elb

I wonder if we could have a list of all the ways to volunteer, places seeking and coordinating help and practical ways to offer it. Does anyone know the best way of doing this? Inevitably and rightly much of this is informal, highly local and organic; I am shopping for people and reaching out and our road is connected. But I am concerned there is lots of need, and quite a bit of as yet untapped desire to help. While at home with my children and working part time I could also fit in phoning people who need support as well as shopping for people and doing anything I can to support NHS staff and people keeping the place going. I am particularly concerned for people vulnerable to mental ill health, folk with addictions and homeless people. I wondered too about other ideas, like getting books to people (hygienically of course). Any thoughts on whether this stuff could be clearly and accessibly listed together or whether it?s already happening somewhere?

Just posting this in the hope the Surma team see it, as well as to record my disappointment at their closure. Got some special memories of them for one reason and another. Thought it was just us that got the free Cobra though! 😉 Thanks to you Surma team for all the hard work and unfailingly good service. All the very best to you.

This is a bit further away than you are suggesting, but it's still pretty local and absolutely great for a special celebration - the restaurant at Brockwell Park Lido. I had a do there on Saturday and everyone was massively impressed. The setting overlooking the pool is lovely, and the food and service were excellent. It helps if you are blessed with sunshine and can sit outside, but inside still looks out on the water and is lovely too. We had a late afternoon swim, got changed there and then had pre-dinner sparkly and dinner.

Adding a strong recommendation for Andy. He came this morning (Sunday) very promptly, fixed my leaking loo, explained things very accessibly, knows his stuff and is very reasonably priced. All round top bloke.

Another recommendation for Andy and Richard. They just did some work to sort out a leak in my shower - sealing and tile work. They turned up immediately, were clear about the problem and what could and couldn't be done, came back first thing and got the job done efficiently, tidied up and were friendly and professional. Just what you need. I certainly plan to use them again.