Jules-and-Boo

Melbourne Grove have been great. Had a problem with a locum once and they dealt with it absolutley brilliantly.

Transport for London's funding is self-generated. There are no longer grants from government - which means it's income comes from fares or property/ advertising etc. There isn't money for elaborate plans - literally only functional self-funded things. The Crossrail line is opening up in two years which will help massively but is far away. The problems with existing train lines are diabolical. I think it's inexcusable. Insult is added by the money that changes hands at the top.

I think there are plenty of places that are quiet. I don't recall ever being anywhere that I've been bothered or annoyed by children. Oh, Pizza Express in the village - but that was to be expected as it's a kids magnet and I don't think grown ups go there without kids, do they? If a business wants to adopt that model, I'm all for it. It's their business, after all.

Soul

curiosity

thanks :-)

hindsight is such a good thing.... .caution at the time is often better

or maybe be thankful the child was safe.....

you'd need to have the pebble dash taken off rather than plastering on top of it to smooth it over. It's do-able. Not sure of cost and not sure what you'd find underneath - presumably in line with your neighbour's

I saw both sets of x-rays so not doubting either of the dentists. Used coconut oil, changed diet, added minerals and specific toothpaste from health food shop on LL. Twelve fillings would be scary!

just an update - cavities are gone! Different dentist - xrays - all clear!!!! So - it DOES work!

we had undercover police parked outside our primary in Herne Hill before - when a similar incident occured. they were being vigilant and watching what was going on..... My friend spotted them and the image of my loud Jamaican friend challenging them for parking near a school and them trying to not give their game away was absolutely hilarious. She gave them a proper telling off for scaring all the kids (who had been told to look out for strangers in cars)

and I believe that checking immigration status actually goes a way to protect the vulnerable, that have been exploited - and helping them. It's not just about identifying people whose visa has expired. That's really a very superficial way of looking at it.

absolutely RH, the vulnerable and exploited are the result of 'lack of documentation' and those with the intention of those to avoid the proper process. I have not thought of the term as addressing a person at all but a statement of the fact, as in illegal drivers. Not "he's an illegal driver"

not everyone's the same - while there may be people who are trying to sort out their citizenshiip and their intentions are good, there are people who are purposefully not and the term illegal does apply. The latter has a devastating effect and you should not undermine because saying so hurts some peoples feelings.

Ilona, it's obviously a sore point, but the term was not created by the Daily Mail. It's a real term for the very things you describe - or would you prefer everyone was legal, perhaps with deferred legality (once all paperwork is in order)? It's a bit like being caught without drivers insurance and saying to the police that you're applying for it - it doesn't matter - you don't have it, you're uninsured and driving illegally.

illegal immigrant is now an "undocumented migrant", IlonaM? Really?

it is a very alarming decision. TfL would be a dead cert for improvements as that is their mission. Also being non-profit, it wouldn't have been driven by money.

oh sh** more privatisation to come. No forecast improvements then. Not being negative on purpose but was looking forward to TfL and their investment.

very sorry to hear that. It must have been awful. Hope you're ok?

Transport for London are likely to take over the London part of Southern, so you can expect improvements when that happens.....

The Apes of Wrath, springs to mind. Apes are gentle creatures though - maybe mankind can learn a thing or two

I agree - can't stand it - it's too superficial and the meaning is lost - which is being with friends and family and slowing down. We spent the weekend making little parcels of fudge and truffles and having fun...much better than Oxford Street panic-buying...

and with lettings agencies fees being scrapped - they're likely to go up again as agents try and make their money by passing the costs on to the landlords... I mean, they have to make an honest living....

If someone is after something you have - tell them they can have it and throw it on the ground - their reaction will give you time to create some distance. They also wouldn't be after you- their objective is to get your item. Your objective is to be safe. Items are replaceable - you are not.