evildrwallace

I got Dave's number (07919107868) from other posts on this forum when I noticed that the gully drain outside our kitchen was broken and leaking water into the surrounding ground. He came round within the hour, quoted on the spot and arranged a time to do the job two days later. He arrived on time, dug out the old gully, inspected and cleaned the drain, fitted the new gully and made good to what looks to be a very high standard. No mess, no fuss, friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend him and would be happy to use him again if and when required.

Sorted now. Thanks for the tip, Jason, Dave's on the case.

Hello, I'm looking for a builder to remake the gully trap outside my kitchen. Many thanks Nat

Sally Army Art Fair and Carols on the Green. TODAY! Sunday 15 December. 2-8pm. The Bench Cafe, (Salvation Army building), Nunhead Green Carols and lighting of the tree 5pm. Art Fair Admission ?1 A fundraiser for The Salvation Army

Hi SEnewbie, I've ridden around London for around 30 years, including commuting to the city, West End, Wembley and lately Maida Vale, as well as a stint as a courier and I've ridden everything from litre sports bikes to my current 125 scooter. I would echo most of the advice you've already had, including that a 125 is plenty for commuting - anything bigger is a total waste and a scooter is much better for keeping the rain off than a motorbike. My current Piaggio has bigger wheels than a standard scooter and is noticeably more stable. Having said all that, I'm pushing 60 and am a skinny runt but I still find it very nearly as quick and much more pleasant commuting by pushbike. It's nearly 10 miles to my current job and takes about 5 minutes longer by bicycle than on my scooter - and I don't run red lights... Of course cycling is not for everyone but neither is motorcycling and, if you feel like giving it a go it's cheaper, greener, healthier, possibly quicker and less hassle than any form of transport bar walking. Whatever you decide good luck and I hope it works out for you.

I would echo all the recommendations here. Steve's team have just finished refurbishing 15 windows in our house and we are very happy with both the end result and the way the work was done, from initial quote to final clear up. The guys are all very professional, friendly and courteous and did all they could to make the job as stress free as possible, cleaning up every evening and letting us know day to day what was going on. Many thanks and a five star recommendation.

Steve's excellent team have just refurbished 15 of our sash windows and we are delighted with the work. Echoing what everyone else has said, Luke and the others were always courteous, communicative, and happy to work around our daily lives. The house was left tidy and secure every evening and all the windows now look wonderful and work perfectly. Highly recommended!

I'd have to agree with the OP Goldilocks on this one. We actually installed a woodburner some years ago as we have quite a bit of wood from coppicing a large tree in our garden and pruning a couple of others - this meant we rarely had to buy wood at all. But this winter we have pretty much decided not to use the stove any longer as it really can't be justified given the pollution we now know it causes.

Local duo Deptford Wives (Edori and Nat) are back at the Herne Tavern for a swooning, crooning, put-your-winter-blues-away, low down hoedown. Saturday 26th at 8pm. Free entry and a good time guaranteed or your money back!

I need to enlarge my loft opening and fit a new hatch and ladder so I can then board out the loft for storage space. Can anyone recommend a local tradesperson who will do a good job without filling the house with plaster dust?

In aid of Link Age Southwark - supporting older people in the community. Open garden at 221 Upland road SE22 0DJ From 2 till 5, ?3.50 on the gate (under 16s free) Tea and cakes plus plant sale

Come and buy vintage, second hand clothes (mostly ladies) and various household goods, tools etc. Or just come for a look around the garden - fruit trees, wildlife ponds, veg patch, etc. ?1 admission gets you into sale and garden and all proceeds go to the Dulwich Helpline and Southwark Churches Care http://www.dhscc.org/ 221 Upland Road, East Dulwich, SE22 0DJ

I would also recommend Honda Riders (they do all makes, not just Hondas). I've been taking my Vespa there for years and they are always friendly and helpful. I would also agree with the prices above for new spares - a quick search on the internet will show you what's about but I wouldn't think it's worth going second hand with any of these bits except, possibly, the exhaust if you're lucky enough to find a nearly new one off a crashed bike or similar.

I haven't driven an XC60 but I often use a Golf which has a similar automatic handbrake and I have to say it works brilliantly, including on steep hills - you just have to learn to trust it. I am not a fan of a lot of new gadgetry in modern cars but I would have to say that this is something that I would be pleased to have in any car I owned.

Thanks all - I'll plant what i can and give the rest away.