R11

The lovely Margaret who does the term time sessions at Buchan Hall and in the Ivyhouse is running some of her sessions in Peckham Rye park this week and Dulwich Park next week. Details on her website: http://www.margaretsmusicltd.com/whats-on.html

It's Ivydale School Summer Fair this Saturday 25th June. Come and join us 12-3 for BBQ, Pimms bar, tea and cakes, bouncy castle, bubble machine, traditional fair games, hamper raffle, second hand toys and books, children's music performances, Nunhead Community Choir, air guitar competition, face painting and tattoos, fun craft activities and plenty more. Ivydale School Ivydale Road Nunhead SE15 3BU

Thank you. I will definitely give there a try.

After a clear out, I have a selection of duvet covers in various sizes, pillow cases and a sleeping bag all in good condition which I would like to give to a homeless organisation or one sending aid to refugee camps. I offered it to the Barry Road hostel today but they didn't want it. Can anyone suggest any organisations who would like it? Ideally based fairly locally so I can take it to them in the next couple of days. Many thanks.

Saied did a great job pruning our very overgrown apple tree last week. He is clearly very knowledgable and cares about his work and customers. He gave me lots of advice and offered to come back to check the tree in a few weeks with no extra charge. He's a pleasure to deal with, friendly and professional.

Sorry to hijack the thread and offer no solution but our cleaner has called in sick and we are also looking for a last minute replacement to do 3 hours at our house in Nunhead tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) at any time of the day. Please let me know if you know of any available cleaners or good local agencies who can provide cleaners at such short notice. Many thanks.

Just reviving this thread yet again as we too are about to redo our kitchen and am wondering if any wise forumites can offer more advice. We are about to have a small extension done and will need a kitchen refit to work in the new space. I have plenty of random ideas but have been very uninspired by the high street kitchen options such as Ikea and Wickes, which is all we have a budget for, (and to be honest even the more expensive options we couldn't afford) so are looking at the options of reworking and reusing some of the existing kitchen we inherited, which we really like parts of and just adding some new appliances and fixtures, shelving and individual units to work around our new space and requirements. Has anyone done anything like this and strayed away from the idea of a complete fitted kitchen? If so, how did you go about it? I'm feeling a little stuck! And can anyone recommend a local carpenter who might be able to do something like this for us - ideally someone creative and not just a standard fitted kitchen fitter but not too pricy either - if that's not asking the impossible! Also, has anybody gone for bamboo flooring and can recommend which type and good suppliers? Any information or advice gratefully received. Thanks.

We moved locally last year with a 3 year old and 8 month old and used Smile Moves. They did the whole packing service too and were absolutely brilliant - such nice guys and did a great job. They were also our lowest quote.

We are looking to do what sounds like a very similar thing requiring similar services. We also have small children and would be grateful for any local recommendations - and if you would be willing to share any contacts people may have sent you by PM, Kes. Many thanks

Another recommendation for Matthew. He and his guys have just completed their second job for us and we are really happy with their work. They fully redecorated our 2 adjoining reception rooms including painting newly built-in cupboards and shelving to really high standard. They worked extremely hard and have finished it to a really good standard at a very fair price. They were also particularly patient and considerate with our two small children running around the rest of the house and fairly frequent interruptions! In addition, Matthew is really helpful and knowledgable and advised us throughout about materials and methods and any issues which arose during the work. He also liaised independently with the carpenter building our shelves and cupboards to coordinate all the work as smoothly as possible, which was great. We will definitely use Matthew and his team again.

This is a really lovely, friendly choir and a great thing to do with your little one(s) although it's aimed at the adults. We've been going since it began over 2 years ago and love it. Richard does great arrangements which are lovely to sing and, in my experience, the babies and children get a lot out of it too. We usually go to the Monday morning group and it's such a nice way to start the week.

Thanks everyone. Think I will look out for a job lot of v3/4 BG going second hand.

I'm thinking of investing in some more nappies for my 3 month old, who I haven't managed to get into cloth yet. Thought I'd consult the family roomers as I know there are a fair few cloth nappy users and experts among you. I used Motherease one size mostly for my older son and really liked them but didn't start until he was about 4 months and he was considerably bigger than his little sister is now. I have tried her in them but all poppered down into the smaller size plus a wrap seemed a) enormous and bulky on her (she's quite long and slight and still only in size 1 or 2 disposables) and b) quite a lot of faff when I'm now doing it with a 3 year old to entertain at the same time. A friend lent me an old Bumgenius all in one to try, which was much easier and a bit less bulky and when I consulted the Nappy Lady and gave my requirements, she suggested the new Bumgenius freetime. It looks great but I wondered if anyone has used them on a smallish, breastfed baby and what they think performance/ease of use-wise before I buy (especially as they are so new there aren't really any available to buy second hand) Or does anyone have any other all in one recommendations? I really want to stick to one size only as I'd like them to last all the way. Also, if anyone's looking to sell any good nappies, please let me know. Thanks

Another vote for the Lanes. I had my second with them in November, having had my first also with them 3 years previously. I was with Erika both times but had other midwives for both deliveries. I had one very long and more complicated hospital birth and then a much faster than expected but straight forward home birth and they were fabulous for both. The care during pregnancy and after the birth both times was outstanding and I felt very privileged to have such personal attention and support. I really don't feel either experience would have been so positive were it not for them. At my first appointment for my second pregnancy, Erika took the time to go through the staff turnover in the team since I'd had #1, which wasn't alarmingly high and totally understandable. There are at least 3 of the same midwives from over 3 years ago and all those on the team while I was in their care have always been excellent. Can't praise them highly enough.

The school in Clapham is called ELT (English Language Training) http://www.elt-online.co.uk/ As dulwichquine said, it's easy to get to on the 37 or by bike. It's small, friendly and very much geared to the au pair market so a good place to meet other au pairs in the south London area. It's also fully accredited and offers a high standard of teaching.