HTED

I think an improved layout, increased variety of products and more regular deliveries would make a big difference. More organic and ethically produced stuff would be very welcome too (yes to Crank's bread :-)! ) - in addition to the everyday essentials. It feels like the Co-op's been neglected for ages, and I'm not surprised at people's scepticism regarding an improvement. But it's in such a useful, central position (near bus stops, park, PO etc); many of us use it several times a week on the way home from work, school etc. Re-fitting it and improving the stock would surely be in everyone's interest. I'm hoping...

I agree re St C's - but do phone them to check, before heaving all your bags down there. I went in a couple of weeks ago and they were unable to take anything, as they were totally full up. This may have changed by now ... Otherwise the MIND shop at Goose Green takes things ...

Hi Lameduck, Sorry to hear this - what a horrible experience and I'm not surprised you're shaken. So glad he didn't get in. See my recent post re Upland Road, where my neighbour's door was kicked in. Take care! J

Hi all, My neighbour's front door was kicked in today. When she confronted the men, they claimed to be from the authorities and said they needed to come in. One of them even showed her an ID card - obviously fake. She stood her ground and refused, and luckily they left. It happened around 1pm in Upland Road. Three youngish men, white, possibly eastern european. The police came very quickly and have been great. They told us there have been several attempted break-ins today in our area. The men left an abandoned car nearby. Apparently there was a white van involved further up the road too - don't know full details. We're certainly going to be extra cautious - double locking front doors etc. My neighbour's door was only locked with the yale lock, which made it more than usually easy to kick in.

Beautiful! Sorry to see you go, and good luck! J

Hi, The Gardens Surgery does them by e-mail, too. J

Hear hear ZT!

Me too! :-)

Hi, We used to have hedgehogs regularly. We sometimes fed them - dog food is supposed to be good for them (not milk and bread as sometimes thought). But as far as I know they are quite happy eating what they can find in the way of insects etc. It's great you have one - ours haven't been around for some time, due possibly to the many foxes nowadays. Useful info can be found on the Hedgehog Society website. I don't think you need to worry about it, or remove it to a wood, as they can live quite happily in gardens. Maybe just check there is a way for it to climb out of the pond if it were to fall in - but I think they're quite canny, and ours never fell in! J

Bugs, have you reported this to the council? We reported an incident caused by the negligence of some bin-men (unusual - our are usually really careful) last year, and got a good response. Worth trying... J

Yes it was great. Thanks to the choir, and everyone involved - including the warden who cheerfully told us it was his job to stay until it was completely out - likely to be at least 3am!

Sounds good - thanks everyone! J

Does anyone know if there'll be a beacon on One Tree Hill tonight, and if so what time? Thanks

Oh AbsolutelyGlorious, what a picture!!! :))

Hi Handyman, Thank you for this - haven't laughed so much for ages! :)) J

What a horrendous experience tfayers! I'm glad you managed to scream - it must have been so difficult in the circumstances. And well done to your neighbours for coming down. I totally agree about the attack alarm - I've got them for my teenaged children who are out at night probably more than I am. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust sell various alarms online, and their website is very informative. Hope you'll recover well, take care, J

Thanks!

Does anyone know where in Upland?

Hi Tarafitness, so sorry to hear about your son's accident, and glad he wasn't injured even more seriously. That leg looks nasty - hope he recovers soon.

I met him too. I think he's genuine. He didn't ask to come into my garden, just asked me - and my neighbour - to have a look. His garden is at the back of ours, so it seemed reasonable to think the cat might have strayed over to our side. Hope he finds him. Apparently he's a grey burmese with - yes - a bent tail.

Plain denim blue, wool-mix carpet, about 3 years old - very good condition. ?50. 12ft by 9ft 6ins - was fitted in a small bedroom, but could be cut to size. Around ?250 new. SE22. Please PM. J27

What a drag. Might be worth ringing them again though - they told us things don't always turn up straight away. Or leave them your tel.no, in case - expect you've done that. But I suppose things worth stealing, like your son's, might just get stolen, sadly. Yes, teenagers ... I'm told they grow out of it...

We had a similar problem a few months ago. We googled to find out the bus garage for that particular bus route, then phoned them straight away. They told us to call back at a time when all the buses would have returned for the day, which we did. Eventually the lost stuff was found, and we went in to collect it. They told us they keep lost property for a couple of days only, then it is sent to a central LT lost property office. So if you can get in quickly, you may retrieve your things before they're sent away. We found the staff very helpful, and we were very relieved to get the stuff back (it was my daughter's GCSE art coursework - priceless!) Good luck!

Many thanks from us too - a lovely community event. Thanks to everyone for contributing, and to the organizers for all your hard work!

Yes, definitely - she's going to label all her important books from now on!