HannahSE23

BeccaL Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I thought the Charter was stopping automatic > admission for siblings, because of people doing > exactly what Tomskip says. however, don't know > that for a fact.... According to the latest admissions policy, siblings still get priority...

Vagina and Penis in this house. Personally I don't really like using euphemisms and I think kids see a difference between using a proper word or a 'baby name' if it's introduced early enough. Caitlin Moran's book How To Be A Woman has a hilarious, if rude, chapter on this by the way!

See below. MPs could use this loophole http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-loophole-eu-referendum-mps-law-legal-legislation-constitution-a7105181.html

Another recommendation for Steve! Our dishwasher packed up last night and he managed to fit me in today to take a look. Really friendly and efficient. Will definitely use him again!

Bajanbelle Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Serious First World Problems!! So funny Thanks everyone for those genuine responses so far. I really appreciate it. To the others that think my original post came across as a 'first world problem'... I have lived with a kitchen that was installed in the 1970s for almost seven years because we haven't had the money to replace it until now - I would just like to get it right without wasting hard-earned cash on things that are unnecessary. Frustrating that I feel the need to defend myself!

Hi lovely forumites! I remember there being a similar thread before but I can't find it... so... we're about to order a new kitchen and I'd love to know some of the things you have in your kitchen that you couldn't live without... I'm thinking soft closing drawers, pull out waste bins, pull out corner units, clever space saving ideas, that type of thing. Let me know your 'must haves' and those things where you think 'I wish we hadn't bothered'. Also I've survived with a standard sized single oven and four ring gas hob for more than 15 years... will a 90cm range cooker with 5 rings REALLY revolutionise my life? Thanks so much in advance!

If you want to sign the petition, sign it. If you don't want to, don't sign it. Simple. I don't see the need to shoot the messenger. Admin, can this thread be moved to the Family Room? It might be more relevant there.

We went to the Watson's General Telegraph with kids ranging from 5 to 10 a few Sundays ago. Lots of families there and the food was really good. Not the cheapest though. I also agree Rocca is great for young kids - no outside space but the park isn't too far away.

Hi all, My son is really keen on basketball. His school used to do an after school basketball club but that has sadly stopped now. Does anyone know of any clubs in the area for a budding basketball enthusiast? Thanks!

I love Bare Minerals. Good for your skin, not too heavy and creates a natural complexion. You'll need a consultation to get the right colour for your skin tone but that's part of the fun!

When kids are being stabbed on an almost weekly basis (two last night in Penge), I think youth services are vital, Otta. We need to do more for our teens, many of whom are scared, lost and have little to do... We have loads of things on for primary school age kids, but far less for the older ones.

Thanks for clarifying Renata. Glad to hear it won't close. However, I think it's vital that staff man this site whenever it's open as it makes teenage kids feel safer. If you could clarify any changes to opening hours, staffing and the way it will be run as soon as possible that would be great.

From an email I received from charter... "Our occupation of the temporary site has no impact on our admissions criteria" so admissions will stay the same. The children are likely to be bussed from the hospital site to the temporary site morning and evening. Not ideal but better than them making their own way there I guess.

I, for one, would be prepared to lobby the councillors and do whatever possible to keep the adventure playground open. It's hugely important for the kids, particularly young teens, in the area. Renata, can you confirm what is happening? Is it closing? Being scaled back? Your feedback would be much appreciated!

83 per cent is a devastating cut to youth services and to lose the adventure playground would be a disaster. So many young teens go there... it's a place where they feel safe to hang out when so many places feel so unsafe for them. James is there anything you/we can do?

Hi yes there's a brilliant Kung Fu class on Saturday mornings at the united church hall in Red Post Hill. You can contact them via their website www.fwckungfu.com. Hope that helps!

Hi we're planning a house move due to redundancy that would mean a change of school. I know it's going to be a huge upheaval as my children are very happy here and have lots of friends and a fantastic network. It's not something I want either and has come about rather suddenly but I know I need to be as upbeat as possible to help my kids get through it! Does anyone have any advice about how to go about talking to them and preparing them for the move? Any useful books? I've read that a house move can have a huge negative impact on older children and I want to do everything to avoid that if possible. Thanks!

I am very saddened to hear what happened at Kingdsdale. It must be a worrying time for all involved with the school. But just to put it in context a friend was at Alleyns in the 90s and a boy was expelled for bringing a gun in to school. Also in Somerset last week a kid was arrested for plotting a 'massacre' at his school in Taunton. Two examples that show (very sadly) how things like this are neither confined to state schools nor just to big cities. It's not a recent problem either. I hope the pupils involved and the wider school community can all recover from this dreadful incident.

Hi Ellie78, I feel your pain re work and cooking for a family! My quick dinners are... Tuna pasta - literally cooked pasta mixed with a tin of tuna, a tin of sweetcorn, a tbsp mayo and grated cheese. Veggie soup - lots of vegetables cooked with a stock cube and whizzed up with a spoon of creme fraiche Tortelloni - the spinach and ricotta ones with raw carrots, cucumber, tomatoes and peppers on the side and some packet garlic bread Stir fry - very quick especially if done with 4-min noodles and a packet chow mein sauce. Only the slicing of the veg/chicken takes time. My kids love trying to eat with chop sticks. Jacket potatoes with some different toppings - we like avocado, bacon and parmesan or coronation chicken. Patatas a lo pobre - cheap, quick easy Spanish dish, basically fried potatoes onions and peppers but delicious. Chicken fajitas - it's a bit of a cheat though as I just fry some chicken in some BBQ sauce and the kids wrap it in soft tortillas with cheese, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and cucumber. Sometimes we do it with the packet falafel mix. Hope that helps! Just read that back and realised we eat a lot of toms, cuc, lettuce and peppers! Healthy though I guess. Also corn on the cob is good!

Just passed some ominous police tape at Brenchley Gardens. My heart sinks every time... anyone know what's happened?

There might be something on at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Both my two have taken part in various courses there - sewing, drawing, pattern making etc

What a shame! Have you posted on Twitter and Facebook? I found my youngest's beloved rabbit thanks to social media!

Hi Otta I think 4 may be a bit young for guitar due to finger stretch etc. Ukelele may be better because of the size and only 4 strings. Both mine started guitar at 6 and had lessons at school which was great but they needed pushing to practice! My eldest now 10 has private lessons at an eye watering 20 quid a pop, but worth it as he now picks up the guitar purely for pleasure and has advanced really quickly. It has also given him a love of 'proper' music! Good luck!

I've heard Kingsdale was a no-go zone back in the day too! As was Charter when it was William Penn. That's why it's worth remembering that times and schools change I guess...

confusedbyitall - your name is how I feel throughout this whole school application process! And I thought applying for primary school was bad... I'm not filling up the form with the whole six places. Everyone says I should but I don't see the point in putting down unrealistic choices or schools that are undersubscribed that I wouldn't let my child set foot in anyway!