donra21

Hi, I have some odd bits of painting jobs to do around the house. What's the going daily rate for a painter / decorator please?

That's good to know. I'm thinking of delaying until 3, then he'll be in pre school too. Thanks for advice, very helpful. Such a difficult decision without a crystal ball!

Ah I did wonder whether 2 was too young. Yes I'll be at work and was planning on putting 2 yo into half day nursery. Has anyone had an au pair for a 2 yo? Silly question - What is a mother's help? What are the differences?

Thanks both

We are thinking of getting an Au Pair when our youngest turns 2 in August (so to look after our 2yo and 5 yo). When should I start looking/advertising? Should I use an agency or have people found excellent au pairs on this site? Any other pieces of advice you can share? Recommendations also welcome if you know of anyone. Thanks.

Hi anyone who uses a childminder to drop off and pick up their children from a half day pre-school - do you pay the childminder for the hours during the morning the kids are actually in preschool? For me I want to drop child at childminder at 8am, then she would take child to preschool (private so I'm paying)for 4 hours, pick child up and look after them until 6pm. I guess this is same as school drop/pick up so checking you only pay the childminder for the time they are with the child? thanks!

Brilliant, thanks. I found them both on the babyfriendlyboltholes website so will look into it.

Hi, I'm looking for holiday ideas... Have you been anywhere with your toddler that is warm (in Sept/Oct), by the beach/sea, relaxed, child friendly, with excellent service/food either on site or walking distance so us parents can enjoy a much needed break too? (Is this too much to ask?) Thanks.

Saw this news article about St Augustine's - sounds like it will be closed down if they don't raise funds for vital repairs. It'd be a real loss to the area if it were to close down. Not just for churchgoers, but for everyone. I'm not exactly a regular, but I did get married there and think it's a unique and beautiful local landmark. http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/9529554.Church_faces_race_against_time_to_raise_cash_for_repairs/?ref=twtrec

Hi, I'd also appreciate some feedback about this nursery as am considering it for my 10 month old. Is the manager there currently (Emma?) the one who is being replaced or is she new? Thanks!

Hi, does anyone send their little ones to Oak Tree Nursery in Honor Oak? Am considering it for my baby so all comments appreciated. Thanks.

I'm also researching buggies for my first baby! Can I ask the Bugaboo Bee fans - did you feel it was really suitable from birth, with no carrycot? Anyone got any comments on the icandy cherry or the oyster? thanks for advice

Has the pub/B&B reopened yet? If not, when??

Coming bit late to this but yes have also seen Linda Barker off Changing Rooms, Tracey off Corrie, and Lesley Sharpe - she was buying something from the Butchers van on Northcross...