Pugwash

Can the GP recommend /or refer to a dietician?. My grand daughter suffered repeated bouts of tonsillitis from around 2 years old and was very underweight. She had her tonsils removed when she was 4 and became a hearty eater and put on weight.

An elderly couple I know were visited by a man who claimed to live/work in a house backing onto their garden who felt he may have dug into one of their pipes/electric cables. and asked them to check whether their electricity was working - he followed the woman into the house before she could shut the door on him. He heard a male voice (husband) and quickly went out- the woman went to shut the main door and found another man outside who offered to clear her garden, this was refused by the woman. This was last week and my friend was aware that this was a scam. Today I found that another male turned up and said he was going to chop down the tree in front of the house as he had been informed that the couple wanted this done (they did). The tall shrub was cut down but the couple were charged ?380 in cash. My friends felt it was a bit steep but had got the job done. We all advised her to report this to our ward police officers which she did. The job took less than an hour (the shrub was rotting so the roots came out quickly) and should not have cost more that ?80. Unfortunately, this couple have been the victims of previous scams over the past 10 years and it is clear that a gang is operating in the area. The chap cutting the shrub was different to the previous 2 last week. The lady in question is hard of hearing and her husband has severe health problems. Please warn all vulnerable and/or elderly friends and neighbour about this local scam.

We used Martin some time ago to take photos of one of our grandsons - very professional and gave us a disc to choose which photos we wanted to have copied.

Another good point is to always know her friends or crowd she associates with as this will give you a good idea of they type of kids she hangs around with. When our 2 were teenagers, we encouraged them to bring home their friends for music sessions in the bedroom, girlie sleep overs, etc. Our freezer was always full of burgers and pizzas - at one stage we had around 6 teenagers popping in to 'hang out' We got to know which mate was likely to want to get drunk and those who were more responsible. My stepdaughter on the other hand - (her mother did not encourage friends in the house) consequently got involved with dubious types who encouraged petty crime and drugs. It took early motherhood for her to see sense.

Rumour has it that Plough Homecraft were reallocating to the old butchers.

James - Chris and I send you and the family our condolences - you know where we are if you want a chat.

James not only has a full time job, he is also a father and probably having a quiet time with his children before they return to school next week.

Our kids were allowed wine (greatly diluted with lemonade) from around 13 years and only at our home. Shandy was permitted again 90% lemonade from around 15. My eldest daughter (44) still horrifies pub landlords when she orders a Guiness shandy - her favourite teenage drink. I too am horrified at the number of young teenagers I see worse for drink - doing shots, spirits etc but am also aware that if parents are too strict re alcohol there is a back lash and can result in secret drinking. If you prohibit things - it makes it more of a challenge. Better to have sensible rules and discussions about dangers of drink/drug/unprotected sex, and also rules about socialising and what time expected home. My eldest now has teenagers and has confessed that although she rebelled against boundaries that we set, she now recognises that these were necessary for her own protection and to promote maturity and good morals. Her own children have to conform within her boundaries.

East Dulwich Community Centre has an outdoor playground - check out their website for pictures and details

Charity shops are inundated with soft toys. Hospitals will only take those which can be washed in machine due to infection control. A refugee or asylum centre would be best.

One of the Homeless Charities - I cannot remember which one had outreach workers who will 'visit' the homeless person to see if they wish help. They also keep a data base of the people they approach. I had to deal with an elderly homeless man who was very unwell and he was placed temporarily in a care home whilst he recovered and I got to know this charity quite well whilst I was dealing with him. It was several years ago and in the winter. I do not think it was St Mungo's.

As previous posts have commented - this lady is likely to value her independence and may not take too kindly about others trying 'to help'. Strike up a conversation by all means - I assume she recognises you as neighbours and offer to get the odd bit of shopping if the weather is too bad. You can offer your telephone number, should she need assistance. You mention that she has difficulties in getting into her house and using stairs. An assessment by an OT (Occupational Therapist) could result in stair rails/grab rails and other aids - you could ask her whether she would like you to make contact with OT.

May be a bit young but could try her getting used to sitting on potty but do not expect results. I have not heard of any child being trained before 18 - 24 months.

Take note from Prince Harry's recent disclosure as to how he felt following his mother's death. It is important that you talk, ideally, face to face with someone about your grief. Having lost both parents - one to cancer and one to dementia and chest infection, it is hard to accept that you will not see them again. Within 3 months my husband lost a cousin, an aunt and a father - he ended up depressed and unable to function normally. Fortunately his GP recognising his grief sought help for him and he was seen by a professional in the Community Mental Health Services for a few months. He was then mentally stronger to deal with the subsequent death of his mother and uncle, as well as my parents. Various people have offered advice and organisations to help you - you just need to be brave enough to make the next step.

As Bic said = motor bikes and scooters for many years

Link Age may have details of walking groups for the over 60s

Perhaps they have a long lease and it is cost effective to keep this going rather than to terminate it.

The small shop was the first St. C shop in LL and when the larger store became vacant they took this on as they could display a greater variety of goods. The could not get furniture in small shop.

Having 2 kids - the best 'item' was Mum/partner/friend who would see that I was sleep deprived and look after baby for a few hours during the day to catch up on sleep. Plenty of muslins to mop up milk, baby grows in the 'next size' i.e. 3- 6 months (most babies grown out of the 0 -3 months in a few weeks)

Some customers donate bags full of stuff and when staff open the bags they find soiled and torn clothing, worn underwear, moth riddled clothing, etc so these are taken away by scrap dealers. Charity shops have paid managers although other 'assistants; are voluntary. Lordship Lane is a prime area for rent increases borne out by the fact of changing businesses who have seen rent increases of ?20.000 per year. I go regularly to a charity shop in Forest Hill, their goods are much cheaper than St. C's but not always of brilliant quality, Recently the books I used to purchase for under ?2 there are now costing ?3 plus. My daughter who seems to clothe herself entirely from Charity Shops found Orpington prices far higher than those in Brighton. She got a Karen Millen dress for ?8 (checked it on line as nearly ?100 new) paid more for a pair of cheap new shoes.

There is, as others have said, a strict procedure prior to eviction. If your tenant is 'vulnerable' and therefore eligible for social housing, they will need to demonstrate that the correct legal route has been followed by yourself.

I was shopping for an event and went round the shop twice, waiting for cashier, putting items in trolley as I pack into bags in car, I have a disability and walk with a stick slowly to return trolley and back to car at furthest end of car park, joined another load of cars trying to get out. Usually takes about an hour when am with hubby as he can pack in store and lift heavy bags. I paid ?45 (discounted rate)

Run by Athena Parking Co