Lizziedjango

What are the prices like? I was going to get an articfial tree this year, but my husband has put his foot down, insisting on a real one. But I don't want to pay more than ?10-15....?

St Francesca Cabrini RC school has its Xmas Fair on Saturday 12-3PM. It is at the top of Forest Hill Rd

Thanks for that matthew. Also indiepanda, thanks for the first direct recommendation....!!

Thanks gigirl. I do get Martin's moenysavingexpert emails - but didn't see anything of any consequence about Citibank. i will have another look. Thanks Jeremy. You are probably right about Citibank, but in this climate, who knows?! Gilts and bonds seem to be a reasonable bet.

Well Keef, that is bad luck. Happily I DO have a tracker mortgage!! Giggirl, I am personally shying away from those banks which offer high interest rates AND are foreign...like ICICI. Once bitten twice shy, as they say. I am thinking of going back to HSBC - owner of First Direct - is there any REAL difference between being with HSBC or First Direct? HSBC seem to be the one bank which has emerged relatively unscathed by all the financial troubles.

Not only was I one of the unlucky Icesavers who lost (albeit temporarily) their savings to this internet bank (Ok, so I am meant to get it back by the end of the month but even so it has been a stressful time), but I now see that Citibank (which I have my current account with) is having serious problems and had to be 'bailed out' again by the US government over the weekend. Don't come to me for financial advice. Lol. I am seriously thinking I should close my Citibank account...but where should I transfer my meagre assets to - (apart from under the mattress...although that is becoming a more enticing option as the days go on). Anyone got any advice? I have got to do something with the Icesave money once that is returned too!

LOL Wino!!

Yes, I am pleased it is still going. It is much better priced that the 'posh' deli opposite. I get the 3 bags of wonderful pitta breads for 99P whenever I pass by - and the eggs are reasobly priced too.

Which estate agents are closing down, Karter...?

I agree with Sue that it would be hard to perceive the police as fair if they belong to the BNP. Having said that, even though I do not agree with the latter's politics, I do believe in free speech. I am not at all surprised that there are BNP members living in the SE21,22,23 postcodes. I think many people living round here still have a real - often unwarranted- fear of surrounding areas like Peckham and Brixton, which tend to have higher number from ethnic minorities living there. The BNP preys on those kinds of fears. For example, I know quite a few people who won't go to the Peckham cinema or health club because they fear getting mugged. I frequently go to both and have never had any problems (touch wood).

Yes, why were you shocked bawdy nan?

Thanks for that Sue! :)

I think the problem is soemthing else SeanMacGabhann. Apparently, bon3yard is right that there have been a succession of managers of this Co-op. The store really has the potential to do a thriving trade, if only it got its act together. The store design is beyond awful; the selection of produce is awful too. Don't get me started on the meat quality either!! I heard another guy ranting on at them regarding him always buying meat which was off. This is possibly an environmental health issue. I am wondering if it is worth informing the council. Ater all, the store has got to sort out these alleged 'fridge temperature problems'. I am wondering if the problem isn't the fridges at all, but rather staff failing to fill the fridges, instead leaving meat stacked out back or something. :(

Que?

Mine wasn't reduced to clear, unlike yours bon3yard. The use by date was today's! I spoke to the new manager today, and he sounded overwhelmed with issues. He was meant to ring me back when they got a new delivery of chickens. But he hasn't...:(

Oh my gosh, I have previously waxed lyrical about the Co-op whole chickens, but not now! I bought a chicken yesterday from the Forest Hill Rd Co-op with the intention of having it for our family evening dinner. I prepared everything later on and when it came to doing the chicken the smell of being 'off' was overwhelming. Annoyingly, I had to take it back to the shop late yesterday evening hoping for a swap, but was told that they had had problems (again) with their fridge temperatures and had had to throw all the whole chickens out. I was given a refund, but had to buy strips of chicken instead for our evening meal. I am a bit annoyed about this because I have young children, and had I not been quite as fastidious I might have cooked the chicken and they could have been ill. Anyway, I rang the customer services central number regarding this issue, and they were very apologetic. Apparently a new manager is taking over the store today; I hope things improve. I wonder if they will be able to move the fruit and veg areas so that people can squeeze through the oh so narrow aisles.

The swimming pool and changing area at the Fusion ED are absolutely - in Sarf London terms - bloody MINGING! As has been said, refurbishment work was due to start earlier this year, but it did not happen - for one reason or another. Frankly, I am glad that it has been put on hold though, as it would have meant the exercise classes would have been put on hold, and I love doing 'em. I hate swimming so am less fussed, but if I did like it, I would not want to go to the ED pool in its current state. I went a few months back and found it an unpleasant experience. I was so cold en-route to the changing rooms, and the shower area is absolutely disgusting.

Great thanks. Lots of options here!

Best place to go for Bonfire Night? Is there anywhere local?

-- moved topic --

What are you saying, HarshButFair....?

...which is a blessed relief Jay Lush. :) I seriously wish that I could not relate to any of the aforementioned things too. But I can. Unfortunately. Nuff said.

I agree Madworld, it's hideous.

1: the only club you want to join these days is the 'Knackered Parents' one. 2: despite the naffness, you opt for the comfort of Crocs (men) and Fit flops (women) 3: you actually recognise all The Bill actors on every street corner, as you are always watching TV, after the kids have gone to bed, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. 4: You could walk around Peckham Rye and Dulwich Parks blindfolded. 5: the highlight of your social calendar these days is the 1 O Clock club 6: you find juggling the demands of work (or not) and the extortionate cost of childcare leaves you permanently frazzled I'm too knackered to think of anymore....

LOL. You are right to make this point Mr Snorky. It's really farcical isn't it?