Townleygreen

I have a front drive...when we moved in, we had the paving removed and gravel put down. this is better as it allows the water to drain into the soil. Not as good as plants of course. But it's great not to have ones car so open to scratchers and mad parkers as described above.

The Libertines were the business. I also love the Manics.

Sound like an opportunity to maybe use Ocado?

I think it's the best shop in the world! Never mind tatty old Waitrose!

Thanks Debi for that info. It is great to have that extra detail and its all good news about Kingsdale. Let's hope lots of other good kids go there and get the obvious benefits. I wonder if one day they will develop a Sixth Form. What choices do the kids have for that stage, when they have to leave the school?

Pierre, I WILL cycle. It is carbon neutral. At times I cycle on the pavement, but will continue always to give way to pedestrians when I do so. I believe I am right to do so. When I believe it is safe to ride on the road, I do so. Seems reasonable to me. Others will have different views - of course - doesn't mean my views are wrong. Works well on the continent, and one day it will also be allowed here.

Dear Jane, Could you clarify - what did you mean here - did you mean junior and infant?? "We have two kids - both boys!, one junior school age and one primary." Where is your new house - might clarify which schools you'd qualify for. I believe Goodrich is an excellent primary.

Dear Rant-er DOH! If you'd read my post, you would see I said.. "When I cycle on the pavement I am careful to slow down when pedestrians are about, and always try to stop to give way to them" The reason for my behaviour is I am aware that the pavement is for pedestrians.

Debi, Let's hope you are right. Who is this miracle-worker who is now the Head? Tell us more about him please.

When I cycle on the pavement I am careful to slow down when pedestrians are about, and always try to stop to give way to them. Frankly in many areas the roads are just too dangerous to cycle on. I commend to you the towns of Germany and Holland, where cycling and walking goes on on the pavement, separated by a line. Can't see it working here with some of the opinions voiced here. Rather sad, as those towns are so lovely compared even to ED.

Debi I definitely agree with you! Your child's experience of a school is the vital thing. Also, it sounds as if Kingsdale has improved massively, which is marvellous. Maybe it needs to rebrand itself somehow so that people who don't know it can approach it with a more open mind. Trouble is, its name has become synonymous with its rather poor past. It needs to cut that link for future possible pupils and their parents. We shouldn't judge a book by its cover, of course but stupidly we do. And dulwichmum I always feel the people who live close to any school will be the ones who have the least illusions about the quality of its pupils. The vast majority are fine, but the ones you notice are the awful ones. Best wishes, we all want the best for our kids

No, let's go back to the female mud wrestling. that WAS a good idea.

Does anybody remember the good old Heber Arms? Used to have a piano player in the bar on a friday. Had a few pints there back in the 70s. It wasn't that great but I was sad when it closed. When was that in fact? Surprised it didnt become a gastropub.

One other thing - private schools like Alleyn's do offer scholarships. And these days they focus on people who couldn't otherwise afford the fees, rather than who comes top of the entrance exam, which is much fairer.

If you are ever in the market for a private school, "Bill 123", then you won't do better than Alleyns. Great results, turns out lovely kids, the staff are really caring. It isn't an academic sausage factory either. One of the best schools in the country in fact. It IS hard to get a place though, I'd have to admit. And its SOOO close to ED!

I always use Carroll cars, I think they're on Barry road. I think they only let me down once.

I have heard mixed reports about the Charter in the past. For instance, there were a few negative incidents between Charterians and kids from nearby schools. Does anyone know anything negative about it at present? I also heard Kingsdale had improved (not difficult, you might say...)