cactus

I visited the school last Autumn on one of their open evenings. I was really impressed all round, the students were just great, and the staff seemed very committed and prepared to go the extra mile for their pupils. I think it's a school that's improving year on year, and I'll definitely be putting it in our top three next year.

In reply to newboots - because there are many very good primary schools in Southwark and Lewisham, who have high expectations for all of their pupils. It shouldn't be a surprise that so many children fall into the 'higher' bands. Seriously, stop making assumptions about the children who live in particular catchment areas.

I've been with Melbourne Grove for over 8 years, and I have never managed to see the same Dr twice. About 4-5 years ago all of the established practitioners left, and there appeared to be a lot of temporary/locum staff to fill in. That said, the care I received was always fine, but not great if you are a patient with complex health problems and need continuity of care. Luckily I haven't needed to visit them in the past year, except for a routine health check. So hopefully things have started to improve.

A great cause, well done to those involved. However also remember that Comfort Mohmoh set up the African Well Woman clinic in 1997 at Guy's & St Thomas', for women affected my FGM.

Live opposite Balfes, but they let us down a while ago when we booked to drop off one of our bikes for a service before work. Partner turned up at 8am with the bike, guy in shop didn't open up and ignored partner and another guy waiting outside for at least 10-15 mins. Gave up, took the bike home and went elsewhere. Happy to have Evans on the doorstep now.

The lido is open all year round, no need to wait for the warmer weather. However it is a public pool run by Fusion! Changing rooms are always grim, and the water quality is no better than the indoor pools in my opinion.

I agree with the OP. I take my child to swimming lessons each week, and many parents traipse in and out of the changing areas without using the provided shoe covers. Plus there are a fair number of buggies and scooters, which in my opinion should be left outside, to avoid bringing in more dirt and debris. Always astounded by the same small group of people who don't think that the basic hygiene rules are relevant to them and their children.

Tiswas Duran Duran Twin Peaks Peep Show Toast of London Sliders Bloody Marys

A bunch of blokes who were very active on the EDF about 10 years ago, but who have since changed their user names and/or moved out of the area.

Good news that the lady involved has at least been able to leave hospital. I witnessed a shocking near miss there very recently. An elderly couple were crossing, one trying to support the other, and they clearly needed to take their time. A young female driver made a swift right turn, honked her horn and missed them by a whisker. There was no time to get her registration number, another driver remonstrated with her but she didn't care and sped off.

Avoid visiting at weekends. It does get very busy, and on occasions they have to close the cattery and kennels early, to avoid the animals becoming stressed. I believe you can only interact with the cats and dogs if you are there to re-home one.

I kind of agree with echo, that a free event can have more of a community feel and focus. I've been to the last 15 or so Brockwell Park displays and there certainly has been a sense of community there, a shared enjoyment of a an old tradition, ritual, a simple pleasure really. However in these times of austerity, I don't believe local councils should provide a free display. Community events are important for our wellbeing, I do get that, but not at the expense of other crucial local services. That said, I question the wisdom of putting on the kind of event that took place on Wednesday night. It wasn't family friendly having the display starting at 8:30pm. I have a nine year old, and it was borderline too late for him on a school night, so I wonder how younger children fared. It was horribly chaotic from 7pm onwards, very crowded and poorly organised. So although the firework display was wonderful, the overall experience for me was disappointing. I'd rather pay a fiver for the fireworks only, and forget all the other nonsense, I mean really, is there any need for a fun fair? Plus, beautiful Brockwell Park was turned into a mud bath, and I think it's a bad idea to have big events over the Autumn and Winter months, when the ground is already damp and wet. It will take months to recover and it's a huge shame given how much Heritage Lottery money has already been spent on improving the park.

I agree, it's much more preferable to find polling venues that don't disrupt local schools and therefore our children's education. However General, Council and Mayoral elections are very infrequent and hugely important (though many people might disagree!) so on balance, I'm willing to accept that there may not be better alternatives. Plus, we all have plenty of advance warning that elections are taking place, and can therefore plan ahead re childcare arrangements. The General Election is going to be on Thursday 7th May 2015, so that's 6 months notice.

Oh come on James, you just can't resist political point scoring on this forum. Boris is not responsible for the burgeoning London population, there are many other factors at play. Please stay on topic. T

Brockwell Park fireworks were stunning tonight, BUT they started half an hour late at 8:30pm, and it was pretty awful milling around the site and negotiating the queues.

I think 15-20 mins for morning playtime and 1 hour for lunch is pretty standard across most primary schools. Plus Reception & Infants usually have a short afternoon playtime as well.

For the first time, the Brockwell Park display is a ticket only event this year. Tickets can be bought online, ?6 for Lambeth residents and ?7 for others, children go free.

There used to be an after school class at Dulwich Leisure Centre, perhaps pop in and ask if it's still running. Also, try going on the waiting list for Southwark Music Service, they have a Saturday morning class which covers drum kit, African Drumming and orchestral percussion. Usually offered to Year 4 and upwards.

Another vote for the Oxfam book shop in Herne Hill. I have a 9 year old boy and I was spoilt for choice in there today.

Vauxhall City Farm perhaps?

I really sympathise with the OP. Many nurseries adopt this approach, taking a registration fee from all prospective parents, whilst knowing full well that they won't have a place to offer them, in a year, even two years. Nelly's did this to us, but Mother Goose Upland Road were a bit fairer and more transparent. However, as others have pointed out, you do really need to keep calling up to let them know you're still very keen and also tell them if you can be flexible on dates etc.

I've always felt that the stumbling block in this process, will be the acquisition of the site. I've supported this campaign from the start, as I have a child currently in Year 5. However the prospect of temporary classrooms for the first year or two really doesn't appeal. I know this often happens with new schools, and perhaps parents of children who have been through this kind of process might be able to offer some reassurance, but I won't be applying if this is the case. A 2017 opening seems more realistic.

I agree with the recent posts, the pick and mix type sweets on the bottom shelf, weren't the main attraction, but the chocolates, fudge and sweets in jars were fabulous. I wish the dog house was more cat.

I hope the day is a success, but I don't quite understand the rationale for holding it on a weekday during school hours. Why is it only aimed at pre-schoolers and their parents/carers?

I always go to Biff in Dulwich Village, patient and experienced staff who ensure a good fit. Never buy Clarks shoes anymore, Startrite or Ricosta are far better in my opinion for school shoes. Usually made of soft and supple leather which has never caused any problems for us.