Thanks for the comments guys. We went down to Bournemouth beach on Sunday and I overheard some people speaking Tagalog so went and introduced myself. Very nice people but they were not local, being on a day trip from Banbury. At least my wife got to meet some Filipinos that have managed to settle here successfully. It may seem odd just walking up to strangers, but with Filipinos I have never once found it to be an issue!
Brighton in August sounds like a good plan.
Maybe nearer the time we can make some arrangements.
Anyway, thanks again.
Grahame.