Graham has retired.

[grahamw48]

I have retired, sold my cars, got my bus pass, given up smoking my 5 a day, and have taken up walking and cycling.

Treating myself to a new bike this week....and a new Xbox, to satisfy my 'need for speed'.

Next...save up, then off to the Philippines a fitter and healthier man, for as long as possible.

[Terpe]

I have retired, sold my cars, got my bus pass, given up smoking my 5 a day, and have taken up walking and cycling.

Treating myself to a new bike this week....and a new Xbox, to satisfy my 'need for speed'.

Next...save up, then off to the Philippines a fitter and healthier man, for as long as possible.

Well......congratualtions on your retirement Graham

I'm not totally surprised, but if I'm honest you caught me out with your timing.

I'm very glad you've given up smoking. You'll almost certainly feel the benefits quite quickly, within 2-3 weeks anyway.

Do you have a good cycling route nearby ?

Good luck with your plan.

[grahamw48]

Thanks Peter.

Yes, living in York I'm really spoilt for choice with cycle routes, in fact we have a proper map of them, printed by the council.

Also I live on the edge of town, so access to beautiful countryside is literally minutes away...even on a pushbike.

From previous experience, my food consumption will go up, but at that time I was on 20 a day, not the 5 or 6 that I've reduced to for at least the past 18 months, so should be an easier transition.

[Terpe]

Thanks Peter.

Yes, living in York I'm really spoilt for choice with cycle routes, in fact we have a proper map of them, printed by the council.

Also I live on the edge of town, so access to beautiful countryside is literally minutes away...even on a pushbike.

From previous experience, my food consumption will go up, but at that time I was on 20 a day, not the 5 or 6 that I've reduced to for at least the past 18 months, so should be an easier transition.

Your smoking is most probably more of habit and ritual. You'll need to be wary it doesn't catch you out. Keep the faith.
Plenty here to support you if you need it

[jake]

Congratulations on giving up smoking but the cars Guess you must be past the mid- life crisis stage.

[Dedworth]

Well done Graham kick the fags into touch and get out on the bike

[les_taxi]

Yes well done Graham

[Doc Alan]

Great news Graham
My best wishes for your retirement . I am sure you will keep yourself busy although most people find adjusting to retirement takes time. As for me, I'm never bored and don't now know how I find time for work - although I keep up with health topics for interest !

I also sold my car about 4 years ago, use my bus pass, and cycle two or three times a week ( it lapsed during the cold winter ). I once cycled from York to Scarborough but that was a few years ago . A UK Senior Railcard has also proved useful.

There are even unexpected benefits abroad - last year I got discount on the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway ( they didn't ask for proof of age !! ) and it's worth trying for Senior Citizen discounts in the Philippines .

Good luck .

[grahamw48]

Thanks everyone.

Yes Alan, it will take some adjustment, but really I've been 'semi-retired' for the past couple of years....just doing bits and pieces from home.

I'm also trying to adjust to having to line up with a lot of old people at the bus stop, what with me being only a young chap, and feeling like a fake handing over my free bus pass.

[grahamw48]

Congratulations on giving up smoking but the cars Guess you must be past the mid- life crisis stage.

Oy ! I haven't even ENTERED that yet ! Cheeky bugger.

[Steve.r]

Congratulation Graham, life is about to start I feel

[RickyR]

Congratulations. Giving up the car is an enviable decision, whilst we sometimes complain the UK public transport is pretty good.

[grahamw48]

It was making me lazy Ricky.

Ok when you're in your 20's, but 60+...important to stay fit.

There are always taxis and hire cars.

[RickyR]

To be honest, in the UK I take the train or bus over driving any day. Really can't be bothered looking for parking etc. I was in the UK for 4 weeks earlier in the year for a course, and chose to save money and not hire a car. Travelled by plane, train and bus all over the UK and loved the train journeys.

[Arthur Little]

I have retired, sold my cars, got my bus pass, given up smoking my 5 a day, and have taken up walking and cycling.

Graham ... you've taken "the bull by the horns" - or [maybe more accurately] the bike by the handlebars - and embarked on a new and healthy lifestyle. Added to that, you're now a man of leisure. Congratulations!

Here's wishing you a long, happy and fulfilling retirement.

Cheers!

[Arthur Little]

Travelled by plane, train and bus all over the UK and loved the train journeys.

Yes ... train IS, far and away, the best and [usually] most comfortable mode of travel. Pity about the exhorbitant fares
- even with the Senior Railcard Alan mentions.

[stevewool]

well done Graham,you will be so busy now you have retired, well thats what they say, just 5 more years and a bit for me to join you, and like you i will be off to the phils too

[Michael Parnham]

Good luck Graham on the beginning of the rest of your new life!

[mickcant]

All the best with your retirement
I have been retired 4 years now and enjoy doing what I want instead of what I was told.
Mick.

[imagine]

Happy retirement, now it begins a whole new outlook

[les_taxi]

Hey get yourself in Flares - I'm coming through soon

[Ako Si Jamie]

Happy retirement Graham.

[KeithD]

Graham... can I be the last to wish you a happy retirement?!!

[songz777]

I have retired, sold my cars, got my bus pass, given up smoking my 5 a day, and have taken up walking and cycling.

Treating myself to a new bike this week....and a new Xbox, to satisfy my 'need for speed'.

Next...save up, then off to the Philippines a fitter and healthier man, for as long as possible.

Hi Graham, yes wish you all the best my well travlelled friend... and enjoy the new healthy feeling .. its makes you more vigorious in many ways

[grahamw48]

Thanks everybody !

Looking forward to getting back to the Phils, where I don't have to pretend to be an old bloke.

[fred]

Graham... can I be the last to wish you a happy retirement?!!

NO!!
Happy retirement Graham..And many more of em!!
The bike thing sounds great in the spring..
Just wondering how the fond memories of your nice warm car will pop back when its pissing down with freezing rain whilst cycling up there on the Moors??

[Rosie1958]

Many congratulations Graham, I hope that you have a very happy and fulfilled retirement. Also, good luck with the new bike!

[grahamw48]

Thanks Fred and Rosie.

Fred, I'm not that daft....hopefully will be sunning myself in the Phils.

[bigmarco]

Congratulations on your retirement Graham and best wishes for the new chapter in your life

[grahamw48]

Thanks Marco.