Loigal

My experience of growing in the 80/90s in a market town / countryside no where near the Home Counties sounds very similar to the other posters. Endless boredom and far too much mischief. I remember being surprised by how the Londoners i met in uni seemed naive and un streetwise, some seemed to go crazy like they'd never had freedom before! I yearn frequently for the countryside and wonder about whether it would be better for the kids. I do think things have changed for the best now where I grew up, they have a cinemas, bowling, outdoor pursuits are mainstream like mountain biking and kite surfing and of course the shops are now open on Sundays and they have the Internet!! But London is wonderful and it is reassuring to hear from some posters about how great it is for teenagers. I figure it's the best of both worlds to be able to live in London (and just about afford it) and have family in the countryside to visit. Maybe retire to the countryside?

Can anyone expand on the potential downsides of the vaccination? I've read that vaccinating kids increases the risk of shingles in adults? Shingles poses higher risks to the elderly than chicken pox does to kids? How long does the vaccine work for, is there a risk of it wearing off and the person getting chicken pox when an adult which is more serious? Thanks

Thank you both very much for the feedback. I'll definitely follow your advice as your current set ups sound ideal! I must gather the energy for the search ...

Hello does anyone with experience have advice on finding a live in au pair? I can see that there are the Internet sites and more formal agencies. Any specific recommendations? I'd like someone properly vetted and committed who can stay with us for 12 months without disruption. Any lessons from those who have found live in au pairs? Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks

Not in ED but there is the baby drop in clapham if that could be convenient http://www.thebabydrop.co.uk/

Hello can anyone recommend an architect who is experienced and sensitive to the requirements of the Forest Hill conservation area or any conservation area in Lewisham borough? I'd like some advice on and support with obtaining appropriate planning permission. Any recommendations gratefully received. Thank you

I did the same as LalKJ and had also understood it will only be available for babies if and when the NHS goes ahead. We had the same side effects too. It was definitely the biggest jab so far in terms of side effects. Heavy leg, temperature, rash. Never ill or unhappy though and will definitely be getting the second jab. Health hub were cheapest I found, still not cheap though at ?100 a shot!

Hello I'm looking for an excellent reliable cleaner for a 3 hour weekly job in Forest Hill. Would welcome any recommendations. Thanks

Thanks all for the tips. Tree up and ground rules explained. Toddler currently in awe and not even touched it. Lets see in 3 weeks time!

I love a real Xmas tree but ... Will my 2 year toddler vandalise it? Thoughts from experienced mums welcomed before I fork out on a real one. Thanks family room

Hello I would also be interested in anyone's experience of London Box Sash Windows. Thank you

Ditto please!

Amy at willis b east dulwich worked at Jo hansford (the best and most expensive place to go blonde in London?!). She really understands blondes!

Hello I'm looking for someone to refurbish a number of casement windows. I've called a number of places but they only replace casements with new or reburbish sash windows. I also want the windows stripped and repainted at the same time which some joiners won't do. Thanks for any recommendations!

All in all I had good care particular in the labour room and post natal ward. The staff there were excellent and very attentive. However I would be very wary if put in the overflow cupboard (yeknomyeknom it sounds like we had a similar experience around the same time) or the pre natal ward. It was very busy that night / day and there was not enough space on the labour ward so as I wasn't progressed enough I was held in those places with slim oversight. The woman next to me on that ward behind a curtain gave birth and I was told I was next without pain relief as the labour ward was full! Thankfully I had the spirit and English language skills to fight and did get moved. I certainly don't want to alarm anyone, the experience as a whole was very good, but I felt I had to fight for it. I would go back, partly because the alternatives sound worse! I've put off writing to the midwives/PALS, i think there are some lessons that should be learned from my case, this thread has spurred me to do so.

Fernando did another great job today. The garden is looking great thanks to his hard work!

Fernando has done a great job on our garden this week. He gave good recommendations and got on quietly and did a very good job. I've already him in for some more garden jobs.

Hi it is will aid month. A good way to get a solicitor to sort your will in return for a charitable donation? You can google "will aid".