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Hi all I just wanted to recommend Jack Hart at JH Plastering. I had a few different people by to look at two areas of my house I was concerned about. He was the most practical and actually told me I could easily fix one of the areas myself (Condensation- love not being sold work I don't really need!) I booked him in to sort the damp in my washroom out- he showed up on time, didn't leave a mess (And it was a messy job!) and even helped plaster up a wall in another room of the house that I was dealing with. I would definitely get him in to quote on any damp issues you may have, or if you just need some plastering done. Weare going to get him to seal up a door we don't use in a few months time (not at all damp related) Jack Hart www.plastering-damp.co.uk 07877805665

It may be worth having Jack HArt come by- he does damp and plastering and recently fixed an issue for me. I had 3 different people come by and he was the most pragmatic and didn't try and oversell me on the 2nd area of damp (condensation) issue I had as the fix was so easy I could do it myself I found him on this forum from other ppl's recommendation so just wanted to pass it along! www.plastering-damp.co.uk 07877805665

Not sure if he does fencing- you may just want to ask him He?s pretty honest- when we spoke about potentially wanting a little brick wall he recommended someone else and basically said he COULD do it but it?s not his area of expertise and would give us recommendations for other people he knows clients have been happy with

Probably too late to this but had something similar done and wanted to be sure to leave a review We wanted to install two bedside lights and switches in our room- we had two quotes from two referrals from friends In the end we went with Grant Morton (based in Sydenham). He was responsive and quoted a good price (cheaper than the other basically) and as we ended up changing the job slightly during it he actually charged us less then his initial quote which was a pleasant surprise and unexpected Was really taken back by this honesty and we were quite happy with the job! I'd definitely have him back for any other electrician needs in the future Grant Morton 07974 210645 [email protected]

Hi we got quotes from 4 different people and the prices ranged from 46-80k- same thing for 2 bed and 1 bathroom We definitely could see that some would be managed better, or designed with a bit more flair We ended up going with the cheapest one as we knew someone who had used them and were happy- they are solely a loft conversion company so I think it will be a fairly standard job but we can make amendments to the design which will up the cost which will probably bring it up just above 50k (and figured even if there is the odd additional cost we're still comfortable) Not doing the job until Sept so cant give you much more of a review- but happy to pass on the various companies we got to come by. The one that came in at 70k was architecturally led and was recommended by a neighbour and their house is GORGEOUS so if you have the money I would really recommend him as he has great designs, will give you lots of design input and also manages the project which does take the pressure off you dealing with the different trades people (but we just couldnt get financially comfortable with the price unfortunately)

Hi All I just wanted to recommend Matthew Farrer- aka Secret Jungle Matthew: 07808 876820 [email protected] Instagram: @secretjunglelondon I searched on here for gardeners and had found a recommendation for him- I had 3 gardeners quote on the job and not only was he the best price but he actually took the time to understand what I was trying to achieve and gave me different options with different prices so I could make the decision as to what I wanted. He was also the only gardener who really listened to what I wanted in the long term and took that into consideration (we had an unsightly concrete block at the back with a shed on it and the other 2 recommended covering the extra concrete to make it look more attractive where as Matthew knew I didnt really want it there and didn't seem to think it was that big of a job to cut it back- it was definitely a manual job and required more heavy lifting but he seemed up for it knowing that what I really wanted was more garden space and to cut the block back to the size of the shed) Can send pictures of the before and after if any questions- as we were quite pleased with the end result and also just how easy he was to work with

Hi All I was hoping to get some advice/ tips from the forum on a good charity for the holidays. My partner and I have remained employed throughout covid and realise the financial privilege that comes with that in these tough times Particularly over the holiday periods I know there are families out there who are already worried about how they will be able to provide to their families let alone the added pressures of holiday gift giving Back in my home country I know there were charities where you could be matched with a family in need- learn about the kids interests/ preferred gifts and effectively help the parents sort out Christmas. I?m sure this exists here but can?t find it. Any recommendations?

Recently bought a house and thought I would redo the garden myself- disappointed to have to admit but this is beyond my abilities and I need help After spending a weekend removing the pebbles from the backyard so I could lay some compost/ turf have found that underneath there is some quite tough under-soil with slate and bricks (not sure if this has a purpose?)but I need to accept defeat on doing this myself I?m looking to get some help in tilling the soil (including removal of slate and bricks- thinking I?ll need a skip) and possibly breaking down an old concrete block that the old shed sat on We have access to a path behind the place so could potentially use this to bring things out to the street as opposed to through the house I?d still like to do the turf and final bits myself (to feel like I did something) but need some help Any advice or recommendations for landscapers would be really appreciated Thank you Naomi

Hi all My NCT group is planning to run a joint first birthday for all our babes and trying to find a venue where we can have them all play/ crawl (ideally in an enclosed area) but also have adult nibbles and wine/Prosecco Has anyone organised something like this before and have any suggestions? Looking for 16 adults and 8- 1 year olds Thank you!!

Hi All Hoping to use the ED forum for some advice About 10 days ago my car was hit by a lorry on Wood Vale near Lordship Lane- I wasn't there to witness the accident so was left feeling a bit saddened that someone wouldn't leave a note when I saw my car had been hit later. Then a few days later someone left a note on my car saying they witnessed it and have a picture/ video and to give them a call- which helped me restore a bit of faith in society again Unfortunately this person has now provided us with a photo of the lorry up against our car but blurred out the license plate and has asked for ?100 to send to their landlords property management company to help them with their rent (faith in society lost again)in exchange for the video/picture not blurred. Having looked up the number this person actually seems to run the property management company so I am feeling a bit scammed Not sure if there is anything I can do about this- dont really want to spend ?100 if in fact we also will have to pay an insurance deductible- it may be cheaper to just take this to a garage rather than paying the ?100 + a deductible What should I do? Should I give the police/ insurance company this persons details in hopes they help or just walk away from it all

Hi- I gave birth in one of the mid wife led birthing suites in January at Kings- I always thought I'd end up having an epidural (and made a note to remind the midwife that I may change my mind to this effect) but in the end the birthing pool was sooo much better than what I expected. I found the time I spent in the water with gas and air easier than the hours I spent outside the pool when I was only a few cm's dilated. I also found the midwife that took care of me in the room amazing- although I barely spoke to her until after my son was born my partner could also attest to how good she was. In my NCT class the instructor mentioned that as you have to meet certain criteria/ not want an epidural the rooms are generally available if you want one- despite there only being 2 rooms. Hearing from others in my NCT it also sounded like anyone who could use the room was able to, some spent part of their labour in there and then were moved when they needed more medical intervention and others finished in the room. If you have any questions at all message me and happy to answer!

Hi All I am due with my first mid January and would love to meet other moms in the area (and also take any advice from those who have already had kids!!) KVT- If you are happy to set up a facebook group that would be amazing!

Hi All I am due Jan 13th with my first- would love to meet some other moms in the neighbourhood and open to any advice! Will send my number over soon! Look forward to meeting you all

I would also like to share our experience with Julian. We live in a small flat with high ceilings and little storage space. Julian came round shortly after contacting him and gave us some ideas coupled with a very reasonable quote. We had to wait a couple of months before he had capacity but I am glad we did. He completed the work on time, cleaned up to a very high standard and wouldn't even accept a cup of tea! Highly professional with excellent workmanship I would highly recommend. Feel free to PM me if you want to see some pictures of his work. Julian Richards The London Fitted Wardrobe Co. Mob: 07931 520 713

For anyone interested I spoke with Virgin Media last week about their slow speeds. They claimed it was an ongoing issue at peak times which slows speeds down to less than 5mbs. They said it would likely be fixed in the new year. They have given me a regular monthly discount until the problem is due to be fixed. I recommend getting in touch with them if anyone else experiences the same issues. [email protected]