ladyruskin

We've just had Billy and his brother Scott in to service our boiler (that Billy fitted a year ago) and replace some radiators. Another excellent job - efficient, tidy, polite and honest. Who could ask for more?

Can I suggest you contact Friends of Ruskin Park who may be able to Tweet/post the image on Facebook? http://friendsofruskinpark.org.uk/

That's good news. I hope he's alright. Thanks for the update

Has this boy been found?

My just 4yo son has seen both Minions and Inside Out (see my other post on the surviving house renovations with kids thread!) and he did huge belly laughs throughout the Minions film and only one for Inside Out. I think the latter's subject matter was a bit over his head, but the slapstick humour of Minions was spot on.

We are now 13 weeks into an 8 week project to redesign our kitchen which has included some structural work. With the exception of a 1 week holiday and a weekend away we have been at home all the time. We haven't had a washing machine but have used those of friends and neighbours plus made the most of service washes from the local laundrette for big items like towels and bedding. As we aren't doing the side return we've set up a kitchenette (microwave, fridge, toaster and toastie maker) in the dining room end of the lounge (victorian back parlour) and have eaten out A LOT. We're lucky in that we've got good canteens at work and our son get fed well at nursery so generally have beans on toast or similar on week nights. We've survived by being out of the house as much as possible and keeping our cleaner on who has made the rest of the house bearable. The spare room is just about useable even though it's got loads of boxes in it. We're hoping the end is in sight but we've still got at least a week to go. It depends on your temperaments and whet you enjoy about your house now. We've really missed the garden this summer as its full of 'stuff'.

Capability Jane is another job website specialising in part-time roles: http://jobs.capabilityjane.com/

Today's time out has a top 10 of 'wild' activities for kids including ice climbing and walking over the dome/O2. They are age dependent though

Billy fitted a new boiler for us last week and I can whole heartedly recommend him. He's a perfectionist and does an excellent job. Not only that he helped secure our house for us when the builders left it without a back wall. He goes above and beyond and I'm looking forward to seeing him for our annual services for years to come.

I think it The Grove re-opened as a pub and served good food, then it would work as a viable business. Look at the Rosendale, that's away from public transport, although admittedly in a highly residential area, and they do a roaring trade. It just needs the right amount investing in it and the right vision. A nice garden, function room(s) upstairs, good food at the right price - it would be the perfect pre/post walk destination (it would certainly beat the Woodhouse in that respect), plus it's easy to reach from The Horniman.

We're thinking of holidaying in the Italian lakes in June and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations of places to stay. There'll be 2 adults and a three (nearly four) year old. We generally self-cater but are open to suggestions. A decent place to eat within walking distance is a must. Thanks.

Have you thought of Hot Power Yoga in Clapham? They have beginners? classes on Saturdays and Sundays and that doesn't mean beginner to yoga, just beginner to HPY. I've been a few times and have enjoyed them immensely (I am a beginner to all things yoga)

Thanks I have left a message.

I need to speak to a health visitor but have left my son's red book at home. Does anyone have the phone number to hand? My GP surgery don't have it. Many thanks in advance

Is Bloomers open on a Saturday? I would struggle to get there during the week. Thanks

Agree with Mellors post re the former LVT. It can be a protracted process but will be reviewed if it's a fair appeal. Best to do it before the works start though.

Could you put opaque film (I think it's called manifestation) over the window? We had a new window fitted with frosted glass in our bathroom, which provides light and privacy, without having to invade the window line with a blind. It removes the problem re moisture and dust too.

Does your daughter respond well to reward charts at all? We have used them with our 3.5yo son for a variety of things including toilet training. He has runs of days when he has accidents, but on the most part that is because we have let our guard down. We are currently operating a 'no accidents this week and you get a chocolate on Friday' system, which has been working well, but he equally loves just putting a star on a chart. In the early days it's more about instilling a sense of success when they do use the loo or a potty instead of focussing on having an accident. We read a few books too. Pirate Pete's Potty Book was a hit with him, not with us and 'Everybody Poos' has been good fun for all!

I went to Proud Cabaret for mine for a dinner, followed by cabaret entertainment and dancing: http://www.proudcabaretcity.com/ Burlesque style entertainment though which might not be the hen's cup of tea.

To point out that that the closing date for comments on the Thameslink consultation that jjjjj posted is TODAY!!

Bellenden Bell, I think your points are valid and alloquently put. Have you written to the nursery expressing your dismay? Our nursery has themes none of which are linked to commercial brands, and I would strongly object if there were to begin doing so. For what it's worth, my son knows all the words to 'Let it go' and is Frozen obsessed but he hasn't got it from home or watching it at nursery. The sad fact is, that Frozen is a huge craze amongst young children at the moment, so he'll have learnt the words from his friends at nursery or elsewhere. That's part of growing up I suppose - I'd much rather he sang along to the music that I like :) That doesn't mean nurseries/schools should latch on to the idea for themes though! Bellenden Belle Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Thanks for the clarification Saffron. > > As to your question of what I object to.... > > I think children nowadays are bombarded by brands > - everything has a tv or film character attached > to it. And with that comes a remarkably small > frame of reference. Children are fed narratives > that they swallow whole, rather than giving them > the chance to use their imaginations and create > their own worlds and stories. Resorting to > referencing a Disney film for a week is just so > reductive. > > I would love the nursery to have a snow or > winter-themed week. They could build toboggans out > of cardboard boxes and decide where they were > going to. They could explore which animals lived > in cold climates. They could listen to books with > a snow theme. They could even make those > snow-covered pyramids which have desiccated > coconut on them which I was always partial to > growing up :-) > > There would be absolutely no need for two bloody > princesses in branded costumes or any excuse to > show clips of a film that so many children are > already obsessed with. They'd be no need for > parents to have to try and track down princess > costumes (and whatever the male equivalent is.) > > I also would like to see the nursery choosing > themes based around books rather than films. My > son used to go to a brilliant speech and therapy > group that took a single book and then did crafts > and other activities based around the themes and > images in the book for around ten sessions. It > meant the children grew to know and love the book > which they read at the end of each session. Baby > Belle was delighted when we got our own copy of > the book for home. > > And I just think that education - nursery or > otherwise - should be free from commercialism. I > don't want my son's education sponsored by Disney.

The latest information can be found on the Thameslink website here: http://www.thameslinkrailway.com/your-journey/live-running-thameslink/ Not much use but better than nothing!

Can't you apply for the grove tavern to be transferred into a community asset in a similar fashion to the Ivy House?

You could try Norris Bedding on Coldharbour Lane: http://www.norrisbedding.co.uk/mattresses/ I haven't used them personally but they are a long-established, local business which makes matteresses by hand. A good mattress should last at least 10 years. If you consider how often you sleep in your bed, the cost of a mattress per night is pence.

Our son has been at Under the Willow on Croxted Road pretty much since it opened in November 2012. He enjoys it there and we have been happy with his care.