lozzyloz

I spent some time in Lagos over 5 years ago. It's a fascinating place, has a vibrant music scene and the vast majority of Nigerians I've met are very hospitable and go out of their way to make sure you're secure and looked after. However, I really wouldn't recommend having your family there if they don't feel comfortable in that kind of environment. It's a tough place. It's fine for a young single guy, but very restrictive for a spouse. The salary needs to be better than OK to make it worthwhile. You need a driver because it's virtually impossible for a foreigner to drive there (in Lagos it literally is bumper to bumper). If you do decide to take a punt make sure your contract is watertight re frequency of flights home, quality of housing and other benefits. I'm assuming you'll be paid offshore and not in Nigeria. If you have the option, Accra in neighbouring Ghana is a much nicer option. Good luck with your decision.

Sounds like a fab idea Lorraine. Perhaps a picnic photo shoot! I'll get in touch to discuss timings etc.

Wow I'm really touched by the recommendations above. Thank you. I really enjoy what I do and the pleasure is multiplied when parents are thrilled by the results. BQC feel free to PM me or contact me via the details on my web site if you'd like to discuss how the photo session works. If that was you that e-mailed yesterday I'll call you again this morning. www.lorenzophotography.co.uk

Congratulations to you both. Wishing you a long, happy, healthy life together x

These bath toys have been a big hit with our kids. Yellowmoon

Was looking for some fancy dress outfits and thought I'd share this little local gem I found on Lordship Lane. The Enchanted Castle. Very reasonably priced.

I really shouldn't laugh at this

There isn't much of a path after the Thames Barrier but you can pick it up just after and carry on to the Woolwich Ferry which is free to cross. It's pretty industrial up that way, not terribly scenic and lots of scrap yards and recycling dumps block any access to the Thames (watch out for your tyres). If you want scenery best head away from the Thames at that point either into Esses or Kent. If I cycle that way I either head towards the enormous Dagenham plant and beyond or up towards Hackney and Victoria Park and then there are various routes back home to Dulwich.

These guys are excellent Bare Groove

Here's a link about Dawson's Heights with some info on Roman ghosts, Bronze Age burial mound and a map.

Excellent panorama Mark!

There is an ancient Bronze Age burial mound very close to Dawsons Heights.

classic!

Get Karter .... a birthday gift. Buon compleanno.

Fantastic news and small change for you and Mrs ????'s. Hope you're all doing well. x

Taking young children to the barbers is definitely not for the faint hearted! We have been taking our two youngest boys (2 & 4) to Uomo (next to Fabric on LL) soon after it opened about a year or so ago. Our boys are very high spirited and not easy to deal with but Francisco is fantastic with them. He's really gentle, patient and understands that kids don't necessarily enjoy the experience nor like sitting still. Our boys have really taken to him now and I'd highly recommend him. Ironically he used to work at Clippers in North X road before leaving to start up his own salon.

Thanks James. I'm outside of ED Ward although my post code is SE22. Is this kit available for all Southwark residents?

You're quite right PR and I have. They were brilliant. I reported it on the local non serious crime number (0300 123 1212). I wasn't expecting a visit but within 15 mins I had two police in an unmarked car come round to get details who then went of on scan of the area. They reckon these guys often pass on details to colleagues who then carry out the burglaries. We've been having quite a lot of building work lately and the builders say that a couple of ladders and power tools have recently gone walkabout. Not saying the incidents are connected but it's worth being extra vigilant and making sure you're properly secure and not having a ruined Christmas.

Just a warning to keep an eye on a Chinese man that I surprised in my back garden an hour ago. I'm at the Dulwich library end of ED. He got a shock when I challenged him and (I'm not joking) offered to sell me a DVD before scarpering. He had come round the back of the house and through a closed (but not locked) gate and was half way down the garden towards the shed when I discovered him. Mid 30's, about 5' 4", dark hair, black jacket and trousers with an Orangey coloured crumpler style shoulder bag. No actual crime was committed apart from trespass as far as I can see and he's possibly just casing out places.

mattam I haven't used those with a cropped sensor but you probably already know that you'll need to multiply the focal length by 1.5 so that a 10mm becomes a 15mm. If the cost of those lenses is about the same and not much diff in optical quality then I'd go for the faster Tokina. How wide you go really depends on what your personal preference is. I quite like using a 14-24mm or 17-35 with a full frame sensor for landscapes. I can also endorse PR's recommendation of The Camera Club. I've been a member for some time and have a studio booked for this weekend (they have 2). Great resource for all types of photographers.

i plan to continue using Val's. When I ran out of a certain spice she ran up stairs and gave me some from her kitchen. That's proper local and valuable service. I'll be very sad if she go's.

Harlesden Kilburn Neasden Harrow Lydford, Devon Harlesden West Hampstead Ladbroke Grove Shepherds Bush Hounslow Kilburn Park Parsons Green Primrose Hill Peckham Regents Park Fulham Barons Court Acton Wandsworth Moscow Johannesburg East Dulwich

Pickle I'm just back from Condor where I bought some Merino winter socks, arm warmers, skull cap and winter gloves. There are some good gift ideas on their blog.

This made me chuckle and awe. Just click on PLAY (it's safe). A piece of creative brilliance

I bought a set of Pinhead Locking Skewers from Balfes Bikes some time ago. Not saying it makes your bike totally un-nickable but it's certainly given me a bit more peace of mind when locking up an expensive set of wheels. I think Balfes might sell them cheaper than ?50 and they're VERY easy to fit. The key is unique and if you lose it you can get a replacement. Highly recommended.