willish

What a legend. Paul has just come over to look at our broken radiator-within an hour and a half of me calling him. He told me there would be no charge for his estimate-turned out the issue was a simple one and he fixed it within 5 mins and wouldn't accept any payment. Lovely bloke and obviously knows his stuff. Heartily recommend! Thank you so much Paul!

I posted this earlier (now in the lounge) and was advised to post it here too. I'm aware you're not a councillor in my ward but am bringing it to your attention nevertheless. I need to get this off my chest. I realise this may seem like a trivial subject matter, and indeed I'm aware that Southwark Council have life and death matters to attend to, but my frustration has grown at my difficulty in getting any answer to a simple query. I asked for a tree to be pruned back in May as it was blocking our satellite signal and was told it would be done in June or July. It's now mid September and not only has it not been pruned, but despite multiple attempts to get answers from the council, they have failed to even get back to me. I understand there may be a legitimate reason for the delay in tree pruning - but I deserve to be told about it. I've even escalated it to the head of the council who is in my ward and still nothing. The council obviously has severe communication issues - to ignore a tax-paying resident with a legitimate query for so long is not just customer service at its worst, it's also rude, uncaring and disrespectful. Phew. Rant over.

I need to get this off my chest. I realise this may seem like a trivial subject matter, and indeed I'm aware that Southwark Council have life and death matters to attend to, but my frustration has grown at my difficulty in getting any answer to a simple query. I asked for a tree to be pruned back in May as it was blocking our satellite signal and was told it would be done in June or July. It's now mid September and not only has it not been pruned, but despite multiple attempts to get answers from the council, they have failed to even get back to me. I understand there may be a legitimate reason for the delay in tree pruning - but I deserve to be told about it. I've even escalated it to the head of the council who is in my ward and still nothing. The council obviously has severe communication issues - to ignore a tax-paying resident with a legitimate query for so long is not just customer service at its worst, it's also rude, uncaring and disrespectful. Phew. Rant over.

Gary and his team have also recently finished a painting job (and lots of other small bits) in our house and I'd like to second this recommendation. He was happy to fit us in around other jobs he had going on and made sure the various people on his team knew what was needed. All efficient and promptly done. Thanks Gary + team.

Hello-I'm resurrecting this thread as am in exactly the same position now as monkeymoo was in back in July. Little one starting soon...concerned at quite a few things on our settle ins - not so much the toys issue but lack of one on one attention and apparent lack of caring attitude in one or two staff members. Anyone with experience of the baby room could you please pm me? Thanks.

Yep I got some too...was wondering if it was some type if experiment to test people's trust in their neighbours/community!? I haven't eaten any!

Hi sillywoman - thanks for your post. I did speak to NCT before booking (maybe you!?) but I wanted an evening session which as you say are all booked. Could you please let me (and others on this thread) know about the right timing for doing the courses - eg should finish at least X weeks before due date etc, as some of the later evening ones you mention may be suitable. Also, you mention doing the NHS classes too - I requested these but was going to withdraw given we've signed up for NCT as I understood a lot of the same material was covered but is your advice that people do both if possible? Thank you for your help and advice!

Thanks Indiana for tip re NCT - you're right about them getting booked quickly....we've doing the ones in West Dulwich starting in July because ED classes are all booked! I've also just booked some pregnancy yoga classes offered by Sitaram in King's on Thursday evenings. They seem flexible as in don't have course dates and you can change class day according to your schedule if needed. Website is: www.sitaram.org in case anyone else is interested. My reflexologist recommended them. Firstlifefilms - I'm due a few days before you and my tummy's not big at all either - just looks like I've had a big lunch! x

I think I'm going to follow your lead Sidney78 and switch from Chadwick Road. I spoke to the Lanes this morning and am on the waiting list too - along with half the people in this babyclub by the looks of things! Next question is around antenatal classes - what have other people signed up for and can anyone recommend a pregnancy yoga/relaxation class? Thanks!

Congratulations to all! I'm due 25th September with our first. As Sidney 78 says, all very scary and exciting! Nausea seems to have abated but heartburn has taken over! Had 16 week midwife appointment on Friday in DMC Chadwick Road. Not the best NHS pregnancy experience I've had. I've read a bit on here about how good the Lanes are but unsure if they're attached to DMC on Crystal Palace Road only. I haven't been able to find a website or anything so any information gratefully accepted - not just on Lanes but also on switching midwives if you're not happy!