tasha1

I've worked in the criminal justice system for years, working with the client group who commit such offences. Tough (er) sentences do not deter individuals who commit this kind of offence. They are often well aware but they simply don't care and truely believe they are invincible and won't get caught. To say the sentences are too lenient is not really the problem and however many visible police are deployed, it honestly wouldn't act as a deterrent for many. If this individual is caught , and he needs to be caught very quickly before he becomes even more convinced he can get away with anything, he would not be granted bail and would recieve a significant custodial sentence. Although crime rates are lower, there is a minority of young people who have no value on life, be it their victims and often their own lives. It's truely awful for victims and their families and friends as well as causing much fear within communities. There's always going to be a risk, even just walking on your own road but it's important to remember that, although it doesn't necessarily feel like this at present, this is a rare occurrence and it's important that we continue to enjoy our parks and community spaces as we have been doing and try not to see these now as areas as no go areas

Another recommendation for Bradley. He's just done an excellent job of cleaning my carpets and windows. Very friendly and helpful

My first test i failed within 5 minutes and I had to complete the rest of the test knowing i had failed. I was on the road with another car coming from the opposite direction. My opinion (and still is) that there was plenty of room to safely pass. The examiner didn't agree and slammed on the breaks. Awful continuing knowing I had failed. During my second test, every time the examiner told me to indicate and take the next left or right, I went in the opposite direction (told to take next left but took the next right). The examiner pointed this out at the end of the test. However, I still passed because I had indicated the correct way I was turning! I'm dyslexic and one of the ways it affects me is that it takes me ages to work out my right from left. He recommended tying osmeribbon on the steering wheel! I was lucky though as a different examiner may have had a different view. Don't want to jinx it but I've never had an accident in my 25 years of driving despite this problem!

I really love the Nenhead garden centre and it's great because it's really close to me. I used to to the Secret garden. Centre in Crystal Palace which is also extremely good. The staff at the Nunhead Garden centre are just so lovely and helpful. Their stock changes frequently and so you can get slightly more unusual plants as well as the staples. My garden is rather cottage style and the garden centre always has what I require. All the plants I've bought from them this year (and it's quite a lot) have really thrived and looked stunning. What stands out, is how friendly and lovely the staff are. They always offer to carry plants to my car, even when they are very busy. Their customer service is outstanding in my opinion. I do go in there a lot because it's my little oasis and I don't always buy, simply because it really does provide a lovely, calming atmosphere and staff are always happy to chat about plants! No, I honestly do t work there (although I actually would be more than happy too as it beats the stress of my day job!) I'm just a very happy customer and feel this is a great asset to the area

They now have two primary schools on site!

I didn't realise they had done away with the banding. Mind you, my youngest has just left the school to go to college so I'm was basing my knowledge from way back! My other three were very happy there and did exceedingly well academically (my 18 year old has also just left to start uni). My older three all stayed on for 6th form. As I posted above, the school just didn't suit my youngest and she couldn't wait to leave! It's a fantastic school but the drawback is they only offer academic subjects. Schools like Sydenham girls offer far more of a verity in terms of subjects at GCSE and A Level. It is well worth exploring schools to see what suits your daughter. Apart from my eldest, my their children were offered places due to their sibling policy. Distance wise, I can't say. It will depend on how many children who live closer apply. I do know they used to have around 2000 applicants for 208 places but this may have changed as other secondaries have vastly improved and become popular. I know children who have been very happy with Sydenham girls and Prenegast. I'm not sure how they measure distance, as in whether it's as the crow flies or route. Apart from Harris, Haberdasher's is our nearest school as it's literally a 10 mi ute walk. Yes, I did mean Hatchem college. What I would say is that their pastoral Cardenas vastly improved over the years and is now quite impressive. They used to very much keep parents out and communication was appalling. However, they've been brilliant with my youngest daughter who really struggles academically. She has a lot of help in her GCSE year and came out with pretty good results in the end. Also they provided her with a lot of emotional support during a difficult family time.

I live in the same area of Nunhead. My children all went to Haberdasher's. It's a bit of a hit or miss though as another child on my road got in on distance but their next door neighbour's daughter didn't. I think it's possibly down to which band your child is in, number of applicatants etc. I've not known any children getting into Prentergast from around this area but know some who live in East Dulwich who have. Prentergast now have three schools but have different 'ratings' so you may want to do a little research. Some gir,s in my road have got into Sydenham girls but their catchment will depend on the popularity on any given year. Deptford Green has now got a very good reputation so worth a visit. I'd advise you visit various schools as not all schools will suit. My eldest three were extremely happy at Haberdasher's and the school was a perfect match for their personalities, abilities etc but my youngest wasn't happy as it didn't match her interests and abilities. We tried to move her to Prentergast but couldn't get a place. It was ok for her and she did relatively well there but think she would have flourished in a different school. Good luck. It's a very stressfult time for parents

I watched this with great sadness. My daughter knew all three of the boys who were murdered. They weren't close friends but boys she's would talk to regularly at a local youth group. She has been devastated and at the age of 16, she has found this deeply upsetting and cannot make any sense of it. My job entails working with high risk offendeders albeit adults. The trickiest service users to work with are 18-20 year old gang members who often find it very difficult to comprehend the value of life. Too often have a view of 'it was either them or me' and show no remorse. The other difficulty is when someone has served a custodial sentence for murder in the context of gang violence, they are put straight back into the area where their known associates still live. Even if they want to move away and remove themselves from this culture, there aren't the resources to relocate to a different area. The boys in the documentary were not gang members themselves from what I understand. So many families devastated by acts of senseless violence

I tend not to give money to people on the street but instead (especially if they are outside a grocery shop), I offer to buy them a sandwich and a tea or coffee. I don't do this as often as I would like because it's expensive. Mostly, people are really appreciative when I return with their food and drink. Sometimes, I'm told to f....off at my suggestion. Quite likely, this is when people want money for alcohol or drugs which is up to them how they use the money if I were to give cash. I do understand the need for people to fed their habits, especially when they use these to self medicate and are addicted but having spent many years working in this field, it doesn't sit comfortably with me personally.

Scotland will hold another referendum very soon, I reckon. All those living in Scotland, voted to remain. If they hold another referendum, they would surely have a majority vote now. Also, the promise of the additional spending on the NHS (which was the main promise for Brexit) was not true. Apparently it was a 'mistake' , despite being on all the advertisement vans. This was stated only only one hour after the votes had been counted! In terms of immigration, most people who settle here are from outside the EU, not from the EU. Leaving the EU will have no impact on migrants from outside. France could potentially relinquish responsibility for preventing migrants in Calais travelling over to the Uk. Therefore, there will actually be less control over movement and the boarders with Ireland will remain open. Anyone wanting to come to The UK will still be able to do so fairly easily. I'm actually all for freedom of movement and we are dependant on people to come to the UK who are both skilled (eg hospital staff), as well as unskilled. My point is that if people voted on the basis of wanting to have more control over immigration, they are t going to get what they thought they were voting for. That's my opinion though and others will differ.

I was advised to have this a few years ago. Repeated courses of antibiotics for recurrent chest infections had left me with severe gut issues. I was throwing up constantly and it was to do with the fact that my 'good' gut bacteria had been killed off by the antibiotics. It was miserable. They (gastroenterologist at Kings) wanted my eldest son (who is an adult) to be the donor as he was fit and healthy. It's more likely to work if it's a very close blood relative and they are non smokers etc. It would have been the first one at Kings and there was a lot of red tape to get through before they could proceed. It didn't happen in the end as luckily things resolved themselves. The very idea was pretty disgusting but when you can't go anywhere without a bucket in tow ,you'll do anything!

Thanks Alex K. My original post was from 2014 but the tread has been resurrected! Luckily, My cat did make a full recovery but the vet said that his injuries were definitely caused by a fox. It has definitely turned him into a more indoor cat . Foxes come and go in our garden, both day and night with no problems. I did see my other cat in a 'stand off' with a fox last summer. My other cat is massive and I mean massive! We call him the 'godfather' as he spends his days surveying his territory! However, he backed down with the fox and I did think he fox was on the verge of attack! Another incident last summer was that I was in my garden, just pottering when I heard animal snarl. I looked up and saw a vixen with her cub in my neighbour's garden. She was snarling at me,bearing her teeth. I like foxes and this was the first time that I actually felt frightened of one. I wasn't acting in any way that posed a threat (apart from my presence). They are obvious,y fiercely proptective of their young. It was have been under such a scenario that a fox attacked my cat.

Depends what you mean by what the specific requirements are? Do you mean which A/Levels you'll be required to study? If so, you will need to study Maths, Biology, Chemistry or maybe physics. if you google courses On university websites, they will have the entry requirements for their courses. My daughter is about to take her A/Levels in these subjects but she changed her mind about possibly doing medicine or vetinary at university and opting to read Maths and Biology at uni now instead. Entry requirements are high. You will need to achieve A grades (or some universities, espcicially in the Russle groups)and may require at least one A star at A/Level. There is fierce competition for medicine. You first study general medicine and this is a five year course. You then work/study as a house officer. Generally, you don't specialise until after seven years of training. It's a long haul but worth it

Thank you Sue

This is such a difficult one. I've worked for many many years supervising violent individuals in the criminal justice system. I work with adults but a large percentage are 18-24 year olds caught up in violent crimes. I have to admit that this age group can be exceedingly difficult to engage, despite the fact I have teenagers of my own and would count myself fairly good at getting into teenage brains. I have yet to come across a single individual who is caught up in violent behaviour who has not experienced or witnessed violence during their childhood and the majority being brought up in local authority care. They have no idea what stability or love is and a lack of ability to really appreciate right from wrong or an ability to empathise. That said, there are thousands and thousands of other individuals with equally traumatic upbringings who don't go on to behave in this manner. It cannot be seen as a 'cause' as such, nor an excuse. What I'm always struck with though, is the lack of empathy and lack of appreciation for human life. It is seen as a 'norm'. You either kill or lame for self preservation. These same 'kids' though, won't enter certain post codes for fear of reprisals (Ie they value their own life but not others). There are already tough sentencing guidelines for those caught carrying knives. However, this isn't a deterrent whatsoever. These kids don't stop and think 'I'd better not take a knife/weapon because if I get stopped, I'll go to prison. This honestly does not enter their heads. A fair number, believe they are invincible. They don't think for a moment that they will get caught and the adrenaline rush of whatever is 'going down' overrides anything else. Fair enough, the kids I see have no choice to engage but they commonly really seem to have no regard for life. It's terribly terribly sad and incompressible. However, there are ways to work with these kids and various projects where they are given boundaries and feelings of self worth have enormous benefit. One issue is that they hang around with certain friends and even if they want to move to a different lifestyle, it's virtually impossible. I've seen these youngsters serve custodial sentences and achieve a lot in terms of addressing their behaviour, to be returned to the same neighbourhood. They don't stand much of a chance unless they are really strong and resiliant. That said, one of my own children were friends with two boys who have recently lost their lives to knife crimes. Both kids were really lovely individuals and were no way caught up in violent behaviour themselves. They were murdered by kids because of a silly, pointless argument. It is unbelievably tragic and deeply upsetting. My 15 year old has experienced this within her friendship group. My eldest son was also a victim, although thankfully, no weapons were used but he suffered significant injuries during a street robbery (he being the victim). Senseless violence as he willingly handed over his possessions. I discovered after that he starting carrying a penknife for 'protection'. I obviously put a stop to this and explained it could potentially be used against him and he would never use it in self defence. Most of these kids say they carry. Weapons for self defence. Apologies for such a long post. In essence, I don't think that tougher sentences will not act as deterrent. I don't know what the answer is except a multiagency approach to try and reach these kids at a young age. It does make me terribly sad on many levels. P.ease don't think I'm taking a 'hug a hoodie' approach because I'm not. It's more that the issues are very complex and the answers are by no means straight forward.

I've been a patient here for my entire life (49 years). I Have serious health issues and often need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner urgently. Whenever I call, I am seen the same day or the following day. Maybe because I know the reception staff, they always gp out of their way to help. I've never experienced rudeness, ever. From what I've been told, there are a few issues going on. They had one doctor leave the practice and another went on maternity leave. They tried and tried to get cover but couldn't. This meant they were two full time doctors short. It wasn't an issue of resources. The funds were there to pay a locum GP but no one took either post. They are very aware that their current appointment system is a disaster and they are trying to rectify this by introducing a new system (don't know what that will look like though). Some staff are working way over their contracted hours to try and keep things ticking over as. Best they can but it's exhausting and exasperating for them too. I'm not trying to distract or belittle the terrible service some feel they've experienced but they are aware things are far from ok for their patients or the staff. Hopefully the new system will be more effective for everyone

Cruel I know but when my kids were young, I told them that the ice cream man/women only played music to let the little children know they had run rout of ice cream, so not to pester then!! As I said, very cruel but with four kids, I had it relatively easy on this front as they didn't clock for many many years!! They weren't impressed when the penny dropped though!

Thanks Poppy- 82. Interesting read and now I have some idea what they look like and yes, one could possibly have been responsible for the attack on my cat. It's probably well worth approaching CH as others have suggested to see if its microchipped etc, rather than approaching yourself. Al cats need a lot of attention and care and it would appear Bengals need a bit extra than your common moggy. It's horrible when you know your cat is frightened and stressed and you cannot control what goes on in their life outside. My other cat is very gentle and friendly but knows how to stick up for himself. More dominant cats or any animal, will tend to seek out those more timid or vulnerable as their target. Cats historically, have enjoyed large Territories and it's not really in their genetic make up to have to time share, negotiate territories as they have to in city life. Please don't think I'm suggesting we shouldn't have them, I adore cats!

We had an incident two weeks ago in which my already timid cat was mauled. He was injured, requiring 14 stitches across various parts of his stomach and extremely traumatised. The vet thought it was most likely a fox as his fur had literally been 'ripped' off his body but she also said that it is rare for foxes to attack cats. The only other possibility she could suggest was that it was a Bengal. I have to admit I know nothing about this breed or what they even look like. However, the vet said they were very popular but extremely vicious. I cannot comment from a personal view as the mystery of my cats injuries remain but I'm now constantly worrying about him every time he does venture outside.

He's mainly in at night and doesn't venture out much during the day. Will def be keeping both cats in overnight from now on. We have a Microchip cat flap but apparently you can get one with a timer. Think I'll invest in one. This happened Friday evening and certainly before 8pm as this was when I realised something was wrong. He had been fine earlier during the day. It's a difficult balance with cats in terms of freedom to go out as they please

Thanks for messages. Knew the possibility of young cats but he's four years old. Could have been that he got caught on wire but he had significant bruising, as though pinned down by something quite heavy. However, a few neighbours have anti-cat spikes on their fences. He's always managed to negotiate these but possible. He is quite vulnerable so possibly quite an easy target. He was involved in an RTA a year ago and sustain severe injuries. He still limps as one of his front legs was reconstructed with metal plates. He's become very timid since this accident. He also recently had a nasty abscess, caused by a puncture wound from an animal bite and was still recovering. Think he's busy using his 9 lives up!

I don't post often but looking for wisdom on this. I had to take one of my cats to the vet today as he was clearly very poorly and having difficulty walking. Vet couldn't find what was causing him to be so unwell at first. However, on closer examination, found that a large piece of flesh had been ripped off just under the crook of one of his front legs (arm pit). She initially thought this was a fierce attack by another cat. They kept him in to suture under sedation and IV fluids. However, they then discovered similar injury in the same place on the other side. He had 14 stitches in all. They said that it definitely wasn't another cat because of the degree of 'tearing' and the puncture wounds were too far apart to be another cat. They think it was highly likely to be a fox. We have a lot of foxes where we are as there is a local den but my cats have never been hurt by one in the past and there seems to have been a mutual respect. My cat is really timid (unlike his brother) and runs from trouble. I didn't think foxes did attack cats, unless perhaps felt threatened? A mystery that will probably never be solved. If only cats could talk! Can anyone shed any light on this possibility? Ps I'm not in the slightest anti fox. I'd just like to know whether this is a possible cause for his injuries. Thanks in advance

I use the shop quite regularly for pet supplies and other bits and pieces and my own experience is that they have both always been helpful and friendly. The chap told me the women was leaving to pursue her painting and decorating business. Hope I've got that right!

First time posted but a follower of the EDF. I had to pop in there this morning and asked the chap who owns it whether he was closing. He was very confused and said that they are definitely not closing and wasn't-aware of any speculation that they might be. The women who works there is leaving. He asked me to post on here to let people know

The gardens cafe (old electrical engineers) on Peckham Rye do a nice cream tea for ?5 per person (scones nice and warm). Their opening hours are a bit had hoc though as it depends on how busy they are.