dulwichquine

For what it's worth we pay our au pair an extra ?8 an hour for any childcare duties in addition to hours as an au pair. We pay her ?120 a week for 20-25 hours. We think it seems fair given the responsibilities involved. Hope that helps!

There appears to be a real problem at this sorting office at the moment. They couldn't find a parcel that had been returned there for collection as we weren't in. One of our postie's told us staff shortages had created a real back log of parcels etc and that some mail was taking days to get delivered. He very kindly went and found our parcel and dropped it off on his route which was incredibly kind of him. Sounds a bit chaotic. Just passing this on in case other people are having problems or wondering where there post is!

While some of the measure appear sensible, we are totally against a no right turn. Where's the analysis to prove that a) it is necessary b) where all the traffic is going to go? Would be interesting to know what our local councillors stand is on this.

I would also like to recommend Terry. He came round at very short notice last night to fix our lights, which suddenly went out. Job done. Very reasonable and decent chap. I found him via EDF.

Great letter. Question is, why has the school reportedly had this asset for the last nine years and only now appointing a swimming coach while giving this fantastic team just a few weeks notice after the term is underway? It seems very unprofessional and harsh, letting down lots of local kids in the process.

Dear Shanie, thanks for great treatment tonight. Huge time saver to have it done at home. Will def see you again.

Thanks for answers. Wasn't sure if local charity shops took crockery. Mission accomplished!

Just wondering if anyone knows where I can donate some crockery - assorted plates, bowls, cups and saucers from a set - which we know longer need? Thanks very much!

This may sound a bit mad, but I've been using magnesium oil spray on my legs and I have stopped getting restless legs during the night. It worked for me and thought I'd pass this on.

Hello, just wondering if anyone had any suggestions where to get some bespoke stained glass made up for a new period style front door? Thanks!

That won't work. We have exactly the same problem and can't find a neat solution. Would be interested in any ideas, too. We bought a cheap food bag which was zipped and they still managed to get in!

Thank you

Hello, did you find any solutions? Our front door is warping badly in the cold weather and it's now difficult to shut the bottom lock. We originally bought it from a company on the high street in Penge about 12 years ago. But it's been warping every winter for years, slowly getting worse. Any intel would be greatly appreciated. Tks.

We did not have such a great experience with Aqua Build. If anyone is considering using this firm, happy to discuss our experience via direct message.

Hello, i would also be interested to know what you quote per hour for a garden tidy up. We have side return access. Thanks!

I have recently used London Landscape Gardeners for my front garden. Workmanship was superb. PM me if you want to take a look. http://www.london-landscape.com/about.htm

I was thinking about shutters but haven't found the time or money to press the go button. I have a colleague who researched this thoroughly. He said that companies use the same sourcing in the sense that the shutters all come from China. That's why it takes at least eight weeks for the shutters to arrive. Here's what he told me: " One city in China makes 80% of the world?s plantation shutters ? probably because they?re right next to an enormous forest of bass wood, which is what they?re made from, a durable, lightweight and thermodynamically stable wood ie. It won?t contract or expand as the temperature changes in your room/house." It makes sense to get at least three quotes. A bigger company which does a lot of marketing needs to recoup those expenses, for instance. I would definitely shop around and get recommendations.

After much agonising, we've had our front garden done recently by London Landscaping Company. Billy is the boss. The work was first class and we are really pleased. PM me if you want to take a look. We looked long and hard at replacing our worn Victorian tiled path but it is very expensive to do. We went for a cheaper option and don't regret it.

We're looking at booking a football party with Soccer Skills School in Greenwich at the London Soccer Dome (Former venue for the David Beckham Academy). Just wondered if anyone else had done this and would give me some feedback? Many thanks.

I agree with all the above. We have used the website Aupair World. Best to have a clear outline of duties/responsibilities and expectations which you can type up and send to all prospective applicants.

Agree with all the above. Our pics were amazing. We ended up paying around a grand but don't regret it.

We've used Pete Bennison, local heating/gas engineer. Found him very decent.

Yes, I think there is a muddle with the day/week rate on that earlier post. She must mean per week. BUT sixty five pounds per week is very low if you're looking at 25-30 hours per week plus option of two nights free babysitting, given the cost of living. We decided to offer ?120 for someone with considerable experience, given the responsibilities involved. Au pairs tend to not like sharing family bathroom and having room next door to parents/kids. So you may possibly need to pay nearer hundred mark to attract the right person if you're all on same floor. Re phone, we decided to pay for a mobile phone so we could make sure we could stay in touch with our au pair at all times. We bought a very cheap mobile and do ?12 a month with a certain number of calls and texts. Our au pair has her own foreign mobile as well.

Sorry but paying an au pair ?65 a day is really not true. A typical rate is ?100 per week for around 25 hours. We pay ?120 and include all food, board plus mobile phone. If you are hiring a nanny then that's a completely different matter.

We had a really lovely holiday in one of those apartments/houses in Lefkas. More than four years ago now but it was extremely good value. Childrens' club was fantastic, staffed by very experienced Brits. You had the option of dropping them off in the morning or afternoon. Very small childrens' pool and bigger adult pool, all fenced off so children can't wander in by themselves. You have the option to cook your own meals or get cafe food delivered to your house, which has a little outside seating area. You could also dine at the small cafe. Kitchen/accommodation very basic but we didn't mind as it was so reasonable and we had such an ace time. Only downside was the heat. I wouldn't advise it for July/August unless they now have air conditioning. Hope this helps.