ceebeebee

Hi Tash, Sebastian is really good, he is at my house doing a bedroom and some woodwork for me but will be finished this week. If you give him dimensions he'll be able to quote by text im sure. Sebastian 07896 649534. He is very hardworking and good value - I have used him for years.

Recently asked for recommendations for a boiler repair person over the Christmas period. Mark Newlove, recommended on here came out to the house when no-one else was available, got keys from a neighbour and was able to identify the problem really quickly. In the end, on his advice, we actually went back to the manufacturer and sorted the problem that way under their warranty scheme. So he saved us money and didn't even charge us for his time. I highly recommend him - although I didn't meet him, he acted with real integrity, and he told us in advance that if we had needed a new boiler, he could have done it within a couple of days. Mark Newlove: 07971 824567

We urgently need a call out to fix a boiler that's packed up! typically everyone Ive called is offering me the 10th of January earliest! If anyone can help - please pm me! Its a Potterton Gold 33HE and we're on Ondine Road!

Hi there, we have a villa in a beautiful part of Mallorca which is really child friendly and sleeps 10. It's walking distance to the medieval town of Pollenca and close to lovely safe beaches. It's a lovely spot and lots of EDF families have stayed. it's only ?995 a week in October and really well appointed (aircon, dishwasher, 4 bathrooms, cots and highchairs etc) have a look at website - www.villapascali.com.

I use Daisy Lets, and in fact I briefly worked for them, doing the accounts, so I have inside knowledge! I think they are more reasonably priced and have a lot more integrity than many agents, and in my experience they do a good job. I have just instructed them on my 4 bed house.

Looking for (preferably) an all inclusive hotel for this summer within 2 hours flight - so not Turkey or Greece or Canaries. This is because we have less than a week! Somewhere with a bit going on for kids of 10 ish.... Any idea appreciated!

Hoburne Naish on edge of New Forest. Lodges or caravans, loads to do and beautiful area, overlooking lovely beach. Its a really nice park, not too many tattoos or football shirts ha ha!

Thanks very much for all the helpful suggestions (and support). I do try not to put pressure on - but actually my sons problem is largely attitudinal! Thanks for the link mbe, i will give it a try!

Thanks - Yes there is much too much pressure - that's SATs for you. On Monday I tested some of my friends on a few 11 year old SATs questions. Barrister, accountant, banker and IT manager - none of us had a clue!! How is that possibly an appropriate level for an 11 year old! I don't want to pressure him, if he was genuinely hopeless I wouldn't - its just the "cant be bothered" attitude that frustrates! I know there are lots of websites, the first thing I did was google them, but many are not appropriate, and I would love to hear from someone who has actually had success with an app or something!

Does anyone know of an app that could help my son learn his spellings? the 100 or so top words that they need to learn for year 6 SATs. I've tried flashcards and cover up lists, but the same nuclear war ensues.... There's a confusing array of aps, and I really want it targeted to his level. Anyone else tearing their hair out?

Glazer Delmar has good "enfranchisement" experience. I have used them before but I think the person I dealt with for lease extension has left and been replaced, but Caroline Sherry, Head of Property, is excellent and I have used her services many times. She will be able to help.

Accidental landlord, confused by new rules. I have an accountant but this is not sufficient, I need someone who is a tax expert who understands rental property! Any recommendations appreciated!

That is great advice. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me!

Can anyone advise me where I start! Looking for an au pair but we are moving to Reigate so its for that area. Do you use agencies? Is there a place to look for au pairs who are already in the UK (heard horror stories of girls arriving straight off the plane and crying for 2 weeks!) Any advice appreciated! I will put a post in classifieds too, just in case!

I have just had Patrick O'Flynn fit some solid wood worktops in my kitchen. He has just done some work in Lacon Road too, and I would definitely recommend him. He was completely reliable and solved all the little problems we had with wonky walls and awkward corners. He is a real gentleman and being a bit older, very experienced. He did a beautiful job for us, and I wish I'd known before that he also supplies and fits kitchens very reasonably. I am getting him back to do some wardrobes now! Patrick O'Flynn 07887 780276. Claire