DVdad

I've already said that I was in favour of a Waitrose or M&S; it would be a "destination shop" and encourage me to spend more time on Lordship Lane. I don't think I'm alone in thinking that the food offered by those two types of supermarket would be attractive: it's not about starving city workers with more money than sense. There just isn't another compelling reason to stop on LL, for all the independent and unique shops and restaurants. ED has a great forum and a nice retail environment, but it's not the centre of my universe. john

I'm in favour of an aspirational supermarket and I'd love the excuse to spend some time on Lordship Lane, if parking were not an issue (have too many children to make popping out for a banana feasible). I live in the village and remain hugely disappointed by the food choices (the italian deli and Shepherds are not aspirational enough, while Romeo Jones is far too expensive and limited).

Have a look at www.jags.org.uk for the admissions info: two entries, at 4 or 7 (as of 1 September). At 4, there is an interview session, at 7 an exam and interview. Highly selective. One daughter went to JAPPS (the pre-school), two went to DVIS; the former's class sizes were very small, but facilities not as impressive as DVIS (where the class sizes are larger). I really liked both institutions, so far. JAGS may be ruthlessly selective at 11, however, so we shall see.

From The Times: ...Bellenden Road. ?It thinks of itself as East Dulwich,? says one local estate agent. ?It has street upon street of lovely Victorian houses with gardens and a shopping parade.? Nunhead is similar but ?sleepier?... Young professionals are arriving from the more expensive Clapham and East Dulwich.

We had our swine flu vaccinations in December (19 months to 55 years). One of our daughters is susceptible to infections and my wife works for the NHS. No particular side effects (slight headaches for my wife, slight snuffles for the six-year old) - nobody even cried. Slightly annoying is the three-week gap between subsequent vaccinations for the under-10s, but that's all. And we had the version with thiomersal, which some people have let themselves get worried about - there is no respectable, peer-reviewed evidence against it.

I think there is obviously a variation in people's responses to the jab. My wife reported a sore-ish arm and slight headache for a couple of days and I felt an occasional twinge for a few days as well (when touching the site of the jab). Three of our children have had the complete two-dose vaccination; only one reported a sniffliness cum sore throat - I couldn't say whether that related to the vaccination or the usual winter cold. We decided to go ahead with the vaccination because my wife is an NHS professional and one of our daughters has immune system issues. All are well and we have no worries about the decision.

The vaccination is a two-step process; was very proud of our four in the first round - no crying at all. No particular after effects: one reported a sore-ish arm and didn't want to go to ballet afterwards. They might have been a teeny tiny bit quieter for a day or two, but that's all. My arm is a bit sore too, didn't want to lie on it for a couple of days. So, no problems to report - went very easily for us all: no pain, no flu-like symptoms, no misery. john

A very nice video Jack. Thanks for doing it and getting it out so quickly

We're very happy with local state primary, but the class sizes are twice those of the JA pre-prep. DD major went to the local (and rather over-subscribed) state primary and has done very well, but is now bumping up against the upper bounds - and not just of her year's cohort. We sent DD minor to the pre-prep, because we were convinced she was even more G&T than her sister. In many ways the facilities at the pre-prep are more limited, but the smaller class sizes are a very clear benefit: DD major's class teacher took six months to recognise her abilities (even to persuade us that he knew who she really was). We're going to have problems in September if we keep DD major at the state primary, because we are concerned she will be held back in academic terms.