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Moving to Goring-on-Thames or Pangbourne

Tagged: goring, move, muddy stilettos, pangbourne

This topic has 10 voices, contains 12 replies, and was last updated by Hero 228 days ago.

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May 26, 2012 at 1:42 pm #2551
clare	I wondering if anyone can give me some advice? We’re about to move from Wandsworth Common, which has been home for the last 10 or so years. We now have 2 little ones and, like everyone, want more space and access to a bigger range of local primaries. We’ve spent a bit of time in Goring on Thames and it seems to tick plenty of boxes and we think would be a great place to relocate. We don’t know anyone in the area though, so this is really based on gut-feel from a couple of visits. Our main priorities are the commute (both work in central London) and schools. The commute seems pretty good – my husband is walking distance from Paddington, but are the trains pretty reliable or jam-packed? Both Goring and Whitchurch primaries look great, but we have yet to visit. Also, wondering whether Pangbourne could be an option? If anyone has any thoughts, I’d be so grateful – it’s such a big move for us, so quite terrifying!! Thank you.
May 26, 2012 at 4:24 pm #2552
Emily	Hi there. We moved to Whitchurch-On-Thames a year ago, my youngest daughter goes to Whitchurch Primary. It is a great state school, outstanding Ofsted status. It is a small school but the head is pretty proactive, we have been happy with it,as has my daughter! Plenty of people commute from Pangbourne, though I’m not sure how busy the trains are. There are 2 trains an hour. The area is beautiful and there is plenty do with children. Goring is also lovely, with lots of young families. Not sure what the school is like I’m afraid. Feel free to ask me anything else, and I’d be happy to meet up if you do make the move! There are a lot of ex-Londoners around so you arent alone! Good luck!
May 26, 2012 at 7:59 pm #2553
clare	Emily, thanks so much for responding. We’re heading to Goring for another look around next weekend, so will definitely spend a bit of time in Whitchurch too, as I’ve read great things about the school. My eldest son will start school in September next year, do you know if there are many pre-school or nurseries around that we’ll be likely to get place in? Where we are at the moment, unless you get names on waiting lists when the baby is born, it’s all pretty hopeless! Great to hear your positive comments though. Did you find it quite easy to settle? My thinking is that with young children, it’s probably quite easy to met other Mums, through schools, playgroups etc. Have you found that to be the case? Thanks again, Clare
May 27, 2012 at 2:04 pm #2558
Kate	Hey Clare We live further west outside Newbury but we looked everywhere including Pangbourne! We moved further west as we wanted a more reliable commute. At the time we both worked in Bond Street so we wanted Paddington Station (commute from Didcot Parkway) My advice on the commute is, it is tough relying on a “branch” line with 2 trains an hour, you only need one to be cancelled and your day is screwed up. Try and look at access to Reading Station as the trains are very regular through here – though warning you will rarely ever get a seat. You will find it easy to meet people but if you both work it is going to take longer – I was commuting so rarely ever at school, but it was the advent of starting my own business and getting a dog that introduced more friends as I was around at school everyday instead of once a week. We moved from Battersea 2 years ago and love it, just this weekend with the beautiful weather you can’t beat being in your own garden and not having to schlep to the park with millions of others. I can’t pretent it will be easy but it will be worth it!
May 28, 2012 at 9:59 am #2568
Jo	Hi Everyone, I would like to gatecrash yhis thread if I may. We are in a very similar position to you Clare. We lived in Teddington then moved to Windsor (town centre). We have a 10 month old now and we are looking for more space, detached with garden etc. My family are in the West Country so makes sense for us to look out West and we have been to Pangbourne / Whitchurch twice recently and really like it. However, like you I am so nervous about it as I live in Windsor town centre and have made some friends in the short time we’ve been here, so it is a big decision to move on. I would also like to understand more about the activities, facilities available in the area. Is there a lot to do with babies / young children? Looking forward to hearing more about your move.
May 28, 2012 at 12:22 pm #2570
kate	I’ve lived in Goring for 8 years, have previously lived in London. I have 2 little ones, 1 & 3 & couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Lovely little village & great community with plenty going on. Pre-school & school at Goring (& Streatley) are excellent, over subscribed as do popular. They have added another class at Goring for 4 year olds starting this year – I would advise choosing a house close to school as it’s one of the criteria to get in. All in all a fantastic place especially with children. Happy to help if you need anything more
May 28, 2012 at 12:29 pm #2571
Juliet	Hi Clare We moved to Streatley from Wandsworth 5 years ago and love it! We moved when our girls were 11, 9 and 2. I sent my 2 year old to Harriet House Montessori in Ashampstead which is fantastic but Streatley pre -school also has a great reputation too. My husband now works from home but when we moved he communted from Goring & Streatley station to the West End and rarely had any problems. Lots of lovely people and lots to do! I’m sure with young children you will meet lots of people very quickly! Good Luck!
May 28, 2012 at 9:00 pm #2577
clare	Hi, Thanks so much for your posts. It’s really encouraging that everyone is so positive about the area. I think it’s a bit of the fear of the unknown that’s worrying us, so good to know others have been in exactly the same position – and not regretted the move! The house-hunting starts this weekend…..if any questions pop up I’ll come back to you’ll, if that’s ok!
May 30, 2012 at 4:39 pm #2591
Nicholas	Hi Clare I think the other contributors have given you a very good feel for what is a very attractive and popular area to live. There are subtle differences between the “main” towns of Goring and Pangbourne (and also between these two) and the outlying villages, so it’s important to identify your lifestyle priorities, which will then help inform where is best for you and your family to live (rather than, for example, getting swept up by the romance of living in a thatched cottage which later becomes a headache because it’s too remote). If schools are your priority then, as Kate has said, you must live in catchment; you must also have a permanent local address for your application to be considered. The best houses in the area are always popular, so you should be well prepared and in a strong buying position before making an offer if you want the estate agent and vendor to take you seriously. Warmingham covers both a wide area and price range, and I’ve always found them a friendly local family firm to deal with. Strutt & Parker concentrates towards the higher end and, as part of a national business, are a good professional firm. Dudley Singleton & Daughter and Neville Turner both appear a little old fashioned, but know the local market well. Davies Tate is a good regional firm. I’m sure you have a lot to absorb and will probably have more questions than answers after your weekend visit! I am a local property search and acquisition specialist and have experience working with clients looking for homes in that area. If I can be of service or you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I wish you well in your endeavours.
October 2, 2012 at 6:48 pm #3388
clare	Hi we are having a look at a property in Streatley this weekend and the Estate Agents have assured me that the local primary is excellent and feeds into a fantastic Secondary school too. I think the area is beautiful as we viewed in Moulsford last weekend and ventured around a bit whilst we were there. Is the traffic ok in that area as my husband will probably have to drive to and from most days?
October 3, 2012 at 6:50 pm #3398
streatley	Try here http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/local_reading/a1539190-Any-Streatley-Goring-mums-out-there This reply was modified 231 days ago by streatley.
October 3, 2012 at 7:01 pm #3400
streatley	But in a nutshell the traffic is fine unless the A34 out, the school is great, the countryside is superb, and it’s a marvellous place to live and bring up kids. Better than Goring too!
October 6, 2012 at 6:57 am #3416
Hero	I think if you are moving from London, you’ll find the driving SO easy. People in my area (near Aylesbury) constnatly moan about gridlock which I never cease to find amusing after 10 years in Islington! I write Muddy Stilettos, the urban guide to the countryside in Bucks/Oxon but I also hop over borders into Berks, so if you’re looking for the best restaurants, cafes, country parks etc, register for free at http://www.muddystilettos.co.uk and you’ll get my latest posts. Good luck with the move, Hero x

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