Pugwash

East Dulwich for many years was known as bedsit land, due to the high number of rentals. Many ED residents are renters of private properties and I would imagine that combined with tenants in HA/half way homes etc that percentage is high. There was a theory some time ago that those in transient properties, rarely have the community commitment of their surroundings and therefore do not take pride in their environment hence graffiti, fly tipping etc. Fly tipping has gradually got worse since Southwark introduced charging. We have ended up paying private contractors to take away our bulky rubbish.

Forest Hill Road comes under Dulwich Hill SNT - try emailing [email protected] or ring 0208 721 2447. The officer for this ward is PCSO Simon Johnson.

The Tooley Street HQ is home for 2,000 staff and is all open plan. Officers have been working from home since March 2020. Staff were recently informed that only 900 employees could be in the premises at any one time. I would say that most of the dissatisfaction with the council relates to staff not being allowed to have face to face contacts with local residents and not being able to phone the council sections directly. Councillors have only recently been allowed to hold their surgeries. All local councils have restricted finances as the Government have cut back the amounts allocated to local authorities.

The ones i have seen have been 'issued' by appropriate organisations - i.e MIND. Alzheimer's, RNID etc and bear official logos etc.

During last lockdown, security staff at doors were reminding people to wear masks, One guy got very angry and was aggressive to staff and a few customers and said he was not going to wear a mask. He challenged everyone to make him and then said he was exempt. I have seen a few people wearing lanyards saying that they were exempt for medical reasons- perhaps this should be mandatory for 'genuine' people.

My daughter who is an NHS employee in hospital, is required to take covid test twice a week and it is recorded on her records. If she does not record it - she gets a message to remind her. She wears a mask on the wards. Staff do not wear gloves unless they are physically handling patients, but sanitise several times a day

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Bread of Life cafe in Christ Church has poppies - purchase them when visiting cafe or Fair Trade Centre. (Not open Mondays)

When I worked, I was an essential car user and my local authority provided myself and other colleagues with an all borough parking permit. Frequently called out to respond to an emergency (or to transport a non car user colleague)and needed to be in areas not accessible by public transport. Sometimes I had to call the emergency services to attend. I imagine that the same situations now still require workers to 'access all areas' in the quickest possible time.

Last month's SE22 had a good recipe for pumpkin and ginger tea bread. You can also use squash (which I did) -hubby not to sure about it but I liked it.

I found out in March when I had my MOT done that my car was not compliant although the garage did say that mechanically it was very sound.Have been looking for a 'compliant' car since that time but having driven an automatic for nearly 20 years I have forgotten how to drive a manual. I am informed that 2nd hand automatics are very rare and this does seem to be the case as have been looking at my prefered showroom (Lancers of Beckenham) every couple of weeks. Unfortunately due to a leg injury in July which stopped me driving for 2 months, I have not been successful in my search as yet. I have decided that will keep current car and pay the fee and try to organise that I do everything that requires a car (visiting/shopping etc) in one day. I do use public transport regularly (buses) but a car is essential to visit friends and family as many of them live in areas which are not covered by public transport.

Sainsbury's have a good Polish bread section and the vast majority of the bread is sourdough and rye. I love the bread with caraway seeds in but Sainsbury's seem not to stock this any more. Sausages, mince and chicken thighs we purchase from Rose's. Both Lidl and Aldi are good with fruit and veg, fish and some meats. Jams/marmalade good from both stores also some sweets and chocolates. I usually start my 'Christmas Box' of non perishables in October - so far it has only got biscuits in but will gradually fill up as I buy a few extra items each week. Lewisham market has a good choice of fruit and veg at very affordable prices. Prices in NX Road are too high and no way would I pay ?5 for a loaf of bread. I have only been in Borough Market once - spent around 10 minutes and although I loved the variety of food realised that it was out of my budget. When I was working in Camberwell used to love going to the Greek/Turkish bakery opposite the Green for bread and cakes (they did great sandwiches as well)

Our 17 year old grandson lives in Orpington and has tried for several months to get a few hours of work without joy. He is at College 3 days a week but has to do 2 half days online learning during set times. He would like to earn a few pounds to save his single parent Mum having to fork out for him. He enjoys cooking and would not mind doing catering work.

Lady in Barry Road seemed to have connection with Barry House as staff were coming over to her and it looked as though it was a staff member who went into ambulance with her. 3 police cars and paramedic in attendance for over an hour. Also plain clothes officer with stab vest.

Has anyone had a meal or spent the night at the Bromley Court hotel - what was it like?

Ward should complete a property list when a patient is admitted, when I worked in hospitals, this was a paper copy and went into patient's file. However most hospitals now use Electronic Patient Records. False teeth are frequently lost as many patients took them out and wrapped them in tissue paper which cleaner then assumed as rubbish.

We have the same postman for at least 90% of the time and he always pushes the post (when we get it!) through the letter box. Some weeks we appear to have no post then we have several days of daily post. Most annoying is that important letters re hospital appointments arrive after the appointment date or within 24 hours of the appointment.

The Elms are advertising for catering staff.

The Old Bell looks good but unfortunately being off the M4 it would be a difficult journey by car for most of us. I used to work in Maidenhead many years ago and commuted to East Dulwich every weekend by car. Would consider Kent/parts of Surrey/ Sussex

I had to turn into Townley from LL to access Beauval Road to take some shopping to an elderly friend. Would have turned right from LL into Eynella but with bus diversions (12/197) road has been very busy all day and cars having difficulty in finding a space to turn. Hopefully I do not get a ticket! My understanding is that only if you travel the length of Townley (Alleyns end) that you get done.

My kids are wanting to start arranging a family get together to celebrate a 70th birthday in March and Ruby Wedding in June. We have floated the idea of having a joint celebration around April/May. Looking for ideas. Family is wide spread - one daughter and family in Harlow (no car) Ages ranging from 11- 45. One daughter in Orpington - (car) 'children' 18 and 23. Daughter Durrington West Sussex children 6 and 8. (car) Could be around 20 of us (maximum) if all the grandchildren and great grandchildren come. We are happy to pay cost of overnight stay at a moderately priced hotel if necessary. Ideas for venues which could provide meals for a wide age range. Preferably out of London but with good transport links for non car drivers. Would need to be a weekend, weekend self catering cottage etc with at least 7 bedrooms - near a good restaurant could be considered. Daughter says venues for next March are being booked up now so we need to get sorted before Xmas. Any ideas/suggestions please.

Councillors need to be reminded that their actions/lack of actions could make a difference when the local elections take place.

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