acb2013

We recently used Dave at Down the Drain to sort out a blockage with our drains & would recommend him to others. Very prompt to respond, pleasant to deal with, gave clear advice & information and didn't charge for the initial call out. His number is 020 8314 5244.

Yep, it was as Pickle describes for Goodrich last year. 3 x 30, some time in classes for more structured bits of the day and free flow between the classes and in/outdoors. They mix in the bigger playground at lunchtime (with year 1 & 2 I think) but can choose to stay in the quieter area too - my daughter seemed to like having the option of mixing with her older friends some days or having a bit of a quieter time on others.

Hello, I did the same search a couple of months back & got a place at Crystal Palace Sports Centre, anything nearer has waiting lists. But v pleased with the classes, my daughter really enjoys herself & it doesn't take long to get there. Also worth trying the ones at Fairlawn school as they got back to say they were doing registrations for September - can't remember the name of the club but found it via a search for gymnastics on here.

If you can afford it, definitely pay the removal company to do it. Relative to the overall cost it's by far the best value for money bit, completely worth it when you have small children in tow.

Yes Yak, it's at Lomond Grove. I had a few bags of clothes so got the 12 and it's about 5 mins walk up Kimpton St from where the bus stops just before Camberwell Green, but I believe they have parking if you have lots of stuff to take. If you google 'Camberwell baby bank' there's a flyer that comes up with more info.

I've also recently taken baby & toddler clothes to the Baby Bank which is run by the Salvation Army in Camberwell - they redistribute unwanted clothes & baby equipment to local families in need.

I've left it completely last minute to get my highlights done prior to a friend's birthday party this coming weekend. Can anyone recommend a hairdresser who works evenings after 7pm, mobile or salon? Otherwise I will swallow my vanity, turn up with roots & grey on display and be more organised in future. Thank you!

Brilliant idea for Peckham Rye Park.

We had a lovely day out at the Olympic Park on the Easter weekend - was a bit of a mixed weather forecast so we took the kids swimming in the Olympic pool (various family sessions running; great, clean facilities at reasonable prices), climbed the Orbit tower thingie, then went to the playground and splashed in the fountains.

Goodrich finishes at 3.30pm

Another happy parent here, for all of the reasons others have mentioned above. The school has a lovely atmosphere, a feeling of striving to get the best out of the children individually and offering a strong ethos of community. I only have experience of reception so far, about which I'd say the settling in was really smooth, my daughter's learning (reading, writing & maths) has progressed well and she is thoroughly enjoying herself. Do PM me if you have any particular questions, given we are in our first year there.

Second the disposable tablecloths on the floor - I've also done that for 3-5 year olds giving them each a little cardboard picnic box to put their food in. Fun for the kids & minimal mess for you.

I'm about to start clearing out lots of baby stuff, selling some & donating the rest. Just wondering if anyone has sold their stuff at a local nearly new or NCT type sale? Is there one you'd recommend as having good footfall? The idea of getting rid of it all in one go appeals, but obviously not if not many people turn up to buy it! Thanks.

Francis Peek centre in Dulwich park is good, ?28/hour.

Thanks edanna. Yes very helpful to know for future reference.

Thanks everyone. Have found this morning that a giant chocolate button followed by 2.5ml medicine directed inside her mouth towards the cheek, followed by another, then repeat has worked (so far), phew! Means my daughter will be consuming vast amounts of chocolate during the next week but at least she's taking the antibiotics.

Thanks for all the ideas, it's obviously not just us then! I will have to work through various tactics. Will def try seeing if the doctor can offer a less vile tasting one, I can completely see why my daughter is gagging on it & spitting it out. Gooders79 it's Flucloxacillin. The pharmacist mixed it up into a bright pink solution that I guess is supposed to make it more enticing (as it looks like Calpol which my daughter will happily take) but the colour doesn't disguise the nasty penicillin taste.

Can anyone suggest a way to get my 2.5yr old to take revolting-tasting antibiotic medicine solution? It's getting spat out instantly with much screaming. It's too strong tasting to hide in milk or juice or yoghurt. She's been given it as antibiotic cream didn't work. Thanks!

Sounds great. What ages is it for and can you just drop in?

Lovely, thank you Blueskies.

Does anyone know if the soft play and toddler group is still on in the Greendale hut on a Thursday morning? Haven't been for ages but thought we might give it another go. Can't remember what it was called to search!

Congratulations! We also don't have family anywhere near. We were fortunate in having a friend (who has her own 2 children but still offered) and our childminder at the time both say they'd help out with our 2.5 year old until family arrived, even if it was the middle of the night. In the end my parents set off from up north when I had early signs of labour and our youngest was born the next day. Definitely call on friends if they'd be able to cover for a couple of hours in an emergency. Sure most people wouldn't mind to be asked. Others may be able to recommend if nanny agencies can help out. Good luck!

Thanks Damzel. Really useful to know. Could you let me know what company you (and your neighbours) have used and if you'd recommend them? PM if you prefer?

Many thanks everyone for the helpful comments. X

Hoping for some of the very helpful advice I've seen on here in the past on family house building projects. We're thinking about a loft conversion but the current loft height is 1.6m. Instinct says it's too low to create much of a useful space, given the cost. But looking around and seeing non-stop conversions going on, some on houses that look like they've also got a pretty shallow roof, makes me wonder otherwise. Has anyone done something similar? Any thoughts very welcome. Thanks in advance.