Marcus

Hi leagalbeagle, I have fairly extensive landscaping experience. I'm currently the stay at home parent for my two kids, the younger of which has started full time school, so I have the time to undertake small projects during school hours. I'm not sure what your greenhouse build entails - whether it's a fairly straightforward kit construction, or a more involved base installation with brick and timber work. Either way, I'm sure it's something that I could help you with. Let me know if you're interested. Regards, Marcus

Take that as a "no" then.

Anyone going? Best route to Bank?

Or... How about not putting up a pointless fence around a playground that kids can see but not touch? The newly laid turf wasn't watered properly and didn't take in some areas, then the grass was left to over-grow rather than being promptly cut to encourage vigorous growth - exactly not the way to treat newly laid/seeded turf. The opening was delayed by pointless incompetence/indifference.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Thanks bawdy-nan, that's quite interesting. Not really what I was looking for though. Was thinking more along the lines of a specifically organic, sustainable, community shopping coop... type thing... Something that takes the effort and research out of sustainable, organic living, and maybe even uses combined buying power to bring down prices (I suppose I didn't really say that before...) From food, to household supplies - staples rather than more speciality items.

Online/local collection service, for the weekly family shop. All in one place, ethics pre-vetted. Wouldn't it be great? (Sorry to disappoint.) Can someone please start something like this. I'd do it myself, but I'm easily distracted and unreliable. If someone just did all the work, I'd happily be a loyal customer.

Reply from James Hughes (The Victorian Society) - worth remembering for the next time this happens. They might lend some useful support. Dear Marcus Thanks for your email. I know the building well, and used to pass it several times a week on my way between Herne Hill and Forest Hill. I was completely unaware that there had been applications to demolish it. As it is unlisted, the Council is under no obligation to consult us on the proposal. All the same, I would certainly have written to object had I known. If the decision has been overturned at appeal then I'm afraid we are not in a position to have any influence. It will be another sad loss, and permanently and detrimentally alter the appearance and character of the street, particularly given its prominent location. Yours James

It appears that demolition has begun today. Too little too late, I know - and arguably pointless... But maybe those proclaiming their dedication to the preservation of London's architectural heritage, should be asked why they would help facilitate such a project? http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/contact/about-a-building/ [email protected] Dear James, A beautiful local house is being demolished to make way for flats. It has been speculated, widely, that following a planning refusal almost ten years ago, the house has been intentionally left to decay by a cynical deveolper. There is significant local opposition: http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,1213634 http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,297833 Planning as been denied on numerous occaissions, and opposition to the demolition has been supported by local councillors. So, after years of refusal why has this been suddenly approved?? It would appear that Sheppard Architects provided the expertise, helping the developer find a way through the legal framework and thwart the local community. Ironically, Sheppard Architects is headed by Charles Sheppard. Mr Sheppard states on his resume: "For many years Charles was an architect member of the London Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches and also a member of the Victorian Society?s Southern Building Committee." I have contacted him and asked what his reasons are for supporting this project, but he has declined to comment. Maybe The Victorian Society could help elicit a response? Regards,

The recent appeal success seems to be down to Sheppard Architects who made the submission on behalf of Mr Steve Thorpe of DML Contracting. Charles Sheppard BA DipArch RIBA, sites in his resume, "For many years Charles was an architect member of... and also a member of the Victorian Society?s Southern Building Committee." The Victorian Society - caring for Victorian and Edwardian Architecture "Our role in saving Victorian and Edwardian buildings Victorian and Edwardian buildings are irreplaceable, cherished, diverse, beautiful, familiar and part of our everyday life. They contribute overwhelmingly to the character of places people love and places where people live. They belong to all of us. Their owners are really only custodians for future generations." I have asked Charles Sheppard for a response. Will post when received - not that it will make the slightest bit of difference, but just out of interest... Application documents showing Mr. C. Sheppard as the applicant can be accessed here, by entering the address in the search box: http://planningonline.southwark.gov.uk/ http://www.sheppardarchitects.co.uk/people/index.html http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/about/our-role-in-saving-victorian-and-edwardian-buildings/

James, The appeal decision also states that an "Application for Costs was made by DML Contracting (Mr Steve Thorpe) against the London Borough of Southwark." Could you or anyone else provide any detail concerning the potential extent of this compensation?

I understand the duplication issue, but the thread title better reflects the current situation? A little more dramatic...The scaffolding was going up today, a gentleman I questioned said the bulding was coming down. I'm guessing they have instructions to do it as quickly as possible to avoid any objections. Anyway, by all means, delete the thread if it suits administative purposes.

I had the distinct impression that public feeling was against this, and that local residents did not want a block of flats replacing a beautiful old house. Following planning rejections, and to the cynically minded, one might have been forgiven for suspecting the house was intentionally left to decay, with the bare minimum done to thwart any Compulsory Purchase Order type situations. Sad really. So it continues anyway. Contempt of the local people. Apathy of the local people (myself included).

I think it's a great idea. Perpetual promotion of local business, and a reminder to think local rather than convenience - if your lifestyle permits. I read about the Brixton currency recently and I think you get a 10% incentive when converting (not sure who bares that cost), online account management, payment via mobile etc. The council charge a processing fee to cover costs (reasonable if proportionate and fair) - I'm not sure how that compares to the Visa/Mastercard financial/political embargo enabling racketeers, but if it works out better for the traders, then hurrah. Or just spend cash in local shops etc... The notes look "cool" http://brixtonpound.org/

I have emailed the planning officer to register my strong opposition to the plan. The property had clearly and purposely been left to deteriorate - such a shame. The council should force the owner to renovate or sell. Should this be brought to the James Barber thread? Maybe it already has. Best of luck to the local residents.

The first rule of this post is, YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT THIS POST. The second.... Anyone running, or considering running a high end gaming PC?

I must admit that I'm quite tempted - it just sounds a bit heavy, time investment wise. My wife expressed "deep concern" this morning at my recent, stupidly late to bed, ps3 induced, brain scrambling - inversely related to general productivity. I just don't think the marriage can weather Dark Souls - for Christ's sake, think of the kids!

Dark Souls - sounds utterly bereft of fun... Battlefield 3 - now that's a game. You can shoot people, and then you can do some running, followed by some shooting, intriguingly interspersed with more running. What's not to like? But seriously - AWESOME!

Slower the better. I live on Melbourne Grove and really enjoyed the road being closed for resurfacing... Very peaceful. Maybe the road could be replaced by a canal with a series of locks? James, how would I go about petitioning the council for the "waterfication" of Melbourne Grove, and from a budget perspective, is it a goer? ... and I'm so glad the bus diversion is temporary. The whole house shudders...

Thanks for the advice. I think, as you all suggest, we will just concentrate on having fun!

Hi, Does anyone have any useful suggestions? I need to push my 3 year old son's swimming ability forward. He's struggling to feel confident in the water, hates water in his face, and the whole lesson is dominated by his fear of impending submersion by his teacher - although she doesn't pressure him at all. I know we can struggle on, and eventually it will click, but I just wondered if anyone has been in a similar situation, and found a particular route that works - different venue/one to one lessons etc. Thanks.

Chick Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Why don?t we start up the East Dulwich Defence > League? (EDDL) Why the comparison with a racist group? I don't see the connection.

Apparently baseball bats are OK. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/10/metropolitan-police-rioters-reasonable-force Absolutely splendid news because I'm starting to feel rage and hatred, both knees are jerking, and I'm well up for a big old dollop of vengeance.

> We were failed by the police on Monday, for > various reasons. I believe that has now been put > right. I don't think vigilante gangs are > necessary, and as we're already seeing on the > news, they can very easily make things worse. > > It's important not to let rage, hatred and > vengeful emotions get in the way of level-headed > thinking. At the moment, there are far too many > emotions flying round, even on this forum, and > people are thinking with their guts rather than > their brains. Let's hope for a few more days of > calm, less of the knee-jerk anger, and a better > equipped and prepared police force. "Determined, community presence as a robust deterrent does not have to take the form of an aggressive lynch mob." In which part of my post do you see "...rage, hatred and vengeful emotions"? I'm not feeling any of these. Did you read my post or will you just brand anyone advocating some kind of community action as a violent extremist, hell bent on bloody retribution? I think the whole situation is rather tragic - for the victims and also for the young, mindless, rioters and their depressing lives. I hope you don't one day find yourself the victim of a crime - as people file past you, pretending not to notice.

benmorg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Marcus Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > I don't see the OP making any mention of > baseball > > bats, zero tolerance, aggression, racial > > confrontation etc... > > The OP suggests doing what N London's Turkish > community did - they used baseball bats. I doubt that in the cold light of day, they deeply regret not allowing their shops, and the means by which they earn money to feed their families, to be looted and vandalised. Had you owned a shop in the area, it would have been destroyed and your life torn apart (as would mine), but at least we would be secure in the knowledge that we had made the right decision... Standing in the street with a baseball bat defending Foxtons against an armed, frenzied mob, is not an option that I find particularly attractive. Determined, community presence as a robust deterrent does not have to take the form of an aggressive lynch mob. Better left to the police. But if there are no Police then what? Just hope that it happens to someone else.