kitwhitfield

Hi, Our son is 15, on the autism spectrum with (medicated) ADHD, very cheerful and friendly. He's developed an interest in music and has been 'teaching' himself to play piano by picking out tunes on his iPad for a while, so by way of experiment we got him a high-range toy piano (full size keys, just not the full range), which he's also playing. We took him for an assessment with an SN-specialist piano teacher who said he had a good feel for it, and he loved the lesson, so now we're seeking someone who lives locally. Experience with autism/ADHD is an advantage but not a necessity; teachers used to younger children will probably do fine with him. He's keen to learn, and would have a parent with him in the lesson to help support any SN issues. If this would work for anyone, please get in touch! Or if you know anyone you'd recommend, do let me know.

Can anyone recommend a place for small electrical repairs? We’ve had the bulb fitting break in a bedside lamp of sentimental value and we’d really like to fix it rather than losing it.

This week the council felled a healthy, beautiful tree in Cornflower Terrace with no notice o the community at all - which is a violation of the 2021 Environmental Act, which requires them to notify and consult for 28 days. Now they just put up a notice saying they’ll immediately fell another in Dunstans Road because of what looks like the words ‘Weak pork.’ They’re mutilating the neighbourhood with reckless unconcern for the law. Is there a local paper we can talk to?

Hi everyone! Thanks to the people who've replied - turns out there were way more than I'd expected. 🙂 I've set up an appointment with the first person who replied, so hopefully we're set, but if something falls through then I'm glad to have your numbers. xx

Hi, Our usual help has fallen through and we're trying to find someone for 1.30-7pm on Wednesday 7 August. Our son is nearly 14, but he's autistic with ADHD (medicated), so we need an adult rather than a neighbour teenager. He's very friendly, and if you can meet him once beforehand (we'll pay for the time) it should be fine - most likely he'll just go draw in his bedroom and will only need his dinner cooked and someone around to make sure he's safe in case of emergency. Anyone available? We booked theatre tickets to a show we really want to see!

Hi, Can anyone recommend a capable babysitter? We need someone for 7 August and all the usual standbys have fallen through. Our son is a cheerful 13-year-old, but he's autistic with ADHD. He usually can entertain himself, but we'd need someone he could get to know and who was mature enough not to be fazed. Any recommendations?

Dad?

Hi. Published author/former editor here. :-) You could get a report, but fair warning, they're not cheap; I charge ?100 per 10,000 words. A cheaper way for him to get feedback would be to join a writer's group; a good one can be really helpful. As regards agents - Jazzer's right, they don't give feedback unless you're their client; they can only afford to spend time on people they represent. The way to find one when you're ready to send the book out is to get the most recent edition of The Writers And Artists Yearbook; that contains a section with all the reputable agents, including their submission requirements. Have a look at the kind of books they already represent, and start with a handful that seem like their taste would be a good match for the book. (Also, though this probably doens't need saying - if you do end up talking to an agent, be as lovely and likeable as you can. The author-agent relationship lasts decades, all going well, and agents want clients they're comfortable working with. ;-) ) Hope this helps! :-)

Testy.

Hello. :-) I have some fabric I want made up into curtains. The specs: 4 curtains - that is, two matching pairs. About 220cm. I have 10m of fabric, so with hems and pattern matching, as close to that as possible. Lined (lining provided). Curtain tape at the top (ie nothing fancy). Can anyone give me a quote, or recommend someone? I know there's a shop on Lordship Lane up towards the library end, but I had a bad experience the only time I tried there, so anywhere else? Thanks.

Hi Robin, Sorry about the link! Is this any better? https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/preserve-southwark-s-street-trees The house number I'm not sure about, but it is (or was) the only tree on the block, so if you're standing across from Balchier Road you can't miss it. It's been cropped down to a stump at this point.

I'm very upset about the destruction of the woods, and I've written a letter. There are a lot more of us than you might think.

Other than posting it here, does anyone have experience of good places to share petitions? I'm a bit new to this...

I wonder if it would cost more than the cost of uprooting it and paving over the hole left behind? Seems questionable.

Anyone who's an expert on trees and horticulture, your input would be great here!