Nowhere has everything. We retired to Dorset two years ago. It ticks all the boxes, but the roads are crap. In Nottingham you could be in Leicester, Leeds, Brum, Lincoln - do the 90 miles to Stratford after work in time to catch the the RSC at 7.30 - go shopping in the Westfield Centre Derby or meadow hall, sheffield.

In Dorchester there are no shops - okay but sometimes you NEED stuff. Its like bloody Ireland in that a trip of thiry non motorway miles is a real drag.

Having said that dorset is beautiful. there loads of places to play. People here are less clique-ish and genuinely generous in handing out creative opportunities for performers. The Notts/derby folkscene is reminiscent of the feudal system -- and the pique that used to get into my mudcat communications was me railing at years of serfdom.

Its nice to be able to see the sea when you want also.