J27

A young woman claiming to be raising money for the Red Cross knocked at our door yesterday evening (Monday 26 Feb. Upland Rd). She claimed my husband agreed some time ago to give her ?20 for a sponsored walk. I asked him later, and he has no memory of it - and says he wouldn't promise money on the doorstep anyway. I thought I recognised her from a year or two ago, when someone very similar came round with the same story, but saying she was raising money for a different charity - I don't remember which one. She said my husband had agreed to give her ?20 if she completed the walk. She showed me his name on a long list of names and addresses. As he wasn't in, and she seemed genuine and very sincere, I paid her. I was only suspicious when she came back some weeks later claiming she hadn't been paid and was collecting the last few payments. I said I had already paid her and wouldn't again - she seemed puzzled, but was very convincing so I couldn't be 100% sure it wasn't a genuine mistake. In any case, I didn't pay her again! Has anyone else had her knocking on their door? Description: maybe early 20s; black British; wearing a red tabard with Red Cross on; very friendly and genuine-seeming. I didn't ask for ID, as I was suspicious straight away and just wanted to finish the conversation - now I wish I had asked for ID, out of interest. I imagine both the tabard and any ID could be faked quite easily. She didn't claim to work for the Red Cross, just to be raising money for them, so I don't think there's any point in contacting the RC to ask if it's genuine. She could genuinely be a concerned member of the public - last time she said she belonged to a youth group who often raised money for charity. Without further verifiable details there's no way of proving anything. NB I like to give to charity, but I don't like being conned... Just thought I'd raise the issue in case anyone has any ideas? ...

What is a Bongo?!?

Yes it's great isn't it... I forget the name too, but it's on the corner of Nunhead Lane and Old James Street (not Consort Rd, though very near). Well worth a visit...

No she didn't have children. She was quite young - I'd say around 20 - and said she was a student. The first time she seemed very credible, but the second time - and when she turned up at my neighbour's house - it was clear that she wasn't...

I've heard from a fellow dog owner that his dog was unwell (twice), after going into the stream near the park entrance (next to the Rye). There is a part of the stream there where the water is stagnant. Other parts of the stream are fast moving, and our dogs play there quite safely, but it's possible that the stagnant part may have had something dodgy lurking... It may not apply to taper's dog - hope she's doing ok btw - but I thought I'd mention it...

Apparently she was back in Upland Road this evening. She has a name of someone who lives at the particular house she's calling at, on her list, which makes it look genuine - but we're sure it isn't... (Don't know how she gets the names - maybe the electoral roll? or recycling bin?) J

Just a warning - some weeks ago a young woman came to our door asking for money as she'd completed a sponsored walk. She claimed that my husband had sponsored her for ?20, and his name was on her form, as was one of my neighbour's. I paid her, and had a nice chat - she seemed genuine. She came back this evening, with the same story and asking for the payment. The sponsorship sheet looked very like the one she showed me last time, but with my husband's name scribbled out, as were some of the others, so I couldn't be totally sure it was the same one. But I was sure she was the same person, although she claimed she'd not been here before. She claimed to be raising money for cancer support. Maybe she is genuine and just very forgetful/disorganized. But I'm pretty sure she was lying. I don't like to believe the worst of people, but in this case I think I was conned the first time - luckily not twice! I live in Upland Road, and she was doing the rounds at around 7pm. J

I also highly recommend Hamish. He's done some lovely work for us, and is also totally professional, friendly, and easy to deal with. He's given us good advice about possible future work too... V

Hi Scrummymummy, Great, that's very helpful. The office looks really nice! I had a quick look at their website - will definitely have a more thorough look when I have time, and maybe ask for a quote... Many thanks! J

Hi Jane and Norfolk Villas (or anyone else who's done this), I am looking for a garden studio too, and wondered if you'd be willing to share any recommendations? There seems to be a lot out there, and I don't really know where to start - any personal recommendations would be gratefully received! Many thanks! J

Oh, I'm sad she's leaving, she's always so helpful... But good news about the shop not closing...

I've always had a very positive experience of the shop, which I use a lot. I find the staff really helpful - would be very sad to see it go.

Thanks, that's good to know. I hope you've heard back from the SNT by now? J

Hi, I was wondering if any of the people who encountered this driver have in fact reported it to the police? A friend had a very close shave with a car matching the description, at the weekend. It really should be on police records, at the very least... Thanks, J

I totally agree. I simply cannot believe someone could behave so shabbily, both to Chris and his family and to the local community who use and value the shop. It is a wonderful business for many reasons - above all, for me, its atmosphere, friendliness, quality of service ... I suppose we could have a mass objection to the new owner's planning application - though that may come after the shop has closed - rather too late... There must be an EDF person who knows about the legalities of this situation, who could suggest something? If there is something that we as the local community could do to help Chris & co, I know there would be many of us who would love to ...

Overground also goes from Peckham Rye to Shoreditch (High St) - whole journey around half an hour... J

Hmmm... nice idea! Shame we don't have a town square or similar. I know some churches have a tree outside, but can't recall which... Sadly, an outdoor tree might be vulnerable to vandalism, though the roundabout would be good as it's in full view... but yes, the palm-tree probably rules it out...

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