Sunday, January 26 was Australia Day and down under there were celebrations to mark the anniversary of the arrival of  the First Fleet of British Ships at Sydney Cove, New  South Wales, in 1788.

We took to Facebook and  Twitter to find out what Cestrians living in Australia miss (or don’t miss) about their home town.

Griffen Kettle pictured on Bondi Beach, moved to Australia from Chester in 1991
Griffen Kettle pictured on Bondi Beach, moved to Australia from Chester in 1991

Griffen Kettle emigrated from Chester to Australia in 1991 and settled in Adelaide, South Australia until 2008 when he moved to Sydney.

“I live in a cool village of Sydney called Balmain, which is just 12 minutes from the CBD (Central Business District) on harbour ferry or bus and Balmain has loads of pubs and cafes. I love the outdoorsy lifestyle, the gorgeous sunny days, going to the beach whenever you feel like it."

“I have good friends here as well as my four kids and close family, including my mum."

“I earn my living out of tiling plus a little paving, handyman and TV and film extras work! So yeah, I can’t really knock my life in Oz but will always have fond memories of my roots that were formed in NZ until 11 and then Chester until I was 22 in places like the Pool Centre and Cinderella Rockafellas.”

“I miss my mates from my youth, the northern English banter, going to the football at Anfield and away days with the 'Reds' plus the odd Chester match. I also miss the quaint little country pubs that have been around for many years and I miss my cousins, aunties and uncles in Liverpool.”

The Bragg family who moved from Saltney to Darwin in 2006
The Bragg family who moved from Saltney to Darwin in 2006

Emma Bragg from Saltney moved to  Australia in 2006 with her husband Scott and children Nathan, Andrew and Taylor-Jayne.

They first settled in Perth, Western Australia  but moved to Darwin in September last year.

“I think the main thing we love is the weather but it can get too hot at times. The  lifestyle is very relaxed especially in Western  Australia where everything is ‘wait a while’  because they are so laid back.”

"We miss everything about home, but most of all our family, friends  and even the frost. We are hoping to move back to Chester this year.”

Message back home: “We love you and miss you like mad.”

Kira and Mollie Baker loving beach life in Perth, Australia
Kira and Mollie Baker loving beach life in Perth, Australia

Maxine Baker moved from Chester to Perth, Western Australia with her husband Arron and their two daughters Kira and Mollie in August 2013.

“We absolutely love Perth, it is such an up and coming city. Our children both do sport, one is an ice skater the other loves swimming and there is so much for them to do."

“My husband was able to find work quickly, and we found a rental property quickly. The weather is amazing and life runs at a very chilled pace which is just  what we needed after the work life balance in the UK was not balanced!”

"Obviously we miss our family and friends but apart from that absolutely nothing - people said you need to give the move 2 years to make sure any home sickness passes - we managed that in less than 2 months...cements the fact that it was the right decision to move."

Message back home: "To all our family and friends, we miss you very much but we know that your minds are at ease knowing how well we have all settled in here and that we are loving the life! Love to all Maxine, Arron, Kira and Mollie xxxxxx"

Lisa Butterworth and her family emigrated to Perth in 1991
Lisa Butterworth and her family emigrated to Perth in 1991

Lisa Butterworth moved from Saltney to Perth in 1991.

“The weather is guaranteed to be sunny most of the summer, we love the casual lifestyle, eating outdoors in summer, and having lovely beaches on the doorstep.”

"I mainly miss my family of course and  the amount of pubs in the suburbs. The clothes shops, Luckys Chinese take away in Saltney and Walkers crisps.”

Message back home: “We’re looking forward to April to see you all again in lovely Chester.”

Neil & Jeni King who moved from Ellesmere Port to Melbourne in 2011
Neil & Jeni King who moved from Ellesmere Port to Melbourne in 2011

Neil and Jeni King moved to Melbourne from Ellesmere Port in 2011.

"We like how friendly the people are here, pubs that actually have people in, food, work/ life opportunities, the weather, outdoor living, Ozzie  beer (not Fosters).”

"We miss our dog, our family, friends, being cold at Christmas time, greasy spoons (cafes).”

Message back home: “Love n respect to  you all...”

Maddie, Euan, Tommy & Nicki Grierson who emigrated to Australia four years ago
Maddie, Euan, Tommy & Nicki Grierson who emigrated to Australia four years ago

Nicki Grierson, settled in Melbourne just over four years ago with her husband Tommy and two children Maddie and Euan.

“We have certainly grown much  closer as a family as initially we only had each other until we started work and made friends. I am in my twentieth year of teaching  and currently teach at an independent college, that both our children attend.”

"We love the weather, the climate in Melbourne is still four seasons (sometimes all in one day!) but summer is definitely summer from December- March. The outdoor lifestyle is great for us as a family, we do much more outside - visiting the beach, surfing, swimming, walking, with the children participating in more and varied  sports."

"We also love the slower pace of life - you soon get used to 'Aussie Time' with everything being more casual and geared towards families. The opportunities here are greater especially for the children and has given them a true sense of what  living in a multi - cultural society is like. Melbourne also plays host  to amazing events including: the Australian Open, Grand  Prix, cricket at the MCG, AFL.

"We miss family and friends, especially at times of celebration and when someone is sick. I personally miss clothes shops like Next and M&S, clothes are expensive here and not great quality."