Cuthbert Dibble

It was a great show and a fantastic achievement - well done to all - although I have to say I had hoped that the words "East" and "Dulwich" would at least pass through the Kevsters lips just once. Or preferably a separate sequence of Kevin discovering the delights of Lordship Lane for himself - staggering out of Green and Blue, queuing for organic sausages from William Rose, giving a thumbs down sign outside Iceland etc. All speeded up and set to music of course for comic effect.

that was in response to keef's comments about mini casinos.....

Of course we already have our own mini-Bellagio - that delightful slot machine emporium near to Somerfield. Anyone ever been there? Sorely tempted but I fear I'd never leave, slippery slope and all that....

That's my Saturday night sorted

Wow, that answer is far more comprehensive than I could have hoped. Do you know how far in the "other" direction the stream flows? - (ie away from Grove Vale, towards Adys Road)? Is it the same stream that flows through Peckham Rye park to your knowledge? The local historian in me is beginning to get very, very excited. This might get messy - I need to get out more.

On Marsden Road SE15, by the entrance to the Wildlife Garden Centre (which is great by the way, apart from the lack of wildlife) there is a house which looks, in my expert opinion, totally f....d. It's been like that for years, pigeons were flying in and out of the windows the other day, and round the back there is an emormous crack that looks somewhat terrifying. Does anyone know anything about it? Are there plans for it to be sold/demolished etc? It must be a nightmare for the neighbours - get the Beaney round there pronto I say.

I've mentioned this on another thread but a neighbouring business owner said the third unit is going to be a shoe shop - he seemed pretty certain.

I assumed you two were married.

I fear Mr Snorky is perhaps taking this thread a tad too seriously?

Ladies could perhaps be invited on an occasional basis - to perhaps give brief talks or presentations on points of local interest, but generally I believe this should be a place for gents only. Else the quality of conversation would soon degenerate and the whole atmosphere would inevitably become too emotional.

A splendid idea. A long overdue chance for the gentlemen of the parish to unwind with a glass of fine wine, to peruse the FT and to exchange anecdotes, observations and racing tips. All talk of shoes and children would obviously be banned. Please God can this be opened as soon as possible?

Snorky - fess up - are you Eileen who runs the BRG?

Interesting tale Snorky - I agree the petition sounds a bit daft but the thing is that if the freeholder of the Oglander has indeed 'relaunched' and 'revamped' it as you say, then he simply hasn't managed to effectively convey that to potential customers. What's the point in spending loads of cash on a refurb if the blinds are permanently closed (during the day, why?) and you can't see what kind of "experience" awaits inside? You don't exactly have to be Philip Green to work that one out. I live nearby, I love beer and crisps and so should be a regular there but I simply don't fancy the place. I went in once and the look on many of the faces of the "same crowd" was pretty similar to the one the owner apparently adopted on meeting the "middle class female busybodies" you mentioned - ie "Who the f... are you?". Pool balls pretty much stopped mid shot as eyes looked round. Hmmm what a pleasant half hour that was, must recommend the place to friends. Sorry but the argument that it's too far off the beaten track doesn't hold. The Bellenden area is now chock full of people wanting a nice pint in a good boozer - The Gowlett isn't exactly positioned in a prime position but has managed to become an award winning, friendly (albeit smokey) pub, with simple, good food. The whole La Plancha/Tapas idea at the Oglander was all very well - but for a start the sign is over the wrong bit of the building! What is it? A "local boozer"? Tapas Bar? Both? Neither? Haven't a clue and I walk past it every day. The BRG are well meaning but I agree with others here that they seem to want to complain about anything going - I suspect the main force for the petition came from residents on Maxted and nearby roads who don't fancy the idea of flats.... The Oglander is a wasted opportunity, the building is great but the money spent on it hasn't been done so effectively. It is a shame to hear about a local business apparently failing - but ultimately people don't got there for a reason. The idea that they should be doing so out of some kind sympathy is bizarre.

James you're right re "Bender in a Bun". I used to find it hilarious, although my mum and dad never did and would often wonder why I was giggling at the menu. You've got me reminiscing now about Brown Derbys and Rum Ba-bas. Maybe Wimpy could relaunch and target the upwardly thrusting power couples and Boden catalogue-reading families who now frequent this corner of South East London. I see Burger King now sell an "angus" and fries as opposed to plain old burgers. Genius! How's about a wi-fi area called Clicker Bocker Glory.

According to a Lordship Lane business owner based nearby, the third unit of former Walsh Glazers (ie not White Stuff) is going to be a shoe shop. He couldn't say what type, although I'm praying for a Clarkes rather than a Minalo Blahniks else I'll never get me missus out of there and we'll have to remortgage. He seemed very believable.

Piss story of the location, surely