Ontherun

James Barber wrote "I've made it clear that I'm not using data from this survey until after the election. I am so busy door knocking every evening and weekend I've not the time to review it. I hope to email those that provided an email address with the results so far and post them here and post them out to those who have not provided an email address around the 7-9 May" I (naively) completed the CPZ survey but left the voting preference question blank. A few days later Mr Barber called round asking who we planned to vote for.

That is indeed a good idea Pugwash - do you know where outside London this has been introduced? Tortor is right - parking has become increasingly difficult over the years, certainly within strolling distance of East Dulwich station and the roads around Dulwich Hospital so we need to consider whether there are any realistic and more community minded alternatives to a CPZ. I was originally opposed to the CPZ, however it's become so difficult to park now with developments including the squeeze of encroaching zones and especially the ludicrous long yellow lines on every corner already in place. The impending new secondary school opening up nearby and the new flats being built on East Dulwich Grove are likely to make it impossible to park anywhere near where I live over the coming months. I used to like the fact that patients and staff at Dulwich Hospital could park in local roads for their appointments. The Alleyn's staff and parent drop/pick ups not so much, but I am coming round to the fact that a CPZ seems to be the only solution. I've lived with one before in another borough so am aware of pros/cons. However it's a sad state of affairs when lovely neighbours start moving (that's already happening) and others have become so possessive of 'their imaginary spot' outside their house - lovely community-minded people in every other way - start parking wars and hog huge spaces to avoid parking a few inches away from their front gate, ignoring the need to squeeze up and make room for others. A CPZ therefore seems an expensive but fairer solution, and an all day one to avoid those using Ringo to cover lunch time parking.

Done

Sorry to hear about this tfwsoll - hope you can enjoy the rest of your hols now your property is secure. I also agree about leaflets left sticking out of doors - this drives me insane as it's a huge sign announcing empty properties. The Safer Neighbourhoods leaflet was recently left sticking out of my letterbox, sent round to let us know there had been a break in on our road! Unbelievable!

Hi there I'd welcome any advice too as we're in the same boat with older children and in need of a summer au pair.

Dixie

The new Glengarry junction has made a lovely looking raised pavement area for the pizza shop to display their line up of mopeds :)

Hi Pam Just wanted to add my comment about my recent experience of Kings A&E. I recently had to visit A&E in the early hours of the morning and was very satisfied with my treatment and care at Kings. The care and attention I received was fantastic - it was quiet in A&E at the time so this may have helped, although I see this wasn't the case for Indya (hope you're feeling better now Indya). I was vomiting violently throughout my initial triage but felt really well cared for and subsequently had a thorough MOT with the medics including scanning for a suspected triple A which turned into an ultrasound teaching opportunity for the junior doctor (with my full permission of course). They explained everything to me as they carried out their tests, kept me fully informed and I felt very safe in their care.

I feel furious that after all these years parents are still struggling with decisions about the MMR due to fear of a link with autism despite the total debunking of that evil money grabbing man who used his position to put his own wealth before the health of so many children. Here's Darren Cunningham's eloquent record of the facts http://tallguywrites.livejournal.com/148012.html I'm afraid I don't know how to embed this link but if you put it into your search engine it should be the first link. My children are much bigger now but were babies when this debate was raging. It was another new mum who happened to be a scientist who helped me make my own decision to vaccinate & walked me through the process. However even now, after all the angst I still struggle with injections for the children. It's usually only the odd booster thankfully (and even 17yrs old still appreciate the 'well done' smartie afterwards :)).

Rapper's Delight - Sugarhill Gang

Husky

Bends

He championed one of my fave Indie bands - Mighty Mighty - in the 80s (ok, I admit I was going out with the bass player at the time) but dropped them like hot cakes when he decided their new release 'Built like a car' was disrespectful to women.

Much much better thanks & I'll look out for the 24hrs in A&E programme - sounds great!

Just wanted to say what a fantastic service I had this morning from our local A&E at Kings. I am very lucky (healthwise) in that I've only had to call on it's services once in a blue moon over the past few years but went there in the early hours of this morning in a lot of pain and very scared. They were fantastic - kind and caring, reassuringly thorough and so helpful explaining exactly what was going on, what investigations they were doing & why etc. Another chap was loud and abusive to staff whilst I was there - they dealt with him firmly but respectfully despite his insults. I know it's all in a day's work for the staff but just wanted to say thanks again from a happy customer.

Always useful to check Jane & also helpful to anyone else who might be feeling victimised or intimidated with this caller's strange behaviour. I would feel very intimidated if I was on the receiving end of these calls to my home and think you've done the right thing by reporting it. There may well be a reasonable explanation - although I can't think of one - but if so, this man needs to realise that his behaviour is coming across as harassment. Hope it gets sorted soon & you & the children can relax.

Agree totally with Strae's comments - it all boils down to people voting with their custom. I've lived here for almost 20 yrs and really love (& use regularly) some independents but I've also seen many come & go that I never shopped in because they weren't of interest/too expensive. I was sad to hear today that the village post office is closing, although there will be a small post office counter opening in Shepherd's apparently.

Thanks for the info Lowlander - I can't find details of their company being registered with the MoJ. They appeal separately on individual properties but are targeting roads in batches. No win no fee but 50% plus VAT of any back dated money on the basis that most people probably can't be bothered to go through the process themselves. Funny - he didn't mention anything about bands potentially going up!

Has anyone had experience of applying to have their council tax banding lowered due to other similar properties in their road being on a lower banding? Just wondering as someone cold-called at the door last night offering to take up the claim along with several other houses in the road. I just checked the GOV website and there is indeed a mix of bandings up & down the road on same size properties.

Thanks N_man - that's such a good idea....I always forget I can take my bike on the train & mix the journey!

Thanks - I'll give this route a try

Does anyone regularly commute by train from East Dulwich to Wallington or thereabouts? I have a few weeks of work there (with an early start) and am wondering about the reliabilty of trains versus travelling by road. (I usually cycle to work but think this journey may be a wee bit too far!) Thanks

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Try this http://www.villasanraffaello.com/index.php We had a fab holiday two summers ago. The beautifully (& lovingly) restored building has been converted into four apartments which means you can have family combos staying together but with a bit of breathing space ;-). It's an amazing part of Italy & really worth a visit. It's run by a really lovely English family who we discovered once we met them were from up the road & had moved out there in a 'No Going Back' adventure. You are completely self-sufficient but they stay locally & are on hand for advice etc if you need it.