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I’m looking into renovating my old staircase. This will include a changing of the newel posts, spindle, riser, treads and hand rail. Any recommendations of local/small businesses that specialise in this area of joinery would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I?m considering applying sealant on my Indian Sandstone patio to protect it and give it a wet look/satin finish. Unfortunately there are so many sealants are there that it is difficult to identify the really good ones. Recommendations from previous experience would be most appreciated pls. Many thanks

I?m considering applying sealant on my Indian Sandstone patio to protect it and give it a wet look/satin finish. Unfortunately there are so many sealants are there that it is difficult to identify the really good ones. Recommendations from previous experience would be most appreciated pls. Many thanks

We're thinking of giving our kitchen a minor renovation; walls, worktop change, spray painting the cupboards/panels and possibly some carptentry work. Any recommendations of a kitchen fitter or builder that can do this would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Just wanted to recommend Darren Taylor of 360 plastering Solutions. We were in need of a good plasterer to plaster our 3 bedrooms to a high degree of finishing. Darren completed the job satisfactorily, working well with the interior decorator. On completion all the rooms were tidied up. Overall a really great job. Will definitely be using him again. Darren?s number is ‪07538?591 435‬

Hi All, I?m in need of large potted plants for indoors at home. Typically the types you find in offices. Any recommendations would be most helpful. Thanks

EastdulwichNewbie - Any luck with the recommendation request? I?d also like to speak with an AC installer.

And another recommendation for Gary Skinner of First Choice Decorating. We took on Gary after reading the many glowing references he received on the forum. With the many cowboys/rogue traders around, it was important to find someone trustworthy who could also deliver quality finishing. We found such qualities in Gary and his team of Ray, Ben & Lee. The interior decoration work included stripping woodchip wallpaper, skirting boards and dado rails, plastering, fitting new doors, painting of the porch, hallway, two large receptions and landing as well as fitting and painting new skirting boards. Throughout the job we found Gary and the team to be very accommodating and understanding; giving advice and suggestions where required and working around the schedule of the loft conversion builders. We also found Gary to be very personable and easy to get along with. Overall, the work was completed to a very high standard with an attention to detail in the finishing. We now look forward to phase two of the project which is redoing the bedrooms and will definitely be calling Gary back. As with the other recommendations I have no hesitation recommending First Choice Decorators and sharing pictures and responding to direct messages.

PM'd you

Have a look at Floor Studio (http://www.floorstudio.co.uk/). They sell and fit Karndean and Amtico and have a show room in Beckenham (Croydon Road) and Croydon (Purley Way)with a great selection of designs. We're about to use them for a fitting.

Hi Saffron, First of all congrats on the new job. Oh, the headaches of being a working parent. Since Little Saff is 5yrs old that means he will be changing school in September regardless of whether you're moving or not. We recently moved and uprooting the kids from their school is something we just didn't want to do, and didn't. So I can understand your apprehension. Because Little Saf is starting Yr1 in Sept, I think you're in a better situation. If I were in your shoes, I'd consider renting out our current home and renting one in Kingston or some place where commuting will not be a nightmare for both you and your husband/partner and find a school there for Little Saf. Bearing in mind that applications to primary schools (private and state) would have closed by now, I'd strongly suggest you start looking asap. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Lorraine.

Hi All, Can anyone recommend a good freelance cycling instructor that covers Beckenham?

Thanks both. I'll have a look at the Goodrich class. I spoke with Stagecoach East Dulwich yesterday and was told that they will start accepting childcare vouchers soon. Probably after the summer. Apparently she had been inundated with requests for this. Personally, I feel the rules should be reviewed to make it easier for child carers to accept it.

Hello All, I'm looking for a drama club/class for kids that accepts childcare vouchers. Ideally one that will also run over the summer. Any recommendations? Also, can someone explain why most of these kids clubs/after-school classes don't accept vouchers? We're finding it more and more difficult to use them.

Gambado Beckenham is a great venue and just 20mins drive from East Dulwich. we've used it in the past. We recently had our daughter's 5th birthday at David Lloyd Leisure Centre (also in Beckenham). It was great. The parents had the option to drop the kids and grab a coffee and some much needed quiet time while the children ran amuck. In addition, each child is given an IV for the family to try out the centre for free for two weeks (marketing ploy I know). The children had a fantastic time. Goodluck with your search.

Might be worth a shot if you visit a pet-shop for this. Aquazoo in Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon are superb. Goodluck.

Hi All, Can anyone recommend a very good and reliable water softener system? How much should we budget? There is a promo for one on Groupon by a company called EWT Technologies for ?575 (?499 if you go directly to the company. Does anyone have any experience with this company? Also, what are the ongoing costs of having such a system in place? E.g periodic salt purchase for the system. Thanks

Hi All, Has anyone recently used South London Lofts and can you provide feedback on your experience? We are considering them for our loft conversion. Thanks

We have also just used Dave to install our new fridge. A very quick and professional job. As their business has expanded to include other home services, we will definitely be calling on them for other jobs.

Thanks for this Lochie.

We are in the process of moving to Beckenham with no immediate plans of changing the kids from their school in West Dulwich. As we begin planning for this and resumption of the new school term I was wondering if anyone in a similar situation (i.e living in Beckenham and driving kids to school in the Dulwich area) can advise on the best route to Dulwich coming from Upper Elmers End Road to avoid morning traffic.

There's a chap that works in Southwark council who's name is Jor-El(Superman's father): That's got to be one of the coolest names for a kid. Apparently his mother was a big Marlon Brando fan.

Have a look at www.gear4music.com. I bought an 88-key Yamaha P35 digital piano for my then 5yr old son when he started playing last year. Comepetitive pricing for all types of pianos with inclusive extended warranty. I've been pleased with the purchase.

Just wanted to add my recommendation of Nick as well. We had him over at our place yesterday for some minor decoration. Very professional. We'll definitely be calling on him again.