jonny vantastic

Jah Lush: we've just got back from the woods. We didn't ask his name as I think he was a little bewildered by 2 strangers and a dog turning up with provisions. We took him some extra warm clothes and more tarp with some food and a hot drink. We only had a brief chat (he wished us a happy new year!), but we think he had an English accent, possibly Manchester or Liverpool. At least my mrs did but she's south African. I couldn't his accent at all. We reckon he's about 30, dark shaved hair, bit of stubble. Can't tell height as he was lying down. Had big boots on, like caterpillars maybe. We're gonna go again tomorrow so hopefully he won't be as bewildered. Will let you know his name if it comes up.

I have a hunch he works. There's very little in the way of possessions or anything tatty. Just a tarp, a chair, a man and a smart travel bag. Like I said, if I was without a roof, I'd sooner seek refuge in the woods than town. I will report back tomorrow after my walk...if he's from overseas I'm gonna struggle unless he's French ( gcse level) or polish (super basic level, like, how are you: na dobra) Any budding translators out there willing to help out?!

He was covered over with sleeping bags and I didn't want to disturb him, so no description. However, I was slightly worried I might get a barrage of abuse from hyacinth bucket types - reassuring not to! So tomorrow when we go for a walk I will take him some more tarp and a pack lunch. I'll let you know who he is, if hes happy to be known...

I walk my dog in Sydenham woods every now and then. A few weeks ago a blue tarpaulin appeared down near the old railway line. Had a closer look today and saw a guy sleeping under it surrounded by bags. I've always thought if I ever became homeless I'd rather set up camp in the woods and build a decent shelter than roam ypthe streets. Has anyone spoken to him? A part of me feels like donating some more tarp to help extend his camp whilst another part wonders if it is unlawful setting up shelter in the woods?

Truly, truly shocking. Why scrap metal dealers aren't licenced just as shocking. Would be so easy to enforce dealers to film/ log incoming metal, but so far not enforced.

Not sure, but when I drove past just now the police had rigged up a dv cam and were filming a pool of blood on the pavement....

Are wheelie bins really worth ?120? we had 6 outside ours yesterday. Plus a brown one and a recent addition, a blue one. Today, we have 3 green bins, 2 blue ones, 1 brown one. Have the council taken the 3 green ones, or some opportune thieves? I wheelie need to know *gets coat*

@Jonny_Vantastic but don't expect anything mind blowing.

I'd go for the 2 Luton option if it's a hassle. It's how we do 'big' moves. By big I mean 3-4 house as I am only a little guy. But 2 lutons, you just have to park and unload one at a time so the other one can park anywhere while it waits...

I go same way up to embankment but then carry on up park lane, out west towards notting hill at Hyde park then follow signs for a40, then same, m40, m42, m6 BUT timing is everything. No way would I leave anytime between 3-7pm on a friday. We are driving up this thursday ostensibly for the weekend, but reckon it's better to leave at 8pm on Thursday and work remotely on Friday. Then when home time comes we are already there! If I didn't have to drive idctake the train - only 2 and a quarter hours.

*UPDATE* Having just read some reviews on trip advisor, can I UN -recommend hotel 19! I stayed there when it had just opened, but reading the reviews it looks like it has gone downhill. Instead, I'd recommend http://www.blanchhouse.co.uk/

Stayed here a few years ago http://www.hotelnineteen.co.uk/index.htm - it's on the kemp town side of Brighton but walking distance to the laines. There is a hotel du vin in Brighton, but if you are looking for small, boutique, I'd recommend hotel 19.

This is the 2nd tome in the last 12 months Franklins has had a'best for...' mention in the grauniad - is there a vested interest? It is pretty good, but the best in England? I normally only venture out for breakfast at the weekend if I can't be bothered making (the best in Britain) it myself. Which usually coincides with a hangover in which case MY criteria is not necessarily the best healthy, or fresh, or finest cut; may I put forward the Millwall Cafe for a no nonsense, does what it says on the tin, greasy spoon best in Britain fry up,...

there was a young british female gymnast there - i don't know ANY olympians (apart from that diver) - any guesses?

6 Olympians (or Olympic hopefuls?) were in Dulwich park today filming a promo for 2012. Did anyone see it and more crucially do you know any of them? I emailed a mad keen friend today and he asked me to find out who they were but I was too busy keeping my dog from helping himself to the catering facilities (I was unsuccessful)

Around about this time a year ago I had 2 stolen off my van in as many weeks; one from my own driveway. You can buy motion detector alarms, but beware, cats (as in the feline kind) can just as easily set them off as thieves. 'though at ?1500 a time to replace, it's worth the headache. The same thieves will also be looking out for copper; we're debating replacing our outside tap with plastic pipes having verb bitten twice already.

@ Loz - I just gave in and paid a fine on the box junction at batterrsea rise/ northcote road. the picture they sent me showed the lights on amber, 2 cars behind me, a pedestrian about to cross in front of me and a cyclist coming up the side; my back wheels were on the box junction for 5 seconds after the light turned red - I did not stop the crossing traffic at all - but the 8 page letter they sent me rejecting my 1st appeal more or less told me to cough up or go to court and face losing and pay ?120! @ all those saying don't breeak the rules etc. you are missing the point. minor offences which don't do anything to stem traffic flow are being disproportianately punished by people who could be better employed doing something genuinly useful.

@spanglysteve- I do this trip regularly. Leaving to head north on a Friday means you will have to sit in traffic at some point. My best advice is treat yourself to a marks & spencer picnic and head out on the m4/m25 route to the m40. Them use the toll rd on m6 and floor it for 19 miles to make up for the slow start!

Dear James, Do you and Southwark Council have an opinion on the release fees private car clamping companies charge whilst acting for Southwark Council? Yesterday I paid ?686.00 to have my vehicle released over a ?60 PCN I challenged by email which has yet to be responded to. Best, Jonny

if you catch the bailiffs in the act of clamping you can try explaining the vehicle is for work purposes. the draconian laws they work by (medieval and granted somewhere in the 16th century - i kid you not) also include the clause that vehicles for the purpose of work cannot be inhibited. that or call northamptonshire or notts county court (can't remember which) who deal with all traffic fines and request a statutory out of notice claim form and appeal. the bailiffs have to stand down until it has been processed.