Maurice

Oh dear woman you may slag me off with wreckless abandon and I shall sit back and admire your determination and sheer grit. You are a EDF star indeed. Some of the music was indeed divine. The first singer, Mariah, was she still rehearsing the piece? She seemed to be plotting her pitch in some warm-up-using-my-hand-as-notes-on-a-staff way? I'm not familiar with her.

It has been a gut wretching week hasn't it? That horrible fire left me feeling empty. But I am feeling better physically, following a relapse of sorts last week. I am planning to leave the house for social reasons this weekend, which is one's first social excursion in a very long time.

I have scoured the morning papers, listened to the radio and checked the television news stations, but I am unable to find any coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial service. As a service to this board, I sat through the entire circus last evening because I am a boring old fart. A couple of awards: Best product placement: KFC Best exploitation of a child: Michael's daughters closing words Best taste in a performance: The young chap who left the stage to sing to Michael's coffin

I had thought of inviting Pro Southwark, but, given the personal email he sent, I doubt very much he would accept. But Tony's perfected the art of excellent dinner party storytelling. Of course I don't mean for you to read anything in to 'storytelling' other than his ability to tell a good story.

Has anyone else noticed the rich resource that is our Tony in the suburbs? He's simply marvellous. No matter what the topic, what the matter at hand, he has personal experience with the issue. Further, he seems to live an ever so extraordinary life that requires he is constantly travelling across London and talking to dozens of diverse peoples on a daily basis. Why not a single person here is able to make an observation or express an opinion that Tony hasn't 'just spoken to' someone this very week or 'been there the other day' or, even better, 'it happened to me x years ago'. It is simply incredible. Such amazing life experience providing an arsenal of antedotes compels one to withdraw my invitation to Dulwichmum and extend it to Tony instead. How about it old chap? You could hold court in the dining room for hours.

For me, it's about poor content, regardless of the dateline. Sort of like Cold War Pravda but produced by British civil servants (i.e. poorly and inefficiently).

I once engaged in an hour-long conversation with someone regarding this very publication. It must have been five years ago, though time flies and I'm not sure that it wasn't 1956. Anyway. She admitted that it wasn't at all aimed at me. Instead, it was aimed at those who live in Council owned housing and use Council services above and beyond the basics, which translates into the poor and 'vunerable'. She explained that they do not have access to computers and tend not to purchase local newspapers. Thus, you will always see the stories skewed toward services like job training, literacy, etc. and a lot of news and information on housing. I make no judgements. I simply recount my conversation.

It's certainly a start, ratty.

While one understands your concern and no doubt, like me, you have been quite disturbed by this event, we have to be careful in rushing to judgement. Your own speculation puts the potential blame at kids and residents, which I think is also a quick rush. But your overall tone is that, regardless of what happened, it is entirely the Council's fault. Again, we must not be so quick to rush into judgement. At some point, the Council will be called into account. I also hope we will equally hold individuals responsible for their behaviour, should the cause of this tradgedy rest at the feet of foul play. God help us if that is the case. It is difficult for one to fathom such.

Yes I hadn't realised the BBC did news! Marvellous. Actually I found the BBC, SKY and EDF all very helpful (there are actually two threads on this on EDF). Sadly, I found nothing in Camberwell of use, though I applaud the later efforts of some to help these poor people. Well done. I shall keep an eye on the Southwark website and see what one can do to help without getting in the way.

Alan you also have to give credit for the East Dulwich Forum breaking this story and providing more helpful information and comments than anyone in Camberwell did. Regardless of 'where' it was posted, people found it and it was helpful. No one in Camberwell has been as helpful, or quick. I, for one, am grateful.

I fear it is you who is being arrogant. To suggest the "main" forum is more important, because it is about things in East Dulwich, is just silly. The story has simply been filed appropriately. No one filing folder is more important than the other. There is no "main" forum. Repeating details of the tradgedy doesn't make you more humane. What a silly argument.

Oh calm down. 'Tis a terrible tradgedy and let's be fair, the East Dulwich Forum broke this horrible story, regardless of which thread. The poor Camberwell Forum still has not a word. It has made world news yet poor Camberwell folks haven't got a clue. I'm grateful the EDF told me what was going on before anyone and I live not far from the scene!

I feel quite dirty having started this thread. My interest is not remotely romantic, merely an effort to fill the table with charming guests. One means no harm, nor did I, in the least, mean to mock your social climbing. Indeed it is to be respected. I believe we must cultivate our aspirational culture. I am resigned to the same boring blue rinse brigade who will put on the facade of wealth, but attempt to sneak out bits of my dwindling silver collection.

Hello dear chap. I understand there is a new French bistro in Camberwell but have been unable to go out recently. Is it worth a visit? Maggie was always invited to our Camberwell Society dinners back in the day. She was never able to attend, but always sent through a delightful note of apology. A former PM did dine at my home many, many years ago. I still have the photo on proud display.

Alan dear boy. I feared you had left us in grief over the dearly departed Silver Buckle. Any more news? Are you part of this Camberwell Republic in the BBC Bias thread causing me great stress over the possible loss of my home? Maggie would never stand for such.

Ones money and wealth is never a topic of public discourse, I'm afraid. It does appear that, in the venacular of my great grandaughter, I have been blown off by Dulwich Mum. It is such a shame, as the dining room has little use these days and I was hoping to re-create its glory days.

Is it a wind-up? Oh dear. Have we all been scammed? Bravo! Though surely the whole website was a lot of effort to pull such a scam. Are there people who do such? Marvellous.

Dear bob tells me it is located in Walworth, which I avoid at all costs. Though I have lost a small piece that holds a gem stoned ring on the side of a quite fetching hat that I purchased years ago in Australia. Perhaps I shall drop by and see if they sell such ring pieces?

I must apologise for laughing at the hearing of 'Zimmer'. I confess it is inexcusable and strikes me much like 'Rim World'. I know it is wrong, but I find myself in stitches.

Oh dear me. I seem to keep saying the wrong thing when I really do adore you dear lady and so want you to come over for dinner. I, of course, do not think of you as some performing Sea Lion. Quite the contrary. Not so many years ago, when my family still had money worth marrying into, we had a parade of young suiters like yourself who came to dinner and were simply glorious. I never chose to see them as anything more than truly in love with my kin, full of promise and perfectly capable of mastering social graces. So understand that I see you for who you are, not as some performing sea lion. So please accept my apology if you were off put and do reconsider my invitation.

Indeed I have not dear antijen. I did not know they offered it.

Did anyone else catch the bit about the Zimmer frame? I swear that is not where mine comes from.

Oh Bob I do feel terribly bad now having posted that link. We should not find this humorous. More importantly, one feels he must apologise again on behalf of Camberwell, which apparently endorses this group via our feeble local websites. Apparently. I stopped logging on locally a long time back.

I am old and easily confused, so apologies if I do not understand. But are you saying the Councillors, which are elected by the people to represent the people, are refusing to allow the people to have their voice heard? It sounds to this old fool that your group may wish to influence policy of a narrow few without facing the wider electorate, who would not vote for you. But I'm old and feeble. What does one know?