IlonaM

womanofdulwich Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Well moving forward I'd try to use it that way in > the future RSPB strongly advise against using cooking fat for feeding birds: 'Animal fats and meat juices can also harm our feathered friends and therefore such kitchen scraps should not be used to feed winter birds. Chris Bailey, Advisory Manager for RSPB Scotland, said: ?Feeding garden birds is a popular activity in Scotland as well as a lifeline for many species during winter when natural sources of food are in short supply. However, certain types of food are very bad for birds and cooking fat is one of them. ?The problem comes when cooking fat mixes with meat juices and sets; the consistency is prone to smearing which can damage birds? feathers at a time they need them in a good condition to stay warm. The mixture will also go off quickly providing a breeding ground for diseases. Don?t be put off from feeding our feathered friends though - there are plenty of safe options including bird cake and seed mixes or kitchen scraps like cooked potato, dried fruit and mild grated cheese.? ... You can make your own bird cake by pouring melted fat (suet or lard) onto a mixture of ingredients such as seeds, nuts, dried fruit, oatmeal, cheese and cake. Use about one-third fat to two-thirds mixture. Stir well in a bowl and allow it to set in a container of your choice. An empty coconut shell, plastic cup or tit bell makes an ideal bird cake ?feeder?. ... Substances like cooking fats can easily be smeared onto the feathers, destroying the waterproofing and insulating qualities. Garden birds are practically unable to metabolise salt. It is toxic to them in high quantities and affects their nervous system. Under normal circumstances in the wild, birds are unlikely to take harmful amounts of salt. Never put out salted food onto the bird table, and never add salt to bird baths to keep water ice-free in the winter.' Gardeners' World has a recipe using suet or lard: www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/diy/how-to-make-fat-cakes-for-birds/

Re: visa advice - see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents [Last updated 12 October 2020] The BBC has done an updated explainer, 'What does the tier system mean for UK holidays?': https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52646738

You could also contact the Japanese department at SOAS, University of London.

Clutterqueen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Is this not going a bit over the top? i.e. not > opening your door to delivery drivers? The rules > were relaxed a while ago on this so I'm surprised > that people are still on high alert every time > somebody knocks on their door. According to the information compiled by the Institute for Government (last updated 30/09/20) in England face masks are compulsory in shops, on public transport etc. - https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/coronavirus-lockdown-rules-four-nations-uk 'Face coverings - Advised where social distancing not possible. Compulsory on public transport, in shops and supermarkets, and other indoor settings such as museums, cinemas, galleries and places of worship. From 24 September, face masks will be required in hospitality venues unless seated at a table.' Most courier companies and other companies delivering to the door, i.e. Sainsburys, set out their policy on their websites.

Hi, Mine is normal today. Thames Water have a reporting tool and advice here: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/emergencies/no-water-or-low-pressure Hope your water sorts itself out soon, Ilona

SEmi-resolved. Water slowly coming back in spurts.

I have a gaggle of long-tailed tits who visit my garden in Underhill at least once a day, if not twice. They're a scream. Lovely to watch.

Hi, Have you come across Gingerbread, the charity for single parents? Lots of information and advice online, and also access to support and community. www.gingerbread.org.uk You're not alone. With best wishes.

Distressing example of how some people react reported in the Independent today - 'NHS worker knocked out and stamped on after moving away from man without mask Victim, 63, was repeatedly punched to the floor during unprovoked attack on London bus' (north London) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/london-bus-attack-nhs-worker-test-trace-face-mask-coronavirus-b479498.html

Clutterqueen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Why would a young person with three children turn > down a three bedroom property just because they > had to climb some stairs? Apparently they were > currently in a bedsit? The council officer joked > and laughed with them about not accepting the > property but at least they mentioned it would soon > be snapped up by the next family! I think the point was that she would have to carry a pushchair up three flights of stairs to the third floor. She might have back problems etc. that we don't know about. Some flats are more suited to the able-bodied and less encumbered.

My experience on the P13 was similar - people walking past driver with mask on properly, sitting down and pulling mask down around chin to make phonecalls. Unimpressed.

This is why challenging Boris' arrogance & ignorance is so important: https://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2020/09/14/breaking-international-law-the-uk-is-biting-off-its-nose-to-spite-its-face-dr-sean-molloy/#more-162948

Link to petition & write to MP: https://r.ippl.es/mp-international-law/ Please sign the petition and write to your MP 'to stop the government's plans to break international law and pave the way for No Deal Brexit. Tens of thousands of people have supported it so far. Over the weekend the rebellion in parliament has grown and the government is on the back foot. Today is the crucial day that the bill will be voted on in parliament. We need to put as much pressure on MPs today as we can so more of them join the ranks of the rebellion. The government did not expect the level of response there has been on this issue and there is now a possibility they will think again on the plan. It only takes a minute to email your MP using our new tool ? do it right now ahead of the vote: https://r.ippl.es/mp-international-law/'

Area around Llangorse very beautiful - horse riding, sailing, walks etc. or just enjoy the views. https://www.breconbeacons.org/things-to-do/attractions/natural/llangorse-lake

Shrieker Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > They took mine away ages ago, but i simply just > put any brown bin waste in neighbours bins and if > they ask me about it, blame it on others in the > street. Why is that not a surprise? Troll online, antisocial in real life.

Horniman? https://www.horniman.ac.uk/whats-on/

THanks katanita, very helpful to know.

Thanks Jules and Smiley-blue.

Thanks elloriac for your advice. I recently lost a much-loved 21 year old who I adopted when she was 18 and too old to insure. She turned out to have several then unknown, preexisting conditions which were very expensive to treat and so this time I was hoping to set up insurance cover. I won't tell you how much it has cost over the last three years, it would make your eyes water! I will think about your suggestion as an alternative when I'm looking at the insurance possibilities.

Hi all cat parents, I have recently adopted an 11 year old healthy rescue from Celia Hammond. I am looking to insure him, but would be very grateful for any advice and experiences re insuring an 11 year old/senior cat. Currently he is covered by a month-long policy from PetPlan, bt they do not do lifelong cover for his age, only covering a new illness for a year. I was hoping for a lifelong cover if possible. Many thanks, Ilona

Zig-Zag Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Why on earth haven't they been working until now? They have been taking calls to log incidents, giving reference numbers and calling back but haven't been attending. Same for the ASB team. A lot of Southwark's work has shut down - Tree team only attending for emergency work, for example.

I asked the Noise Team when they are becoming active again this afternoon and was told 10th August - fingers crossed. In the meantime you can still report noise nuisance and get a reference number & someone from the team will get back to you within 3 working days.

This happened on Underhill (Horniman end) a few months ago - a couple of lads (late teens/early twenties) ringing mine and a number of neighbours' bells.

'We did it On 15th July 2020 we successfully raised ?15,525 with 255 supporters in 41 days' THank you to all who helped SDCAS surpass their target!

Crowdfunding link: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/kindness-for-refugees Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS) is a local charity based at the Copleston Centre which has been continuing to help its service users during the lockdown through food parcels and other support. They are currently running a crowdfunding campaign with potential rewards in return for your donation. They are a super charity with dedicated staff and volunteers. Please have a look at the above link for further details of their crowdfunding campaign. You can find out more about the charity through their website: www.sdcas.org.uk Thanks for reading.