SLad

Well said, charlesfare. And this thread really doesn't need to turn into an argument over race. People of all races and end up very desperate, very ill and very alone, and all of equally deserving of our care and compassion. We are all VERY lucky not to be in that state. "I have run in to her, several times over the course of several years. I never once said you should give her money, I never have because it's clear that she's someone with a lot of mental health issues and possibly a drug addiction. I'm just saying that a) she's clearly someone who is in a really awful and desperate situation b) that there's a difference between being someone that's clearly in desperate need of the kind of help that goes far beyond just money and a greedy con artist and c) we should count ourselves fortunate that we're not in her shoes."

In relation to the lady who supports her attempt to obtain money by manual expressing, I know we all wish to appear very knowing and are probably somewhat jaded by repeated attempts by people we see as undeserving to extract our hard-earned money from our children's mouths etc but is it possible that in so doing we could exercise a little bit of human compassion? I cannot think for a moment how desperate this woman can be to act in this way. It is plainly not the action of a well person who has appropriate regard for the sanctity of her own person. Surely what she needs is care and help rather than condemnation and opprobrium from her local community.

The Herne is fab and coped admirably with our NCT Christmas lunch (10 adults and 5 babies between 5 and 6 months). Food and service were great. S

There's the local grown greens service which do drop offs of whatever you order to various pick up points. http://www.localgreens.org.uk/south-london-salad-eat-local-and-grow-local

Having recently married a Gujarat man who is an amazing cook I am now ruined for all rubbishy English curry house restaurants but this and Rasa sound interesting. Have eaten at the India club and think it's pants. Hubby says not to judge quality by whether Indians eat in a place as it's not necessarily an indicator of quality, more demonstrative of many Indiand love for eating spiced food at lunchtime. Having said all that, when hubby can't be bothered to cook and wants Indian we order from Indigo in w Dulwich and ask for Indian spiced of whatever dish we order. The potato Sosa is really good. Also heard good things about a take away in Dulwich Village but not found that yet.

Bread

We're also taking our daughter (will be 1) with us on honeymoon in June and are thinking of places...was trying to research small Greek islands off the beaten track so if anyone has any suggestions please do share. Trish, I would highly recommend Thailand and particularly Koh Tao and Koh phang'an (west or north only), or koh Yao. If you do decide on Thailand, book flights and accom separately. Accom booked direct with the resort will be much cheaper than anything booked through travel operators. I'd be happy to make suggestions for Koh Tao and Phang'an. Good luck!

There's also the parent and toddler group at Chatsworth Way Baptist Church which is only a 5-10 min walk from Tulse Hill station and about a 5 min walk from the P13 bus route which goes between E Dul and Streatham. Can't remember exact times of it, maybe 10-12? Only costs about ?3 or so and very nice little group. S