AC1964

Another recommendation for David. He came to inspect our guttering which had struggled to cope with a sudden torrential downpour. Despite the fact that it was raining at the time and he was clearly much in demand for quotes as his phone was constantly ringing, David decided to clear out the guttering then and there and while he was at it to check out the roof for any further work that might be needed. He did spot an issue which he suggested we might like to consider paying some attention to. (Diverting a downpipe?s outfall away from a valley - which needs clearing out and pointing - and towards the main body of the roof itself which should help contain any overflows from torrential cloudbursts.). But this was done purely on a suggestion basis rather than putting the frighteners on. And he was happy to take some time talking through the pros and cons. The upshot was that we asked him to come back next week to do this extra bit of work! Good stuff David. Many thanks for all your work to date.

Here?s another vote of confidence for The Plough DIY. Sure, the big chains are maybe cheaper but I don?t drive and so when I?ve factored in the minimum ?3 cost of bussing it there and back... hmmm. What?s more the quality of advice at The Plough is second to none. Unlike some DIY shops, they don?t look at you askance if you have a rookie question. And the old maxim holds true. If you find the prices too high, the quality of advice inadequate and if you have wheels to allow you to shop elsewhere then vote with your feet. In the meantime I?ll use mine to walk between The Plough DIY and my home when I need some bits and pieces of gear.

Re goldfinches. We're at the Dawsons Heights end of Dunstans Road. There are numerous small flocks in the area. Once you recognise the sound they make, you'll hear them constantly flying around. I spotted a peregrine falcon overhead a few days ago - on a west-to-east glide/shallow stoop . Put a few pigeons into a state of panic...

Admission price??

Here now. Great beers. Maybe 25-30 punters. Varied soundtrack. Loud enough to be heard over the chatter but not loud enough to make chatter difficult. Give it a go. If, like me, you?re local enough for this to be your local, you might be pleasantly surprised.

I?ve had several serious conditions in recent years which doctors (and the practice nurse) at this practice have pulled out all the stops to see me through. I?ve had fantastic experiences there, about which I?ve taken the time to compliment them direct.

Seconded! My partner and I ate there last night. 28 Well Hung offers tapas-style portions of superb meat and veggie dishes. We shared a bavette, an onglet and a tri-tip with celeriac steak, the mushroom dish and a portion of chips. Each dish was excellent. The service was second to none. I really can?t recommend it too highly. We?ll be back for Sunday lunch soon.

The model number of the Dyson is DC35. I'm reluctant to buy a new battery and replace as it just doesn't seem like a battery problem. The motor cuts out after 5 seconds or so and then 2 or 3 seconds later it is ready to run again (for another 5 seconds). Seems to me more like a faulty overheating sensor or similar... Almost exactly the same pattern with the Morphy Richards.

I have two cordless vacuum cleaners which have both developed a similar fault, in that both perform well for 4 or 5 seconds and then switch themselves off. One's a handheld Dyson - about 7 or 8 years old. The other's a Morphy Richards "Lithium" about 2-3 years old. Any vacuum cleaner repair specialists locally who'd be able to have a look at both and see if they can rectify?

I noticed a few waves of martins flying in a roughly southerly direction this morning. The latest - about 5 minutes ago - must have had upwards of 50 birds. Presumably they're off to their winter homes...

"Finally can I say that I am quite surprised and disappointed by the tone of some of the responses on here." Condescending much? Patronising much?

Thanks lilolil. Seems to have become more noticeable again in the past few days at ours.

Hi there. We live on Dunstans Road, not far from Dawson'a Heights. Over the course of the past few weeks we've had periods of up to an hour where the electricity supply has seemed about to fail at times. Lights flickering, blinking off completely for the briefest of moments, wi-fi router brought down momentarily and restarted, etc. Just wondering whether this is something which neighbours have experienced as well or whether it's a fault with our electrics... The flickering/stalling appeared to be much more noticeable and frequent during the heavy winds of a few weeks ago and since then it's become much more occasional...

I can very happily second this recommendation. Nick has undertaken a number of landscaping/decking/gardening projects for me and several friends over the past few years. All jobs finished to a very high standard, punctually and with a smile.

Been twice in the past few weeks and, in a word, su-blimmin'-perb!

NO NO NO NO NO NO

Thanks. That could well explain it. However the smell is quite strong, nostril-stingingly so. Therefore I was thinking the source may have been more local.

Arrived home (Dunstans Road, near the Dawson Heights area) a few minutes ago and I'm noticing a strong and particularly acrid smell of smoke - smells like plastics have been burning. (Thought for a heart-stopping moment that it was coming from ours or one of our neighbours'.) Been out to have a look around and can't see any plumes of smoke from bonfires in the area. Anyone else noticed or have any info? Thanks.

Another thumbs up here. Had some very good experiences and happy to recommend. Don't recognise the negative comments...

Happy to second this. When we moved in around five years ago, they carpeted our flat throughout. Great selection of carpets and underlays, reasonably priced. Offered an appointment within a few days to measure up and quote and when we placed the order they were happy to hold the carpet in storage for several months while we had some plastering, redecoration, etc. done. When we were ready for them to fit the carpets, it was easy to arrange a mutually convenient date and they fitted the carpet to a very high standard with the minimum of fuss and inconvenience. We've recently decided to have the bathroom fitted with new flooring and they were our first - and only! - port of call. Again, excellent service from the moment we walked through the door. They've just levelled the floor for us and we're waiting for the new flooring to be laid on Monday. Excellent job so far and no doubts that the eventual finish will be superb.

If there are shrubs in the garden, it's likely to be caterpillars. There are various caterpillars which give off an offensive odour as a defence mechanism. There is a laurel-type shrub in Dunstans Road which is infested and they stink!

I'd happily second this recommendation. I've used Jon's services and found him to be excellent! Got the initial recommendation from this forum...

I have a few beers in The Rye a couple of times a week. In my view, one of the best pubs (out of a lot of very good pubs) in the area. Marks and Spencer of pubs? That was doubtless meant to be a put-down, but just as I'd rather shop in a Marks rather than in some poorly-stocked "Best-In/Bobby's" corner shop, so I'd rather drink in a Marks and Spencer of pubs rather than a corner-shop equivalent.

Matt supplied us with a new fireplace a few months ago and asked for a significant deposit...and why not? His cash flow would be taking the full hit otherwise! Anyway, he was a pleasure to work with and moved everything along quickly. Top bloke!

I have used Dulwich Cars for several years, including a time when for six months or so I needed to catch an 06:00 train every Tuesday from Kings Cross to Leeds for work. They were never late and never failed to show. Highly recommended, in my experience.