hazelnunhead

Absolutely delighted to walk past today and see the boards advertising coffee and cake are out. I have really missed not being able to go here, so really happy that the neighbourhood has the cafe "back"!

HI I have some knowledge around dyslexia (work with students, at a HE level who are diagnosed with dyslexia). I think a Kindle would be useful if you find that you can change the font / size. Many people with dyslexia find some of the settings difficult to read (of for example in a book, small print, some fonts are hard to read) , and if you get something like a kindle then make sure it can alter this. http://www.dyslexic.com/fonts (I've included an article above which speaks about fonts) YOu can see if changing the backing colour helps with reading - usually you would not print on white, but off white/ creamy white. Some people with dyslexia find that by putting a transparent colour over the writing helps them with reading (it helps stop the words from "moving"; helps with tracking etc) So if the kindle allows you to change the colour of the background then once again that would help. I am not sure how old your daughter is but you can get this free app (from Nessy which produces educational resources for children with dyslexia) and it gives you some insight into what its like to have dyslexia, strengths and weaknesses in learning. Found a link to it, free app http://www.nessy.com/dyslexia http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=colours+for+dyslexics&qpvt=colours+for+dyslexics&FORM=IGRE Then the British Dyslexia Association is an excellent resource for information, guidance etc for parents, people who work, students of all ages who are dyslexic and seeking information. Hope that helps ....

There is York Spa (not the most luxurious, but easy to get to in Bethnal Green via the Overground... and you are right in walking distance from Hoxton/Shoreditch for a fabulous lunch/cocktails afterwards. You can book a 2-3 hour slot where you get to use the steam rooms, sauna's, there's an area where you can lounge on sunbeds and drink tea. (I think its about ?27 for the time in the spa, or they have packages as well which are all inclusive of use of spa and a treatment) You can book different treatments, and I have found them to be of a really good standard. http://www.spa-london.org/yorkhall/

My daughter loved the toca Boca ones, they really are lovely, and no annoying message to purchase any in store additions. We had the doctor one, hairdressing and tea party. We also have the drawing app / paint box which has been fun Spin art goes down well. There are some lovely interactive books, we had Cinderella and jack and the beanstalk. I will post links if you need next week when at computer (work!)

Another vote for Dorothy (Emmanuelle Marshall). If there is a certain shoe or colour that you don't want to buy, she will not bring it out and save you the ensuing argument over purchasing glittery shoes (if not wanted!). Very reasonably priced and great quality.

Jags does trampolining http://www.jagssportsclub.co.uk/courses/trampoline/ I think that you can do it at Crystal Palace as well (my daughter went to a trampolining party there)

We use Squeebles every now and then. http://keystagefun.co.uk/ There is a very basic game you earn "points" with as you do the times tables and you can play afterwards. Its quite well laid out, and you can do little spurts of it Would be interested to hear about other resources as well.

There's a vegetarian Indian cooking class advertised in "what's on" section.

There is the Hay Festival in May (Wales) and a camp site opposite, so you can camp and explore the festival during the day / evening.... http://www.hayfestival.com/portal/index.aspx?skinid=1&localesetting=en-GB

Peckham Pool (just in case you need to look elsewhere ) also has a shallow heated pool for swimming lessons.

Clare I didn't want your post to go unanswered. I can't offer you a room but I was thinking perhaps if you re posted advertising your ability to look after children (what hours), and or babysitting and cleaning e,g. How many hours that would be in exchange for a room, you might get more responses. I hope you are able to find something and I am sure with your skills you should be able to. If I thin of anything else that may be useful I will let you know. Good luck and I hope you get the life line you need.

Voted. Fingers crossed for your school.

TKMAX (new cross) should have some

Nimble Arts usually offers some wrap around care for the workshops which makes it easier for drop off and pick up. Others have already mentioned the schools and other holiday clubs that are around. Lightweight has a good idea if you can get other children/friends on the same workshop then you can also take turns at pick up and drop offs which also makes it easier. Are you friends with other parents in your child's class .... perhaps you could swop one of the weeks that you have taken off to look after their children with yours, and then get them to reciprocate? If you look at the What's on Section in EDF there will be loads of activities on.

We have a mattress from Warren Evans https://www.warrenevans.com/mattresses/ If you visit one of their showrooms,(If you click on the link above it will show you where all their showrooms are) you can test the mattresses, and I found their staff really knowledgable, in discussing what we wanted, prices etc.

You could try Artastic run by Annabelle, I am sure she runs Saturday classes in east dulwich. If you search Artastic on the forum it should bring up her website details. My daughter has attended many of her art days run during school holidays and always enjoyed them.

I would second Blueskies recommendation of contacting the advisory service. I think as a leaseholder there should be something within your leasehold about what you pay monthly (to overall upkeep etc) and the expectations from both parties. I can empathise with you, we sold a flat in north London which was part of a leasehold, and also had to extend the lease before selling ..... we also got "hit" with a very large bill of sudden works that had to be done! We ended up with a completely redecorated building etc (unfortunately after we had agreed a sale, so no increase in price for us) and we had to foot the bill.

Thanks for all the recommendations. Will definately measure freezer to see if bowl can go in!

and another use for Christmas trees ... http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/lions-play-christmas-tree-british-zoo-article-1.2066096

I am looking at (finally) getting an ice cream machine / maker in time for spring ..... but there seems to be an overwhelming number of choices! Does anyone have one that they love, any pointers to look out for? or even brands that you have used and love.... I am hoping for one that is not too big, so it can be stashed away, is relatively simple to use? any recommendations appreciated ....

My daughter went to a friends party where they had ordered teddies (hers was a dog) that you make and stuff. My daughter loved that, it wasn't build a bear but similar concept and you can do it at home. I can try and find the details if you want.

Thanks for that James, will do that.

Seems to have been sorted out. Will check tomorrow morning, but if think it has stopped (Shew!) thanks for offer kidkruger, much appreciated.

Mustard, I am waiting on Thames Water (third call to them!) to come and have a look, which they said would happen today. If they are not here (been leaking for 3 days now, and no sense of urgency despite repeated calls and emails) will try fire brigade! I can't believe how difficult it is to find someone who can help with this. The property is an open lot so I am not sure why Thames water is so worried about trespassing and would rather just let the water run for days on end. We have repeatedly left messages for who we think owns the land but no reply.

Kidskriger, this is the photo from the pavement (Stuart rd) which is probably linked to the water.