edanna

I'm interested in this too and in books that are good at explaining periods.

Dainty Sue is amazing - she has done parties for both my kids for years and had kids and adults rolling round with laughter. http://www.daintysue.com/mobile_site.html

There are some really nice dresses on notonthehighstreet.

Also try http://www.wildandgorgeous.co.uk/girls/dresses.html?page=1# Expensive but there are some mauveish dresses in the sale.

You've already looked all the places I would start. What about Debenhams? And House of Fraser?

Ha, redjam, I don't think you'd like it! My usual style of getting things done is 'just do it' so the military approach is completely alien to me. But it does seem to work for my kids - I'm thinking of getting a whistle like Captain Von Trapp!

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I have included a bit of everyone's advice in our new morning routine, getting up earlier myself and then waking the kids up (which I have never liked doing), introducing a military routine with no faffing allowed, with a written timetable with set times by which clothes must be on, teeth brushed etc and using very clear instructions. So it's only day one but they were out the door by 7.50! Thanks everyone.

I'm aware that I may be asking the impossible here, but does anyone have any tips on how to get kids to realise that they really do need to get a move on especially in the mornings? Whatever I say they don't seem to feel any sense of urgency at all. This has become a massive issue, not helped by them getting up much later (only on weekdays though!) We lose so much time with refusing to get dressed, playing under the duvet, not coming downstairs, urgently needing to go back upstairs for some essential item etc. Please tell me how you have improved this if you have. They are 6 and 9. Thank you!

If you're still looking for ideas, what about a trip to the Discover Story Centre in Stratford? http://www.discover.org.uk/opening-hours-prices/

James, I think you are being optimistic about it not affecting Foxy's road - the additional parking spaces lost and the increased number of traders parking will inevitably put even greater pressure on parking on all the roads off North Cross and it's already pretty intense especially on Saturdays. Edited to add that I live just off North cross and haven't received a letter or seen a sign. James Barber Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The proposed changes are to close a little more if > North Cross Road on Saturday market says - section > between Nuffield and Archdale. > > DilwichFox, I really don't think this will have > any impact on your road or road end so I'd be > horrified if council officers spent money writing > to you. Which doesn't stop you from responding to > the consultation.

Thanks for that - it's annoying that people living nearby haven't been notified of this consultation.

There was a great thread on this a year ago or maybe two - I can't find. I bought Christmas in Exeter St as a result of somebody's recommendation (thank you whoever it was) and it's lovely. I also like The Polar Express.

Not sure how local but St Johns Ambulance do various courses including first aid for children.

This is the thread that isn't a piss take: http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?30,1749536

I definitely think sweets will be much appreciated. But maybe people could donate Christmas crackers or something as well/instead?

I have contacted them suggesting they engage with the regular users of the cafe and giving the link to this thread. So fingers crossed they are listening.

This is the company that has taken over: http://colicci.co.uk

Yes it is definitely very expensive. ?3 for a hot chocolate and a little cup at that, not even a mug. Apparently they are closing in Jan for a big refurb - hope they don't ruin it!

Ris2011 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > This is such good news, we have just moved back to > the UK and we were hoping that ED would do trick > or treating! My children are very very excited. > What time do you think we should take our children > out this year? What is the normal time for a > pre-schooler and year 1? We would normally go out > around 5.30ish back home. I think if your kids are really little then once it's dark but since it's a Monday this year not everyone will be back home by 5.30. So if they are a bit older you might want to go out slightly later.

What about Mystery Math Town and Monster Physics? Commonsense media is good for reviews of kids' apps: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-lists#

I saw some small toys - sorry not sure if it was the lost knight - I think there was a car - next to a flat cycle tyre on the grass to the left of the path when coming from the Barry Rd entrance. Does that sound possible?

Thanks Pickle!

How long is the performance roughly? (Thanks for the tips about the tat!)

I used to take my kids to Musical Bumps, which is good for learning about turn taking etc. I don't know the teacher who now runs the groups in Dulwich and Forest Hill, but you could drop her a line - usually they are happy for you to come to a trial session for free. http://m.musicalbumps.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicalbumps.com%2Fwhen-and-where%2F&dm_redirected=true#2944