Pickle

I lived in E14 for a while, many years ago. My flat was on a floor with 4 other front doors opening off it. In 2 years I never once met, or even saw, any of my neighbours. It was horrible. The move to SE22 12 or 13 years ago was the complete opposite. We knew all of our neighbours in the first place we lived in, and the same applies where we are now. It probably helps to have school aged kids, as there's a very strong community feel associated with schools, and pretty much every house we walk past in the mornings have kids at the same school as ours. We wandered down to the market on Saturday, haven't been for ages, and constantly ran into people we knew that were happy to stop for a chat. Stall holders too, are long established in the area, which is nice. Disagree with DulwichFox's observation about the pubs - admittedly I don't go out at night all that often, but I was out on Friday and the atmosphere was brilliant. At Pretty's, where we had dinner, everyone was chatting to everyone. Same at the pub we popped in to afterwards. Anyway, as far as London goes, I think we've got it pretty good in East Dulwich (and surrounds).

Could it be a reaction to something you have used to clean the sofa, rather than bites? Little lumps without an obvious bite point are often an allergic reaction rather than an insect bite.

Quartz here too, it's brilliant. Have fun shopping!

I realised pretty early on that if you have the same reading book for a few days (and you've worked through it with your child), just ask for another one. Once my son was given the ok to help himself to new books he was really enthusiastic, as he could choose books (within the level he was on) that interested him. We fit reading in whenever we can. Last night my 6 year kid sat reading to her younger sister while I cooked dinner. Sometimes they read me a bedtime story (I also have an 8 year old), other times we fit it in before school. Little and often is the key, and keep it fun. If my daughter brings home a book that bores us all, we ditch it and she reads me something from our book cupboard. My 8 year old would much rather read Horrible History books than prescribed school books, so I encourage it.

Most definitely, as it's something I have continued to do as an adult, and became a source of income! My parents used to ask me to stop, rather than have to battle to make me practice. I taught flute for years, and it's very easy for a teacher to tell whether a child has potential. There are kids who are naturals - practice is a recreational activity and is done because they love it. There are others who will never be very good, but gain a lot of enjoyment from it, and they are to be encouraged. Kids who really dislike playing and require constant hassling probably should be left to make their own decisions. They're not much fun from a teaching perspective, and if it's causing stress at home personally I wouldn't put pressure on them.

At that age I was carrying my kids on my back, I had a sling similar to an Ergo.

Complete opposite to the previous poster. I always pay more for daytime (?10 per hour pretty standard). Evening we pay ?8-10 if using a qualified child carer, but tend to use a local teenager and pay ?6.50ish - but only if the children are all in bed and asleep.

Crystal Palace has public swim sessions in the teaching/training pools most afternoons. We go there for swimming lessons on Sundays, it's a great (and underused) facility. 10 mins drive, or a quick ride on the 363 bus.

I think the majority of the children attend Dulwich Village Infants prior to moving to Dulwich Hamlet Juniors. Very small catchment area for both schools.

Peckham Rye is my favourite by far. I went for a run in Dulwich Park this morning, first time in ages I've been there, and I think it feels a bit soulless. Peckham has more diversity of landscape, it's a great space.

I'm pretty sure the French Cafe is staying where it is, and the owner is opening a separate venture on the new site (I spoke to her a month or so ago and that's the impression I got).

I was there yesterday playing in a concert - it didn't inspire me to go back. I can see there's been a lot of regeneration (I was at Carrs Lane church, quite near the Bullring), but it looks to be a city full of derelict buildings and empty shops.

Oh, that's a shame - best to stay flat then! Rahrahrah's suggestion is a good one, the canal paths are a nice run. This is making me want to get back to distance running :)

Agree with the previous poster - when marathon training in the past I've enjoying half marathon distance runs by staying relatively local. Gipsy Hill, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, follow cycle routes from Forest Hill to Honor Oak (or continue through to Lewisham), Nunhead - have a look on a route planner site, it's quite easy to clock up a long distance using those key locations. Lots of it quite leafy and traffic free too, which is nice.

I have two children at the school both doing very well, and my youngest will start nursery there in September. The teachers are very motivated, and there's a really good community feel to the school (helped by the small catchment area). The selection of after school activities is great. The school fairs, fun run etc are all fantastic events, and the children have a strong sense of school spirit.

I usually cover the floor with disposable table cloths (tape down the corners to keep them in place) and use disposable plates etc. At the end, scoop it all up and straight into the bin, nice and easy.

I think they monitor the bus Lane, which has to be kept clear of parked cars until 10am.

From our experience, 2 weeks will end up being a month, so it might give you a buffer if you opt for a rental property for a month? We visited my family (in NZ, so quite extreme!) when we had building works done, and I stayed there with my then preschoolers for 6 weeks while our 6 week build went on in London. We then lived in our house/building site with no kitchen for a further 6 weeks. Not fun! If we had been able to move into another house I would have done it, if only to have a shower and come out feeling clean rather than dusty! Another option is to advertise as a house sitter, or ask if any local families are going away for the weeks you need. Good luck.

The Bahrainian royal family feature now too. Definitely my favourite thread, you couldn't make it up.

Kidkruger, the rates tend to be much better if you use a service like Halo. Our most recent transfer was 3% more favourable than the rate quoted by our bank.

We have been using Halo recently for sending money to NZ (for a property purchase, so substantial amounts). Very simple and excellent service.

Beckenham Spa, Rascals (Bellingham leisure centre), Peckham, and Gambardos have separate areas for little children and are all pay per play. Gambardos can be a bit overwhelming as it's very large and noisy. My favourites used to be Beckenham and Rascals when my children were younger.

Terribly sad, condolences to the family and friends of this man, who could easily be any of our neighbours. Shirley1979, a horrible accident for you to have witnessed. I hope you have the support you need tonight and over the coming days and weeks.

Removed, or just moved? If you click on your username you can see all of your posts - it might be that you posted in the wrong place and it was moved elsewhere.