Bellenden Belle

We're thinking of going on holiday in June with a four-month old. Any recommendations of baby-friendly accommodation in Sicily or other useful tips for that area? Self catering is a likelihood though open to all suggestions.

Hello Cllr Barber, There is currently a debate taking place in the family room about the Gardens Cafe which is situated at 184 Peckham Rye,SE22 9QA. You might recall that for years the building was shut with planning permissions for a cafe / restaurant constantly refused because of its location in a residential area. One of the key differences which I suspect led to planning permission finally being granted was the "Change of use of the ground floor to cafe/restaurant (Class A3) with a community room (Class D1) for meetings and local artist display function". It seems that the community room which has to this point been used for activities including NCT groups meets, baby and toddler groups, health and safety training, is now being used as a deli and is not open for such group hires. However I can see no record of this space being granted permission to change its usage from Class D1 which I understand is defined as "Non-Residential Institutions - Surgeries, health centres, cr?ches, nurseries, day centres, art galleries, museums, libraries, halls, churches and non-residential education and training centres." Community space is a valuable commodity in London and the thread in the family room highlights the need for such a facility in this area. Could you investigate whether such a change in usage without seeking further planning permission is acceptable for this location? Many thanks.

This is a really interesting development. For years that building was shut with planning permissions for a cafe / restaurant constantly refused because of its location in a residential area. Have a look at the site's history of planning applications: http://moderngov.southwarksites.com/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=20906 One of the key differences which I suspect led to planning permission finally being granted was the "Change of use of the ground floor to cafe/restaurant (Class A3) with a community room (Class D1) for meetings and local artist display function". I don't have a background in planning - but a quick google defines D1 as "D1: Non-Residential Institutions - Surgeries, health centres, cr?ches, nurseries, day centres, art galleries, museums, libraries, halls, churches and non-residential education and training centres." Seems to me that if they have moved a deli into that space they have actually changed its usage, depriving the community of the very space that no doubt contributed them to being granted permission to use that site in the first place. This makes me very cross indeed - I have asked Cllr James Barber in the main East Dulwich issues section to investigate.

Just to add to David's comments above as well - the food was diabolical. If you could eat supper before boarding the train I would heartily recommend that as an option - otherwise you do feel somewhat like a sitting duck. But otherwise - yes, a very relaxing way to travel. There is nothing quite like waking up from a dream in a new country!

Wow! Huge congratulations Anna! Sounds a pretty perfect experience. Hope to see you and all the other newborns very soon. Caroline x

Huge congratulations to Sara and Lindsay - the perfect Christmas pressie. Looking forward to meeting the little un's in the New Year. Love Carolinex

Huge congrats to Bee - wonderful news. x

Just a thought - but have you tried swaddling? I'm still waiting to pop so can't give any firsthand experience but lots of people have raved about it to me and so it might be a good place to start.

Otta Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > duchessofdulwich Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Does anyone find that the 15 hours week is too > > much for their child? The nursery I am looking > at > > stipulates that you have to sign up for the > full > > hours 15 hours > > > Well if it's paid for anyway, then surely you can > just pick them up early, or keep them out. As long > as the nursery are getting their money, I doubt > they really care if the kids are physically there > to be honest. I have friends who have tried this and nurseries don't encourage it. After all, they have to keep registers which are then presented to local authorities in order for them to get their funding - so absences are likely to have an impact on the money they receive. And besides it is taking up a free place of another child who might benefit.

And we're off! Marvellous work Mothercourage! Love Caroline x

Dear fellow forumites, Knowing what a knowledgeable bunch you are, I am wondering if anyone can offer me advice on the following: I own a property which I rent out. So unfortunately I have never met my next door neighbours. It appears that my shared chimney is in a bad state of disrepair - I need to have the following done: Re-point Chimney. Replace broken ridge tiles. Replace lead work around stack. Erect scaffolding around chimney to carry out work. Total cost: ?2,200 plus VAT Since this chimney is shared with my neighbours, I need both permission and preferably would want to share costs. Any one know the corrct procedure for going about this? I presume a letter is a good starting point (and of course necessary to let them know of work being carried out) But if they refuse to contribute (and quite frankly I could understand their reluctance) what action should I take then? Can the local authority become involved if the property is deemed unsafe? Do I need a party wall surveyor? Has anyone had a similar experience? Any advice/ experiences welcomed.

I heard this woman speak at the Baby Show this year and every thing she said did seem to make a lot of sense. She appeared to advocates routines but at the same time gave really good advice on how to help baby's self soothe.She was also very realistic, not making any claims that a baby will sleep through before four months, and was good at pointing out how to eliminate other factors that might interfere with a child's sleeping patterns.

I've had pizza at Locale and literally two minutes, on the next corner, is The Gowlett. Terribly disappointing to have not only another pizza place but a 'slightly better than Dominos' chain at that.

Can I just ask if anybody used an epi-no before 37 weeks? I keep thinking - what if I spend this money and I have an early arrival at 38 weeks? I know it's unlikely, but is there any reason to not start a little bit earlier?

A nice piece of spam for the gullible. Reminds me of this thread, posted only a couple of days ago...... http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?20,796743

Hi Sara, David and I would both be interested in attending the first aid course on Monday 12th in the evening. Happy to host if it is needed too. Thanks so much for organising this. C x

Hello all, Sorry I too have been so quiet - this time of year is crazy at work. Sorry to hear from those in the wars, particularly poor Pickle - sounds ghastly and makes my rotten cold pale into insignificance. I can't do first aid this Saturday but I am very keen to join if another one is organised. Happy to host too - though gingellico, perhaps I can join your group? My cold will probably keep me away on Thursday but hope to see you all at some point in the future. Caroline x

Tarot Wrote: -------------------------------- > It wasnt me that done the article on Gupta it was > the mail, they must be racist . Racist? What a shocking suggestion Tarot. I think most people would settle for describing the Daily Mail as right wing, sexist and jingoistic.

www.sainsburys.co.uk 80 Dog Kennel Hill, London SE22 8BB 020 7738 4900 Knock yourself out.

I think it's down to luck - I went on their waiting list, when I was around six weeks pregnant. I was told I was no.2.....about a month later they confirmed I had a place.

I'm feeling ridiculously excited about this....despite not having given birth yet! Would love to pop in whilst waiting for Peanut to turn up and then hopefully will come regularly once I get into the swing of things..... Must say the drop in price would be hugely appreciated - I think lots of activities for mums and tots are priced around the ?5 mark. Will definitely add my details to the mailing list.

jumpinjackflash Wrote: > > > Peckham..yes what a great venue to do all my Xmas > shopping now let me make a list: > > Mum - 3 kilos of Halal lamb.. > Aunty Mary - packet of fake hair weave (she has > started to go grey) > Uncle Bob - ?10 top up for his mobile > Grandma - Nail Bar gift card...she could do with > fake neon pink toenail extensions > Grandad - a white Polyester suit and a pair of > alligator skin winklepickers > > sorted! Actually there are plenty of excellent gift options in SE15 without resorting to these cliches. You could buy some lovely handcrafted gifts including chess sets from Persepolis or even buy one of the shop owner's excellent cook books and get it personally signed. Or you could visit Review Bookshop which often has signed first editions, along with a quirky selection of gifts. Or if you have a sweet tooth, how about handmade chocolate at the Melange chocolate shop - you could even buy a gift voucher for a place on a chocolate making workshop. Or you could pop into The Nuns Head this Saturday where they are having lots of local craftspeople and traders selling their wares all day with lots of gift buying opportunities.

And I've read you must drink lots of water.

Hi Alix, When I tried to reserve an area, The Actress weren't very helpful - don't think it's their policy.So just look out for the bumps! See you later C x

Hi Julia, Yes - I am sure we'll still be there - last time we stayed til about 9pm. Would be great to see you. Caroline x