Ann

I grew up in Haywards Heath and although I haven't lived there for many years I still have famiy there. The transport links to London are excellent and always have been, the local schools are good and always have been. As others have said nearby villages like Cuckfield and Lindfield are gorgeous and don't forget Balcombe which also is on the London-Brighton rail route. It's a nice place to live and we would almost certainly have moved down that way if we were facing current London house prices, but I'm still glad my children grew up here for the diversity etc. Good luck!

Petronella remains my most memorable name from primary school as a name I would not like to have had . Then when I got to secondary I was joined by a Valerie Singleton...

Agree with above but you also get this deal for those in full time education, ( in our case sixth form). I go regularly and can't complain about adults or teenagers hogging machines; I didn't know about the 30 minute rule which would be impossible to enforce but I don't think it's such an issue. True enough, evenings in early January were rammed but I think it's now settling. To the OP. When I joined I was given an online log-in and evening classes were indeed fully booked. I'm happy with the gym and pool so haven't persisted but I suspect with patience and determination you could achieve your requirements. I really like the place, I qualify for the amazing ?34 price but would pay full price if I had too, this is a great local resource.

I agree with wavyline girl, go south to Sussex, excellent train links and lovely area to live.

Yes I have. I politely declined his services and was told " I hope you've got AIDS!" Seriously, whatever organisation is responsible for these 'sellers' should be a bit more diligent with their employees. We really don't deserve this level of aggression on our doorstep.

I totally understand the issues on this thread. For boys outside space is a premium compared to bedroom space, that said the stage in your life when children can't play unsupervised is relatively short; there are plenty of activities for active boys around here. Don't live on a very busy road but very close to them and the only noise at night are our local fox population and overhead planes! Really just want to say that the issues with young children passes very, very quickly!

The thread is about King's A and E. Start a new thread about their services by all means. I could have started a thread to says 'Kings saved my husband's eyesight!' They did and he earns a living, actually quite a good one and it's very helpful supporting our children through University and Sixth Form. I work too, always have done, our health service has many unspoken heroes and we have a heck of a lot of world class care on our doorstop,,we really do.

Nonetheless, EDLove makes a good point. I'm glad she was able to make that choice and is happy it, the problem seems to me that in a relatively short space of time she may not have been able to do so now. I also think ED is good for all ages and I'm glad I brought up my children here.

Love this thread! The ability to spend time in/on a bed are limitless, particularly if said teenager is male. Communication skills are limited, "Mum can I have something to eat?" easily the most used words in conversation. Actually I arrive home from work to this conversation almost daily; those of you with fussy eating toddlers take heart, they will grow out of it! But I wouldn't swap him for the world, culprit recently turned 18.

Sir Alan Sugar must be breathing a huge sigh of relief, she hasn't done herself any favours on this show. Horrible girl, would hate to have to work with her.

In my experience the cost for school trips always include the cost for teachers as they give up their time. school holidays or not; not a bad deal for a half term ski trip to the Alps! That said it is a pretty big responsibility to take children of any age on residential trips and I do think it provides opportunities for many children to go on trips they couldn't otherwise have done, but no. they're not cheap!

Come on Joey's playing the dumb card surely? Cabbage and lettuce? It's working, he's getting by far the most coverage.

A student or sixth former would probably work for less.

Congratulations both of you, what a lovely read.

Otta agreed, and I've not watched this series that closely, but I'm sure Tamera made a similar mistake before; doesn't bode well if you really think you can compete with the best ( performing artists). Not a great competition this year in my opinion but I thought it was also a bit rubbish last year.

Pebbles, my husband would love that!

Just watched for the first time, I liked it but have always loved John Lewis. Lived in the US some years ago and visited some well known stores, I don't think we have much to complain about here in the UK. Gosh, John Lewis and Selfridges are just a 12 bus ride away! We are very, very lucky.

Agreed KK, and very welcome too.

I agree with pebbles prn. The transport links are good for teenagers as well as commuters. There was very little to do in the town I grew up which was a 'nice' area, good schools and commuting distance to London, although it's probably much improved now. Yes you about safety but busy London streets can be safer that quiet country roads too, that's a whole other thread!

I was lucky to have bought in this area 20 years ago and haven't faced the cost of living issues current families do. However the accessibility we have here is great, like many of you I didn't grow up in London. For teenagers London's amazing!

I think it's a general teachers's strike but on a region by region basis. The Charter have closed for years 8,9 and 10 but other years to attend as usual. Tracking is important. A teacher may be hardworking, dedicated and inspirational; I've experienced some very good teaching with my own children and some not so good. Ignore OFSTED at your peril, would you really want a school with no objective assessment?

That's such a good point LondonMix. I mentioned earlier that Heber has a good demographic meaning that the intake is not as deprived as many local schools bearing in mind the catchment area is very small. I also agree with DaveR's comments as well. It might be an eye-opener for some parents that not all children are flourishing but it should be.

Don't forget the ' requires improvement' grade has replaced the previous 'satisfactory' grade. I agree with motorbird83, the value added is a key assessment; I'm sure the school has a lot of very committed parents. The demographic for that school is pretty good when you consider it's possibly the most central school to East Dulwich.

Fling

I like Morrisons too, but I'm not familiar with their 'locale' version? Anyone?