Monkey

I want to get rid of some ugly woodchip paper on my ceiling. I hear there is a possibility it might contain asbestos. Has anyone encountered this problem? What did you do? I hear you can skim over woodchip but my ceiling is sagging after a major leak so ideally I wanted the whole ceiling removed... Any help much appreciated.

Our experience at ducks was very positive. Great staff, great activities including kodaly music lessons as well as PE. And lots and lots of outdoor space. It's just a dream for children! I saw the mixed reviews on mumsnet too. Would not worry about them!

Don't forget cakes and biscuits! And porridge pots to which you only had boiling water and it's ready. Also wash bags to take all your stuff with you to go to the shower block. Wipes and hand gel. Gilets.

We had this set up when we were at Ducks. We looked for someone twice and each time had just one applicant who luckily turned out to be great. Because you're not offering many hours, applicants tend to be people who have another job, making it complicated during the holidays. It will be around ?10 an hour, which again makes it very expensive during the holidays. It could be that your nursery allows staff to work for parents - that would be your best bet.

There are plenty of after school activities (music, sports, languages...) at our school. The activity leader picks up from class and drops off at the after school club, which goes until 6.00pm. Seems to be the only solution unless you have a minder looking after just your children (typically ?10 an hour).

Was there just one GP at the DMC this morning then? I have been in a fair few times when the waiting room was empty in the afternoon with only one or two GPs working. But one GP on a Monday morning for such a big practice? Really?

Thank you both. That's all really helpful. I am going to give it a go. Agree with not pushing. she won't do anything she does not want anyway. I generally know where I stand!

What age is good to start learning to play a musical instrument? And what instrument is it good to start with? Hubby's suggesting the guitar... I am completely unmusical and haven't a clue. My daughter is four and a half by the way. Thank you in advance, Forumites!

Great idea acb! I would be very keen. And yes, doctorsaz, I think Zumba revealed the problem two years ago. Feeling brave, i tried again a few weeks ago but was both too worried about my pelvic floor and too fat to follow the steps.

Bumping this one up as truly desperate to get fit again. i am getting bigger and flabbier everyday and I am really at a loss as to what to do. All I did before (running, zumba, cross trainer) is now a no no. Thanks!

Does anyone know of any evening gym classes in the East Dulwich area (ideally around Goodrich/Barry road)? I am looking for a class that's tough enough to get me back into shape promptly but which will be very kind on my weak pelvic floor. Ideally I would want an instructor who is trained in women's health issues. Thank you.

We go to The Galleon now on Forest Hill Road.really very good.

Welcome to the forum Tabbycat123!

Oh dear. Poor thing and... Poor you! How about the Discovery Centre (can get busy though) in Stratford or the Cutty Sark and Maritime Museum in Greenwich? Hope this helps a bit. I have forgotten what two-year-olds like!

Reading from Helen's notes: "they were surprised as they thought the phones were sorted." How many complaints and negative posts on both the ed forum but also the CPR website does it take for them to realise there is a problem???

King's is an excellent hospital - you should be well looked after there during the birth. The post natal ward is another story with a few midwives/nurses and other staff I would have happily given a piece of my mind to (actually I did!) but it think it's everywhere. If I were to do it again, I'd go to King's, definitely. For the top rate obstetricians (my midwives were the Lanes so can't comment on midwives on labour ward) and also because I would not want to travel too far when in labour, get caught in a traffic jam or whatever... Best of luck!

They have far too may patients and not enough doctors. i finally moved when, having had lots of problems making an appointment, i visited the surgery to find a pretty quiet waiting room with only 1 or 2 gps working. Greed, greed, greed.

My four year old wants to wear her rapunzel outfit, surprise, surprise!

The Polka theatre in Wimbledon is magical there's also the Unicorn in Londn Bridge. Otherwise my little one loved the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London but she was about 8 months older than yours when we went. I send The Discovery Centre mentioned above.

My daughter is five and I have been back full time since she was four months old. It's really hard. I miss her like mad and I am constantly exhausted. The time when it worked best was when I was compartmentalising work and home as mentioned above and had lots of help: cleaning lady twice a week and was using an ironing service too. Not sustainable as very expensive!!! But it worked - the idea being that the time spent with them is quality time. Good luck!

My plan is to retrain as a teacher - primary or secondary, not sure, in the next five years. Currently working in pr and lacking a sense of purpose.

Agree. i have had gems from Sainsbury's. The huge Sydenham shop has had a revamp lately and it's got plenty of choice. Thanks for all your suggestions!

Will check brand alley. I had never heard of it. Thank you. Good idea re: M&S! Thank you!

Darling daughter turns 5 in August and is tall for her age so I can't dress her in Jojo Maman Bebe any more (bar the few items available in 5 to 6). End of an era. Where do I go for similar clothes? Thanks.

Agree in Texasatthemoment. Same with pushchairs!