Nigello

Congrats. Please do your best to get the business in your ward to avail themselves of the tagging-removal service, or ask them to do it themselves. The parade of shops opposite the bus stop, on the same side as the library and some of the shops along Rye Lane look a complete disgrace. Most of the shop fronts have been tagged and cleaned but others' owners seem not to be bothered.

More success: I asked a neighbour to oblige, and offending branches and foliage were removed within a day. Just ask, MissKing and others, as you might be surprised at the reaction.

Going early in the morning (0800) to the office at Victoria and then picking it up the same day - for an extra thirty quid or so - is a good option. I'd prefer to do that than spend extra on the checking facility, especially since my experience at the office was fuss-free and quick. They even have photo booths there.

Off The Wall - Michael Jackson (ow!)

Slate

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-26920222 and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-27519536

ArtiE - I reckon if you knock on doors and/or do a leaflet drop and offer a discount for repeat trims you'll do really well. Best of luck!

Goodrich/Upland corner has been drastically cut back, as have a couple of others very nearby. Is this an example of the power of the EDF or just a spooky coincidence?

Vik, Southwark council does provide this service! See my post above.

Stick your wrists under a cold water tap for a couple of minutes. The effect is similar to that of putting a cool, damp flannel on your ankles.

The thread about the Nigel Farage poster being defaced got me thinking about what is the best way to vent your frustration or show your support as regards politicians. So, who's voting? (I have done, via a postal vote, for both local and European elections.)

On a positive note, the Rajput Rowing Club (or similar) has opened, the old French place is being done up and the Plough looks better than it ever did. The butcher's shop is still there, as is the framer's - both are relatively newcomers. Not sure the gentrifcation angle can be blamed for the hairdresser's demise?: perhaps he was simply retiring.

Wonder how many people - paint daubers or not - will actually be voting. I suspect not many.

Near to the pet shop on NXR there is to be a Spanish deli, according to the placard in the window there.

Well said, Muley. The same goes for those with limited or non-existent eye-sight, limited mobility, or who have to care for children, pets or the elderly as they go about their business. So, LL and AM - having obstruction-free highways allows other people to "get a life", like the one you proudly suggest everyone should have.

Unless you tell the people who own the bushes/trees, or the council, it's unlikely anything will change. 020 7525 2000 is the enviro hotline.

One thing, Jon: can you do your best to ensure that sound doesn't bleed through from one screening room to another. It sometimes happens at Ritzy/Clapham but if you are building from scratch better soundproofing might now be available.

I have venetian blinds that are kept shut - with the blades pointing down or "upside down" - from early morning till the sun goes down, or half-shut when I am in. If you have sashes, open the top and bottom part of each one: hot air rises and exits from the top with less warm air coming in from the bottom. Opening the windows at the front and back of the house helps, I found. A warm (not cold) shower just before bedtime, allowing the body to cool down naturally will also help you sleep better.

I've asked neighbours - in person or via a note (when I've not been able to talk to them face-to-face) - and they usually oblige. It's awkward, though, to knock on the door of a complete stranger - though I did that when I was stabbed just near the eye by a yucca leaf (it was dark; I'm rather tall). The house turned out to be empty. So, if you don't own an offending tree/privet but know someone who does, let them know!

Dawn Chorus - Erasure

If you have one and/or tree that overhangs onto the footpath, do please cut them back - and keep them cut back. It's really not fair on people who already have difficulties with walking because of age, disability or because they're taking care of children/pets etc. If you don't do it then the council is likely to cut them back in a serviceable but not very pretty way.

Will you be offering discounts at local restaurants and bars, like you do with those near to Clapham and Brixton venues, for those who take out annual memberships?

Blue Brick Cafe gives you a dinky little pot with an organic (and good=tasting) tea bag in it and will give you extra hot water, but you have to ask. Likewise, the Duck Egg Cafe's cuppa is decent and will give you more hot water if you ask for it. Tea made in a cup/mug in a caff is a big no-no.

Beat It - Michael Jackson

Is the stretch of LL outside the Sainsbury's Local ever checked at afternoon/evening rush hour for illegal parking? Now that the store is being refurbished there are no drivers who park up, do their shopping and clog up the road for every one else. Hope it stays like that once it re-opens, but doubt it because Southwark is curiously indifferent to illegal parkers here, unlike everywhere else.