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Hello. I just wanted to recommend Paul in SE26 who repaired both my laptop and PC computer recently. Great job and he didn't charge any extra when he had to take the PC back a third time and do quite a lot of stuff on it. I say "stuff" as I don't understand any of it. Anyway, if you need to contact him he is on 0797 783 0733.

Hello. I have a couple of short questions I'd like to bounce off somebody who works in either HR or recruitment. Please send me a Private Message if you can help. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. If you happen to work in HR or Recruitment for the private sector even better (specifically marketing, communications/media or business consultancy/services). But I'm not fussy as my questions are fairly general! -M.

Hi. We used Colin at SureMove last Saturday to help us move about 15 boxes and suitcases from a friend's 4th floor flat to a storage unit. He and his mate were punctual, friendly, helpful and worked hard. At the storage unit they had parked within the electronically operated gates (luckily we had not) and when the job was finished they found that the gates were not working due to a technical problem which the staff were trying to sort. Due to a VERY busy Saturday we had to leave them there and they were very understanding, didn't ask for more money for their waiting time, etc. He can be reached on 0772 401 5815.

Hello, I had Eddie around earlier in the week to help with a variety of smaller tasks (finishing up the bottom stairs of a newly laid carpet, applying fresh sealant around bathroom/kitchen fixtures, some paiting, fixing garden fence, filling a crack in wall, etc). And it was quite last minute/urgent. He made time to come by after a day's work elsewhere which really helped me. And he's a nice guy too. I'd recommend his services. He's on 07815 775 840. -Michael

Hello, I too have had Nicola in our garden this week helping get it into good shape for the summer months (fingers crossed for a sunny one). She obviously enjoys her work and has a good eye for not only plants, but the aesthetic feel for a garden. Which sounds really grand considering we have quite a small typical back garden rather than landscaped grounds! Anyway, I would recommend her without reservation. And reasonable rates too! She's on 07815 775 840.

Hi. A big thank you to all those who volunteered to help jump start the car. One of you is coming by tomorrow morning (thanks in advance!). And thanks, PokerTime, for pointing out other things that could be wrong (alternator, drive belt, etc). If the jump start doesn't work, I'll have to have the car towed to the mechanics (fingers crossed this isn't needed).

I am glad you're OK, although understandably a bit shaken I would imagine. So, what a good idea it was to close the ED police station on Lordship Lane then. I hope the culprits are caught, tried and incarcerated. I imagine this isn't likely to happen.

Hi. I am wondering if some kindly soul could possibly give my car a jump to get it started or, failing that, loan me jumper cables. I'm not sure why the battery would have died since one cannot accidentally leave the lights on (a newish Fiat 500). We're near junction of Landells Rd and Silvester Road. I'd be looking for help either tonight (Tues 22nd April) or, preferably, up until mid to late morning tomorrow (Wedn 23rd). I'll drive it to Turners on Barry Road in the morning for a battery charge or replacement I suppose. I've got ?15 to ?20 at home on me if that entices anyone? Or my eternal gratitude. Whichever takes your fancy. If you can help, send me a message and I'll send back my mobile number (or give me yours). Thanks for reading this! Michael

Hello Sue and friend/neighbour DulwichFox, Who could have foreseen my search for a local kid wanting to earn some pocket money by looking after my cat would cause such a ruffle of feathers?! I admire your concern about the exploitation of labour; in this case my sinful, and uber-capitalist desire to undercut the infamous cat sitters' union by paying a teenager less than ?7 to ?11 for 15 minutes of work. (By the way, it takes more than one 'professional' cat sitter charging this amount to mean that this is the "going rate" which you feel I'm undermining... the market sets the going rate. And I'm part of the market. Oh, the national minimum wage for under 18's is ?3.72. Don't worry yourselves, I won't engage a retired/older person.) As frustrating as it might be for you both, not one of the 20 or so people who volunteered their own or their children's services have chosen to renege on their offers. Other than shaking your heads in dismay, you two have no power over this situation... but obviously too much time on your hands. Here's how to employ it: If you would like to try to make a difference to those exploited by "evil bosses" everywhere, why not write to your MP and campaign against the UK's opt out of the EU Working Time Directive which limits work to 48 hours per week? Every employer I've worked for has asked me to sign a waiver so that I can legally work over 48 hours (unpaid overtime which London's economy relies on). It is common practice in professional environments, and I would imagine it's the same further up/down the career ladder. Or why don't you write to your MP about the abuse of Zero Hours Contracts which conveniently take people out the unemployment statistics, but pay few of them decently? Or perhaps you could campaign for supermarkets and restaurants with a presence in East Dulwich to pay their employees the London Living Wage of ?8.80? Or you can make sure everything you purchase, regardless of the cost, is ethically/sustainably sourced and/or is Fairtrade (and not just your bananas). And do make sure you don't buy almost anything manufactured in the Far East... or South Asia... or South America... or Africa. You'd be helping the bad guys exploit their workers and thus cause you sleepless nights. You see, their is so plenty of labour exploitation happening in the UK and abroad. And plenty of worthy causes which would benefit from your anger, energy and zeal. And your spare time.

Sue, Sorry we can't agree on this question. I'll purchase services (in this instance for our cat) in any way I see fit. This may not be in accordance with your own views, but sadly life is full of disappointments. As you state that you're retired, I would imagine you're at an age in which you've learnt this unpleasant life lesson. Enjoy your retirement. Bye bye!

Hi Sue. Thanks for your unwelcome post. Seeing as you wrote it at 12:30 on a Sunday morning (well, late Saturday night) perhaps you should stay off the forum when you've been at the sherry bottle or finished the chardonnay bottle? Of what concern is my query to you? I've received many, many positive responses with offers of help. And I need to sort through them all. It is absolutely none of your business what I am willing/able to pay a non-professional and what he/she is willing to accept. (Would you pay a teenager to paint your house the same as a firm of decorators although everyone can hold a paint roller?) And our cat doesn't go out (which is her own choice), so any carer would find her in the house. You don't really merit an explanation, but there it is anyway. Enjoy.

I put this post in the Family section too. We don't have kids. We have a cat. Do kids still do chores (like mow lawns - ha ha) for extra pocket money? Or is that very 20th century? I'm looking for someone to help with cat care when we're away (morning and evening visits - feeding/watering, cleaning out litter tray, playing with the cat a bit). We have friends locally that help, but they're often away too. There are professional services charging ?7-11 per 15min visit (who knows if they stay 15min?). I'd have thought this task would be perfect for a 10-15 year old and ideally I'd be paying less to. I live in SE22 near junction of Sylvester/Landells. I'd have to feel that anyone I give keys to is totally trustworthy, so I thought if I meet the parents, etc this would be more likely. Send me a message please if you have a kid that would be interested. Or I could envision maybe a retired lady (or gent) doing this too. Thanks so much.

This is my first post in the family section. We don't have kids. We have a cat. Do kids still do chores (like mow lawns - ha ha) for extra pocket money? Or is that very 20th century? I'm looking for someone to help with cat care when we're away (morning and evening visits - feeding/watering, cleaning out litter tray, playing with the cat a bit). We have friends locally that help, but they're often away too. There are professional services charging ?7-11 per 15min visit (who knows if they stay 15min?). I'd have thought this task would be perfect for a 10-15 year old and ideally I'd be paying less to. I live in SE22 near junction of Sylvester/Landells. I'd have to feel that anyone I give keys to is totally trustworthy, so I thought if I meet the parents, etc this would be more likely. Send m a message if you have a kid that would be interested. Or I could see an older lady (or gent) doing this too. Thanks.

Maybe capture a fox off of our local streets to show off at the party? Sadly, a fox isn't very exotic in London's suburbs....

A member of the site for years, I've only recently started really using it. Now we're considering moving away. I always assumed every neighbourhood in London has a similar forum. Maybe I am na?ve and I shall continue logging in from Brooklyn. Not that I'm moving to NYC, but maybe someone is logging in from overseas?!

Sadly, we're not selling up in SE22 and buying some discounted villa in Southern Europe which has sat empty since 2008 gathering dust on its marble floors. We're staying in London. So, yes, we have to get as much as we can for the house. Sadly. I don't think anyone we buy our next property from will be charitable towards us. So, I suspect using an agent will be our route, but I just wanted to hear about any alternatives.

I am going to post this in "residential property" section too, but as it is mostly posts about seeking/offering rooms or flats to let I thought I'd try the "issues/gossip" section as well. I am considering selling my house in East Dulwich and am investigating the traditional estate agent route. However, if anyone has any thoughts about selling a house without an agent (and save on paying their fees) I'd be VERY interested. Especially if you've done it yourself! Note to any Estate Agents ED Forum members: I probably will go down the more traditional route so no need to write and tell me why your agency is the best option, thanks.

Sorry to put this cry for help in this "General Gossip" section. I also posted it in the "business services" section, but I thought I might get a wider audience here. Fingers crossed. OK, I'm going to just give in and not resist anymore. It is 2014 and I need to accept this. I need someone who is very savvy (or even just "quite savvy") about LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and similar to help me. I'm not a total beginner, but am not going to be insulted if someone treats me as such. I'm planning on taking a professional social media marketing course, but I'd rather not waste valuable time with the instructors covering the basics which every 10 year old in 2014 is expected to know. I'm happy to pay for several hours of someone's time (or just couple hours or even a few days if I need a total immersion course). I guess some local teenaged social media genius would be fine, although someone who happens to work in the field of communications, marketing or business in general who knows how social media applies to the world of commerce would be ideal. But I'm not fussy. But whomever steps forward must be patient. Please help. Thanks. Oh, I don't even really know what "the cloud" is. But feel I should.

OK, I'm going to just give in and not resist anymore. It is 2014 and I need to accept this. I need someone who is very savvy (or even just "quite savvy") about LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and similar to help me. I'm not a total beginner, but am not going to be insulted if someone treats me as such. I'm planning on taking a professional social media marketing course, but I'd rather not waste valuable time with the instructors covering the basics which every 10 year old in 2014 is expected to know. I'm happy to pay for several hours of someone's time (or just couple hours or even a few days if I need a total immersion course). I guess some local teenaged social media genius would be fine, although someone who happens to work in the field of communications, marketing or business in general who knows how social media applies to the world of commerce would be ideal. But I'm not fussy. But whomever steps forward must be patient. Please help. Thanks. Oh, I don't even really know what "the cloud" is. But feel I should.

Hi. About a year ago I bought one of those steam cleaners for hardwood floors/carpets (and for upholstery, etc) advertised on one of those late night infomercials. "Which" magazine rated it highly. It worked well. Now it has stopped working. The instructions only "fix it" guidance is to make sure it is plugged in or to ensure that lime scale hasn't built up. I've cleaned out any lime scale and it still doesn't work. It cost ?100 so I don't want to add it to a landfill unless I have to. I'll call a couple of the appliance repair people recommended on the forum tomorrow, but I fear they are more for washers/dryers, fridges, cookers, etc. If anyone can recommend anyone, please let me know. Thanks, Michael

Hi. I recently had new fence panels put in, a repair to an existing fence panel and a new rose arbour constructed from timber. I got a few quotes in and went with D and L Landscapes / D&L Landscapes. I was pleased with their service, promptness, politeness, etc. I'd recommend them for fencing/garden construction needs based on what I saw in my garden. Dave or Lee can be reached on 07968 948 339 -M.

I'll add my recommendation regarding Niko's plumbing services which I used in January. A flex cable pipe to the cold water tap in the bathroom suddenly burst apart one evening (oh, it was New Year's Eve and I had just finished getting dressed to leave for a party!). Anyway, I turned off the mains. Niko came promptly as scheduled and fixed the flex cable thing quickly and at a reasonable price. No complaints. His number is 0781 860 7583.

I have once posted a recommendation for Andy's massage services, but I feel the need to mention how amazing the last two massages with him have been. Like others posting here, I have enjoyed (and endured) many massages in spas, hotels, etc throughout the world. A handful have been great. The last two with Andy are in my Top Five Ever list. I swim a lot and also hold tension in my shoulders (don't we all?)... and I prefer a more "intensive" approach to my knots (which Andy has the technique, stamina, strength to do). However, he'll do something subtle, a small movement on a "trigger point" which can be equally impressive/beneficial. I know not everyone likes so much pressure, like me, but I know he can tailor the massage to each client's needs. Don't hesitate to book an appointment. Sorry to drivel on, but it's rare that I am this enthusiastic.

It's so nice to find a masseur who has the strength (and the large hands) for a stronger, more intense massage if that's what you want. Andy listens to what you say in terms of pressure levels desired, tense areas, etc. so he can tailor the treatment to suit you. And he's a nice guy too, friendly, puts you at your ease, etc. A good local service.

Hi. I would also like to recommend Frank (07825 442 888). He put right a very complicated (for me, a DYI idiot) cat flap installation I attempted (and failed at), did a quick repair on a water pipe and even climbed up onto the roof to retrieve a tea towel that got caught in the guttering (long story) and which could have blocked the gutters. He is punctual, polite, has all his own tools and knows what he's doing. Satisfied customer here. -Michael