green bean

If you have velux windows, I’d highly recommend their external blinds - they are black mesh so allow light through but they stop the sun heating up the windows (which then act like radiators). On full sun days we shut all windows in the loft & use both external blinds and internal blackout blinds which significantly reduces the heat. We have shutters with internal thermal blackout blinds on the other window so use these too. Velux also sell external metal shutters (not felt the need to stretch to these - much more expensive).

I’ve had (free delivery if you spend over £50) from Woodlark Nurseries before. They grow from their nursery in Hersham, Surrey (also open to the public, but now been). Not ordered for a couple of years but the plants I have had have all been great. Stock frequently changes. They also sell compost and pots. They deliver in their own van (so you do have to be available to take delivery). See: http://Woodlarknurseriesretail.com For topsoil, compost and mulch in bulk bags - ordered topsoil and mulch for complete garden makeover last year and these people were excellent. Deliver on pallet to roadside: https://www.fieldcompost.co.uk/

We once did Eurostar to Paris (1 night stop), Paris to St Jean de Luz (near Spanish border & Biarritz - lovely town with great beach - 7 night stop), St Jean de Luz to Bordeaux (4 night stop) then Bordeaux to Lille (1 night stop) then home. With a 7 year old. Have done most holidays all over Europe by train for years with growing child - we all love it! Pre-child took sleeper from Lille to Nice then local train on to Antibes. Not sure if that sleeper still runs. Man in Seat 61 has impeccable advice! My top tip, if you have the time is try to stop over for every train change - makes it so much more relaxing not worrying about connections.

Yep - brown bag purchase includes price of collection (no further charges payable).

Thanks for sharing! Could you provide an Autumn / Winter update as to how your heat pump is working out? Also, did you (have to) upgrade your radiators and pipe work prior to installing your heat pump? Did you upgrade any insulation in the house (loft spaces plus other insulation)?

Just checked CQC website for Dulwich Medical Centre… https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-565650623/inspection-summary same message as above is on the page and it’s now nearly a further 4 months on. Anyone know what the current situation is?

“Services placed in special measures will be inspected again within six months. If insufficient improvements have been made such that there remains a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall, we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures to begin the process of preventing the provider from operating the service.” Last CQC report was published 4 Nov (last site visit 22 Sep). CQC site today says “Important: We are carrying out a review of quality at Dulwich Medical Centre. We will publish a report when our review is complete.” Action now imminent since six months since last inspection has now elapsed?

Any other options for teens? Gym or classes (Pilates, yoga…) Seems to be a bit of a gap in provision.

Quote from the CQC report on DMC (Crystal Palace Road)… “I am placing this service in special measures. Services placed in special measures will be inspected again within six months. If insufficient improvements have been made such that there remains a rating of inadequate for any key question or overall, we will take action in line with our enforcement procedures to begin the process of preventing the provider from operating the service.” Report highlights, among many other issues, access issues and reports the response from DMC that they are taking steps to improve access, but any user (or ex-user) of DMC knows that DMC have been saying that for at least the past decade. At the same time DMC state in this report that the number of complaints about access issues has gone down in the last year. The number of complaints to the CQC has also gone down in the last year. I suspect people have become so exasperated that they have given up complaining or have left and joined other practices, It’s simply not acceptable that a GP surgery at the heart of our community has been allowed to rot in this way. With the DMC now in special measures there is a golden window of opportunity to finally remove the “provider from operating this service.” This will only happen if the evidence is there to support that action so please, please if you’re a patient at DMC and are not happy with the services you have been provided with keep the pressure up and ensure your voice is heard through the DMC complaints system and through the CQC complaints system.

I think their suggestions to my complaint were all a standard cut and paste reply. Advice from the post person I spoke to on the door step after my daughter’s birthday was don’t claim for anything and that it would all turn up eventually… most things did surface eventually, but some things alas have still not (never?) turned up! Impossible to navigate their complaints or recompense systems when the service is this erratic!