehicle Insurance and a valid Road Fund Tax certificate are required for any vehicle used. Seat Belts It is compulsory for drivers and front seat passengers to wear seat belts. If rear seat belts are fitted, it is compulsory that these are used by any rear seat passengers. Highway Code The Highway Code book contains valuable information about the rules of the road. A copy can be obtained from main newsagents. You are advised to read it before driving in the UK. Motoring Organisations You should consider joining one of the national motoring associations which will come to your rescue should you breakdown or run out of fuel. These usually charge a range of membership fees for different levels of service. Buying A Car Although you may be tempted to go to a dealer, you'd probably be better off going to a private seller (unless you're buying a new car, of course!). You will get a much better deal by consulting the local newspapers. The local library will have copies of the latest consumer reports and guide books on what to look for in a used car. Be prepared to buy when you see as quality cars swap hands very quickly. Bringing Your Car With You If you are considering bringing a foreign car into the UK the following areas must be checked: lights, dual speedometer and fog lamps. For more information about bringing a foreign car into the UK on a long term basis, phone the National Approvals Office on 0117 9515151. Parking Permits In most areas of London and in some provincial cities, it is necessary to obtain a residents parking permit for unlimited street parking. Permits are obtained from the local council and an annual fee is charged. To obtain a permit you will need to take with you written confirmation that you are resident in the property. The permit is displayed in your car and enables you to park in designated residents parking areas. Working in the Sevenoaks District If you are considering setting up your own business, you need to get as much free information before you start paying for the services of lawyers and accountants. A good place to visit for a free consultation with a business adviser is the: West Kent Enterprise Agency: 3/4 River Walk, Tonbridge. Telephone: 01732 360133. Advice can be given on a range of issues including: advertising, marketing and publicity; patents & design; health & safety; exporting; and premises. Commuting to London It takes approximately 35 minutes to get from Sevenoaks or Otford stations to London on the fast services. There are slower stopping trains which call in at stations such as Dunton Green and Eynsford. Entertainment BBC1 and BBC2 are subsidised by the government from the annual licence fee revenue and have no commercials. ITV and Channel 4 are commercial channels. Programmes broadcast on ITV channels may differ from one area to another. Programme listings are published in most daily newspapers, many local papers, weekend newspaper supplements and specialist magazines. The provision of Cable television in major cities and towns continues to grow. There are many companies offering the service and charges vary. Satellite television is available provided you have a dish receiver and the necessary decoder for your TV. This equipment can be either purchased or rented. If there is not already a dish at the property it will be necessary to: obtain the authorisation of the Landlord of the property or check with the Planning department at your local council before arranging to have a dish installed. There are 5 national radio services provided by the BBC: Radio One - pop music Radio Two - light music & entertainment Radio Three - classical music Radio Four - quality news, current affairs, documentaries and plays Radio Five - sport and news None of these programmes have any commercials. There are also local BBC radio channels and national and local commercial channels. 'Today' on Radio Four from 06.00 - 09.00 each weekday morning is an excellent news and current affairs programme. Public Holidays Public or "Bank" Holidays used to mean that all commercial activity closed down for the day. This is no longer the case. Although banks are shut, most large supermarkets now open on many of the Public Holidays. New Years Day (1st January) Good Friday Easter Monday May Day (usually the first Monday in May) Spring Bank Holiday (usually the last Monday in May) Summer Bank Holiday (usually the last Monday in August) Christmas Day Boxing Day (26th December) The Weather Ok, so we can't tell you what the weather is going to be like on a day-to-day basis - but we can give you a few pointers. Winter: We can have quite heavy frosts and sometimes have a few days of snow. It seldom gets more serious than that and the lowest day-time temperatures are around freezing point. Unfortunately, because we Brits are not used to SERIOUS snow, we are not the best of drivers when we get a surprise layer on our roads and driveways. Daylight shortens to 8am to 4pm by mid December. Spring: is a lovely season in Kent with the accompanying profusion of daffodils, trees laden with blossom, and woodlands covered in a rich carpet of bluebells. The weather hovers around 60 degrees - but we can be surprised by beautiful warm sunny days. Summer: The summer months can be very warm and dry - and we have been known to have water shortages and hosepipe bans. The temperature ranges from the low sixties to the high eighties (fahrenheit) with low humidity. Autumn: This season can be grey, damp and blustery - but we can also have brilliantly bright sunny days. In general, temperatures are mild, and although the weather can be damp, the south-east is much drier than the north of the UK. We rarely have SEVERE weather, though the famous hurricane of 1987 which hit the Sevenoaks District very badly is still in our minds. Making Friends Starting up in a new place can be a lonely experience, especially for the spouses. Here are a few ideas for getting out there and making friends. The library has lists of community groups and interest groups which you might like to consider joining. Not everyone likes it but church is a great way to meet people. Why not go along to the Sevenoaks Volunteer Centre on Buckhurst Lane (or phone 01732 454785) to find out tasks you could undertake on a voluntary basis. Don't forget that the kids will also settle in more quickly if they make friends. Obviously they will make friends at school but they should also consider joining the local Brownies or Guides, Cubs or Scout group, or join a local youth club (usually attached to a church). Visiting Attractions in Sevenoaks District A full listing of attractions and leisure facilities is included in this manual. However some useful phone numbers to get you started are: Tourist Information Centres: Sevenoaks 01732 450305 Edenbridge 01732 868110 The National Trust The National Trust is a registered charity and is independent of the government. It was founded in 1895 to preserve places of historic interest or natural beauty permanently for the nation to enjoy. It relies on the generosity of its supporters, through membership subscriptions, gifts, legacies and the contribution of many thousands of volunteers. It now protects and opens to the public over 200 historic houses and gardens and 47 industrial monuments and mills. It also owns more than 244,000 hectares of the most beautiful countryside and 565 miles of outstanding coast for people to enjoy. Family membership (for 2 adults and their children under 18) costs about £68.50 for 12 months and it gives free admission to most properties belonging to the National Trust. Local NT properties include Chartwell (Westerham), Ightham Mote (Ightham), Knole (Sevenoaks), Quebec House (Westerham), and Scotney Castle Garden (Lamberhurst) PLEASE BE AWARE: These details were correct at the time of going to print but things change very rapidly. We cannot take any responsilbility if some details are out of date. After all, this is only a hobby website and we rely on the general public (and local organisations) to keep us up-to-date. |
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