For those who haven’t heard of it before, National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) is an annual event held over the course of November, in which participants aim to write a novel in a month. More specifically, the target is to write 50,000 words (around 1,500/day), which is likely to form the backbone of a novel […]
New job
For those who haven’t seen on social media, I have recently accepted an offer for the position of Software Support Officer at the University of Manchester. The role is new, so I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing, but broadly speaking it involves helping students with final year projects and encouraging them to do […]
Another book clearout
Having moved again I’ve now found myself in the possession of books which I either don’t read or have electronic versions for me to purchase. If you want any of the books and can pick them up from me in person (posting is too much hassle), post a comment or drop me an email. They’re […]
Achievement unlocked: House sale
My house sale completed yesterday, so I can no longer tell people to “get orf my land” in a Somerset accent. I’m now looking for a flat in the city centre or Didsbury, on the basis that being in Bury is a crimp on my social life – plus another reason which I can’t mention […]
Solicitors for house sales and purchases
Recently I was asked for recommendations on which solicitors to use for house sales/purchases. I ended up composing a fairly lengthy email, and thought it might be useful to others as well. None of this is legal advice for your specific situation – it’s more a general guide as to how you might find someone […]
House and business plans
Despite having only been on the market for two weeks, I’ve received and accepted an offer on my house. It’s roughly what I paid for it, so if all goes to plan I won’t have have lost any money and will have effectively rented the property for the best part of two years (cost of […]
House on the market
My house is now officially on the market and has made its way onto Rightmove and Zoopla (between them they more or less control the online market). So far the estate agents have been quick and efficient, generally turning things around the next working day (by industry standards, that is lightning speed). Current plan is […]
Moving preparations
The estate agent came round yesterday and took some photographs – fortunately as they sold the house last time and I haven’t done any internal structural work they can re-use the floor plans and measurements, which saves a lot of time. They picked up a few minor issues which might put off some sellers, but […]
Moving back to Manchester?
I’m feeling a bit stuck where I am at the moment, and considering moving back to Manchester. Initially I thought buying a house in Bury would be the right move, but I’m having to spend the equivalent (and more) of a service charge on jobs such as new boiler, new garage roof etc. The property […]
June geek socials
Below are the geek socials which I’m currently organising for June. They are open to all, and booking is only required for OtherCuisineBeer. Saturday 1st June: Trip to Bletchley Park. Meet at 9am at Manchester Piccadilly, full travel arrangements can be found in the mailing list archive. Friday 7th June: Currybeer – meet from 7pm […]