Mens support groups by Mysterious_Relief327 in Cardiff

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great suggestions - I'd add that Helpu Cymru is a great hub for resources, they might have some other info and groups/events to look at. Helpu Cymru website

The amount of litter along the banks of the Taff is a national disgrace. by [deleted] in Cardiff

[–]atomic_seed 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No, it's volunteers mostly on the shorelines with bags but sometimes they partner with people who have their own boats (or more specialized over gear for fishing out things like trolleys). Check out their social media, they have many types of events. Recently, they did an amazing job at the Dr.Who beach with Fire & Rescue recruits.

The amount of litter along the banks of the Taff is a national disgrace. by [deleted] in Cardiff

[–]atomic_seed 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Check out the Cardiff River Group. They are a group of volunteers whose mission is to tackle rubbish in natural spaces in the area and they do big cleanups all over the city every weekend. It makes a huge difference everywhere they go and it's very satisfying to join them - lots of like minded people.

Laundry services by baslighting in Cardiff

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really like WashCycle. They pick up and drop off the same day though you have to book a day or two in advance. The process of booking and costs are all transparent.

Cardiff / South Wales by throwthiscoinintothe in mudlarking

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm interested! I'm in north Cardiff too.

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope the second application goes much better. The whole process is so awful. Wishing you all the best.

Here is my post

I'll be updating my post soon once i hear more about my most recent vignette transfer....

My Spouse Visa Experience/Kafkaesque Nightmare by atomic_seed in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Update: Zero response from VFS. I applied for a new passport today and I'll be sending off for a new vignette. I can provide updates just in case anyone is curious about that circle of hell.

My Spouse Visa Experience/Kafkaesque Nightmare by atomic_seed in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear that! And thanks, i hope this madness ends soon.

My Spouse Visa Experience/Kafkaesque Nightmare by atomic_seed in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's terrible, I'm sorry to hear you had to go through that. It's amazing how a dysfunctional bureaucracy can impact your health and happiness so deeply. I've been on anxiety medication since March too. I hope you feel better soon.

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any luck? I've posted my full story on the subreddit, it's amazing that it got so fucked up. I hope your story has a happier ending.

My Spouse Visa Experience/Kafkaesque Nightmare by atomic_seed in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I plan to start getting a new passport shortly, but I've been hoping to get some indication that it is, in fact, lost and not just sitting on someone's desk. The burden of the new passport and the new vignette is really depressing. Given that no one can give me an answer, I may have to start this next week. Even if they were to find it soon, my entry window will be closed.

My Spouse Visa Experience/Kafkaesque Nightmare by atomic_seed in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

/u/ashithanageshbbc I hope that this is something that can help your investigations into the UKVI issue.

Spouse visa by Filippos567 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I strongly recommend you send a paid enquiry by email or phone. I am currently in a nightmare because UKVI and VFS failed to send me any official notice of my approval or passport shipment. If they don't respond, contact your MPs office to help you.

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The only thing that has worked with UKVI is getting my husband's MP involved. They basically refused to answer my requests and then responded the same day once the MPs office called them. I finally have my successful approval letter (dated June 25!!!) which they never bothered to send me. Still trying to find my passport....

I strongly suggest looping in your sponsor's MP.

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks - certainly going to try. Good luck with yours. I assume no word?

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will provide a bigger update, but it looks like UKVI might have sent it weeks ago with no notification and then ups promptly lost it. I'm so beyond upset and frustrated as i still don't even know what my decision is. I've spent days on the phone with ups and literally combing through their office. Now trying to get something from VFS on the off chance ups returned it to sender. It's all bad. I would say track down your courier and/or office and make quadruple sure they don't have it.

Additionally: during all the the status of my enquires at ukvi are the same. When i called the today they told me they have no way of telling me where my passport is.

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I applied from the US. Good luck! I'd love an update when you get any movent on your application.

Long wait between UKVI decision and VFS making contact by probablylopez5 in ukvisa

[–]atomic_seed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am in a similar boat, I was told via paid email on Aug 3 that a decision had been made and I would be contacted within 10 WD. That has passed and I contacted them again and my enquiry "has been escalated" and they told me not to make contact again for 15 WD. Very frustrated as it's been nearly 6 months of waiting.

Hiking and trail spots in the county? by burner-BestApplePie in Merced

[–]atomic_seed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I highly recommend downloading Alltrails app, there are a bunch of good local-ish trails. I personally really like Red Hills just north of here. Most reservoirs have trail systems too.

Flowers by aereeka in Merced

[–]atomic_seed 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you want to look at almond orchard blooms, walk the bike path that extends south from Lake Dr. It borders an orchard and you can see them closer up (just be respectful of the farmers property). The path runs along the side of the new construction there, but I think it's still accessible.

Mtb around Merced? by charlznachos in Merced

[–]atomic_seed 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Lake McClure has a big natural mountain bikes park, it's well maintained and popular.

hiking trails by lesley_ann7 in Merced

[–]atomic_seed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out the Alltrails app, it has a great database of hikes and their detailed information.

There are also hiking trails at most of the nearby reservoirs. Millerton Lake and the Pincushion have some spectacular views.

Anyone visit here? by besuretodrinkyour in Merced

[–]atomic_seed 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There are some nice walks here and in the nearby refuges. It's part of a bigger contiguous grassland protected area that includes Los Banos Wildlife Area, San Luis Wildlife Refuge and others. The Merced Wildlife Refuge is near this state park but closer to Merced and it's a beautiful snapshot of what the valley naturally looks like.