Pugwash

I pay into the Beneden private health scheme - this covers members for consultations and treatment but you need to try and use NHS services etc first. Hubby had severe back pain some years ago, could'nt move so was taken by ambulance to Kings A & E - not really sure of cause, but gave antibiotics as thought may have infection and also pain killers. Pain went after a couple of weeks. Reappeared again a year or so later, GP tried to arrange a specialist appointmnet - waiting time for appointment 4 - 6 months. GP wrote letter to pass to Beneden, who got a private patients appointment with same specialist within 2 weeks - tests showed that hubby had done so much running over his life ( anything from 10 - 60 miles a week) that he had worn out some of the discs in his spine. Running reduced to once or twice a week for less than a mile - improvement in pain, but ended up having to give up running. Beneden is a good compromise - getting private consultations early to identify cause and you have an option to wait for NHS referral and treatment, or being treated privately.

It sounds something like a film shoot! Clint Eastwood was not around? Or the cast of 'The Bill'? Will have to ask the Safer Neighbourhood Team at their next meeting!!

I also get a Freedom Pass for a disability but being 60 next month have been advised to get the 'oldies' one as covers out of London transport. Men qualify at 60, in line with retirement age for women - what will happen when compulsary retirement age is 65 plus for both sexes?

Mum and Dad are hilarious, Tindy is a bit of a spoilt brat getting his mum to turn up his music cos he did not want to get out of bed. House husband son in law - unusual as most Asian males I know would rather be the bread winner.

My youngest daughter did work experience in a private day nursery and was upset at the way some of the staff reacted to the children - they were not cruel just thoughtless. She told me of an incident where a child around 2 -3 did a painting for her mum, the staff told the child it was not good enough to give mum and tore it up. Daughter had to comfort child as staff did not seem to realise how their actions had upset child. I agree that you need to talk to the Nursery manager - having worked with children with learning disabilities, they too need to know 'good' and 'bad' behaviour, it may take longer for them to realise that pushing other children is 'not good' but it is essential. Are the staff wary of repremanding the child with LD - they may feel that they are 'picking on him'. Is the child's mother/father aware of the pushing incidents?. I must admitt my youngest went to my workplace nursery from 6 months to almost 5 - any incident I was immediently told about when I collected her. There was a child who was going through the biting stage and my girl got bitten on the cheek- i was rung up at work and told about the incident ( which was also in the incident/accident book). After a few similiar incidents, the child's mother was informed and together with the staff, the parents were supported in implimenting some behaviour modification techniques with the child in question, and the biting gradually ceased.

Tessa Jowell's popularity has waned over the past few years- partly due to her cabinet role and not being seen around DAWN ( Dulwich and West Norwood). Secondly- her husband did not help the situation with all the goings on with the Italian PM, for which he now may receive a jail sentance. Tessa has been seen in East Dulwich - she was in North Cross Road apparently a few weeks back. I do a lot of community work and used to bump into Tessa frequently at various events -I don't think we have been at the same events over the past 3 plus years. One person I do bump into frequently at Community Events is the Lib. Dem. PPC - Jonathan Mitchell. I hear from associates in Lambeth that he spends a great deal of time on that side of the fence as well ( more than Tessa it seems) The Tory candidate for DAWN has been seen on a couple of ocassions.

Verbal abuse and emotional abuse are very damaging to a child. From what I have read there seems to be older children in the household? Do they get the same treatment? If so and you can identify their school - you may feel happier talking to the Head or the nomimated Safeguarding person in the school. I had a neighbour several years ago who ignored her 2 under school age children - they ran out in the street in early hours of the morning. At one time a man approached me quite concerned as the 3 year old was walking in her pjs in the main road. He was apprehensive to approach her in case he was suspected of child abuse. He had taken to knocking on everyone's doors to see if they knew the child. When I went out in the street with him, I recognised the girl and took her home. Her mother was not at all concerned - I said if that there were any more situations like this I would have no hesitation in calling Social Services. My other neighbour also had concerns over the family as the new 'step father' was often heard yelling at the girls if they wet the bed. We managed to find out the nursery they attended and rang the nursery who informed us they had not seen the girls for a couple of weeks and were worried. We gave them details of what was happening and they rang the family's social worker. I would urge anyone who suspects that a child or even an adult, is being abused physically, emotionally, financially or verbally to contact Social Services. They can do it in confidence - social workers are not allowed to inform of their informants in Safeguarding cases. Constant verbal abuse is equally damaging to a child. As a parent - I have had times when my kids were young of feeling that everything was on top of me, that I could not cope ( I had long standing post natal depression which was not picked up for a number of years) Ok this lady may have just 'lost' her partner and things are emotionaly and financially tough for her - but alerting someone in social services may not only help the child but also the mother- i.e. accessing benefits etc, providing support. In the worst case scenario - think of Baby B - perhaps if concerned neighbours alerted social workers more - things may have been different. As responsible adults - we most follow our conscience.

If I recall correctly - Greendales comes under Robin Cruickshank Hilton the Tory Councillor under Village Ward. I maybe wrong. Robin is pretty good with local issues and lives around the East Dulwich Grove area somewhere as very keen on getting things right for local residents.

Tessa has full time paid assistants to answer all her queries. They sometimes take her surgeries. Tessa over the past few general elections has been losing votes in Dulwich and West Norwood, and needs to keep a high profile to ensure her supporters vote for her. As far as I am aware, councillors do not get paid secretarial or admin support, although those with special responsibilities/chair committees are likely to.

On Saturday the boys in blue turned up in Barry Road, following an incident where some 'chancers' decided to climb scaffolding errected on a building and nicked some lead on the roof. Not contented with that property, they made their way to adjoining properties and attempted to do the same. Unfortunately they were spotted and eventually nicked. Peckham Police officer informed me that there had been a number or burglaries in ED - some of the thieves had been caught- these were people from both the Camberwell and Peckham areas. ED is seen to be a 'wealthy area' hence the 'tourists' see us as rich pickings.

Agree that by taking a date a couple of days before school holidays start can save pounds. My daughter took her chidren to Disney Land Paris in January and missed 2 days of start of term. School were quite OK about this but had she missed more days they would have objected.

The East Dulwich Community Centre is on Darrell Road, SE22 Lucy is the lady in charge but I do not have her phone number

Just a quick plug before the Forum goes on holiday! Monday 19th October 2009. 7.45 for 8pm. East Dulwich Community Centre, 46-64 Darrell Road. SE22. Invites you to its AGM. Agenda: Welcome and Apologies. Minutes of 2008 AGM and Matters Arising. Report of future of Centre. Annaul report and Audited Accounts. Resolutions. Election of Committee. Election of Officers. The AGM is open to all people living in the area of benefit ( bounded by Lordship Lane, East Dulwich Road, Dunstans Road and Upland Road) As we are now a charity, you will ned to register with us as a member to participate in the AGM. Anyone who attends and signs the attendance sheet will be considered to be a member. Individual members can stand for election to the Committee. Free Raffle Tickets will be distributed at the start of the meeting. 1st Prize to be confirmed. 2nd prize Hamper of fruit and/or veg from Pretty Traditional Northcross Road. 3rd Prize - voucher for Emily's Fish Bar Northcross Road. After the meeting there will be a supper and short performance from the Incredible Sax Band.

Hi Ko and James Both ends of Landells are pretty bad. Hubby Chris is always moaning about it as cycles up the full length of the road at least three times a week. KO wait until you have to push your pram over the road -you will notice it more then!

Why not feedback at the East Dulwich Discussion on 13th October at the Community Centre - see General issue section for details.

Why not come to the East Dulwich Discussion on 13th October at East Dulwich Community Centre to feed back. See general section for more details.

Bumping up again

James, Have you cycled up Landells Road recently? Suggest you do so - the road is terrible - hubby says can you see if it is scheduled for resurfacing?. Thanks.

James Barber. Jonathan Mitchell and Richard Thomas are all East Dulwich Ward Councillors - all are very active within the ward. They hold their surgeries in the East Dulwich Community Centre, they are seen at the Dulwich Community Council. James and Richard have young families and full time jobs. Jonathan - is also a full time worker. All three of them take their civic role seriously, and are extremely approachable. Jonathan has been very helpful in obtaining information from Southward Council Officers in connection with a couple of organisations I belong to.

The Woodcraft Group meet at the East Dulwich Community Centre from around 6.30 - 8 pm on a Tuesday - their ages seem to be lower secondary group.

Just reminding people of the East Dulwich Discussion 13th October 8 for 8 15 at East Dulwich Community Centre. She above posts for info

We had friends who were very well off at the time that their only child was born, both were high ranking civil servants, and although the wife worked part time during the lad's early years, she went to full time work when he reached school age. Private school throughout his school years then on to university. They tried to decline their child benefit and stated that they were financially sound and did not need the money. After about a year, they admitted defeat and banked the money, after a few years purchased a small 2nd hand car to take son to and from school. I believe that if a couple's joint income (gross)is over ?100.000 they should not get child benefit. Between ?60,00 - ?100 k should be a percentage of the CB. Below ?60k (joint gross) full child benefit Not sure on the number of children question, it is often the mother's only income if her partner drinks or gambles their benefit/wages away.

Some time ago, one of the Forum readers asked who or what is the East Dulwich Society. The EDS was set up 30 odd years ago as a campaigning society dedicated to the protection and promotion of interests of all who lived in ED. Over the years EDS has initiated or taken part in campaigns which covered every facet of community life in Southwark - from Education to Transport - Planning Strategies, Parking, Supermarket Development, Shopping Centre designations and Health and Social Care. In 1997 EDS called a Public Meeting and founded the East Dulwich Action Group to fight off the impact of Sainsburys on DKH on local traders. The Action Group with the help of the Council Officers and Police, gained relief from crippling parking restrictions. It was EDS and Action Group which saved North Cross Road as a shopping area and its status as a street market. In 1996 Kings College Hospital and the Regional Health Authority published a brochure on the future of Dulwich Hospital - the options provided for demolition with the land (our land) being sold for 240 Executives houses with a samll health facility replacing the hospital which had required some ?8 million of maintenance work. EDS organised a massive public meeting from which the 'Save Dulwich Hospital' Campaign Committee emerged. Dulwich Hospital is the last 'Pavilion Hospital' left in the country and it is still thought that a modern hospital could be developed from this building. Following an intensive campaign with the local community firmly backing EDS - A Community Hospital was demanded from the Health Authority. Alas this was not to be as it was discovered that decisions were being made and taken before public consultations. The next scheme - a Polyclinic gets no more mention. The latest scheme being for a Health and Care centre which offers no real compensation for the lack of facilities like the Intermediate Care Unit. EDS have also been heavily involved in the campaign over the closure of the Maudsley Emergency Clinic, The Felix Post Unit and the redevelopment of the A & E Dept at Kings in relation to people who seek medical help for their mental health. In addition EDS have been campaigning for the refurbishment of The Concrete House in Lordship Lane, and continue to oppose the in fill and back garden development and encroaching on Common Land and Public Open Spaces. EDS reps are attending the Crystal Palace Park Public Inquiry. Membership of EDS ( a registered charity) is ?3 per household pa or ?1 pa concessions. EDS are holding a Public Meeting on Tuesday 13th October 8 for 8.15 pm at the East Dulwich Community Centre, Darrell Road, SE22 (next to the Dulwich Medical Centre) This is entitled 'THE EAST DULWICH DISCUSSION' Have your say on Education - school places and buildings Health and Social Care - Dulwich Community Hospital, site and buildings and other health and social care matters Planning - learn how to influence your neighbourhood And whatever else you feel needs airing about East Dulwich. The meeting is being organised in conjunction with The East Dulwich Community Centre Association and the Barry Area Residents'Association. The EDS is a registered charity 269292 You may join up as a member on the night

Would just like to add to my previous post that living away from home and being exposed to a wide variety of people from all cultures and regions, having to manage on very little money etc, is an education in itself. The 2 that went to uni are far more confident in their outlook, can converse easily, can adjust more readily to living on a reduced income and have a wider range of interest. Our other daughter left school at 16, dropped out of FE college as found it boring,although being more street wise than the other 2, finds it more difficult to mix with others outside her own circle of friends. She is now a mother of 3 (8 - 15 years)but still lacks confidence in her abilities.

I went to university very late in life (40) did my degree and post grad diploma and got a job within a couple of months. I knew the profession I wanted to be in, took the relevant qualifications, got the job and 15 years later still employed. I think if you have a clear idea of your goal and that it is realistic i.e. teaching, occupational therapist, you are more likely to work hard and turn up for lectures etc. Eldest child went to uni to study psychology - no idea of a career post degree, various employments, now gone back to study of a 2nd degree in occupational therapy. Youngest child went for a B.Ed now working as a tutor in college. I work with many young people who are on their gap year - very few of them have an idea of what they will do with their degree. One was doing Media Studies - she had no idea of a career,just thought a degree would give her an advantage with employers. Whilst this may be true a few years ago- rarely happens now.