goosey-goosey

I wouldn't put it past Southwark Planning to forget that sort of thing, though I hope it's just an oversight on your part; I've not looked at the details myself.

We have just applied for a meter, and had the initial survey. It's all been a doddle, the website and Thames Water will advise on whether it's likely to save you money, and I think you can revert to rates-determined bills up to a year after having a meter fitted. The only risk I can see is if there's a leak between the meter (they're normally installed under the pavement) and your taps. But in that case, your bills are likely to rocket very quickly so you'd be sure to notice and be able to do something about it, like revert to non-metered payments.

With enough signatures on the petition the prompt services you've noticed are quite likely to be the result of people power, I reckon. The managers responsible for those services will quite likely watch social media, track negative customer experiences, and do something about them. More power to the collective, virtual elbow!

Yet another excellent piece. And talking of Bellenden Village, anyone remember the Oglander (now a nicely redeveloped set of flats), which had a brief stint as a gay pub about 15-20 years ago?

This is a very informative thread. Thanks to all contributors. One comment on the non-viability of a direct ED/PR connection to the West End - I'm sure someone in the know once told me a branchline could be reopened somewhere between the Elephant & Castle/Blackfriars and Charing Cross at relatively low cost. Perhaps capacity problems at CX prevent this.

I wonder if the decision to route the Bakerloo line extension down the Old Kent Rd rather than PR/ED might, just might, see TfL and Network Rail release extra capacity on our severely congested, existing rail lines and maybe (re)open new lines. A direct service from PR to Charing Cross, anyone?

edhistory, I don't see USDAW providing the specific counselling services that the OP describes. So far as I can see, that link takes you to general advice on mental health support rather than info on accessing trained, USDAW-commissioned counsellors. So, cost-wise, the OP's idea might still make sense to both employee and employer.

I like the idea. I've never worked for smaller companies but have experienced the benefits of professional counselling services provided free by larger organisations.

As someone whose partner recently made much use of the imaging services at King's, I was happy to complete the survey. I encourage anyone with an opinion about our local hospital to do likewise. It's actually a rather complex subject that I didn't have time to research; what I did was answer most questions "Unsure" and pasted the following into each text box: "I have no idea. What I want is for full imaging services to remain at King's College Hospital at their current levels." Might help..

King's College Hospital also needs donations of tinned food, pasta, rice, and dry food to support frail patients in the first few days after operations, before support services kick in. I saw posters asking for donations around the hospital today. I think you can simply drop them off at the KCL Friends shop in the hospital. Raid the back of your kitchen shelves for those Christmas leftovers, people!

It might be worth the wait. The East Dulwich Deli was the start of something big all those years ago - the development of LL started soon after. Watch FHR develop similarly, albeit from Oct 2016 onwards. Bring back the late-night bagel shop! :-)

The fit-out is looking good, judging by what I saw this monring.

Another vote for Dijon. The right size to get into, get a good meal, strole a bit, and get out quickly.

That takes me back. I used to play that game with a neighbour's son when I was young. The family had spent time in East Africa.

Similar questions being asked in "General Issues / ED gossip...": http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,1591950.

I like the bus garage. Also, let's not design only for aesthetics ("it is an eyesore") or commercial gain (I wonder who is actively pushing the high-street idea - developers?). What about usability and prudence? Not to say common sense.

The rhetorical "so". I'm intrigued and irritated by "so" at the start of a sentence. It's an indicator of something, but I'm not sure what. It's as though the speaker is showing off or trying to change the focus of the conversation. This is why Siobhan Sharpe used it so much. She's real, right? "What's wrong with the BBC?" "So we're talking major brand surgery here."

And don't forget the Vienna Philharmonic - a fine band.

Thank you, steveo and Saffron. It's good to hear your experiences. I recognize a lot of them. Steveo, I'm also surprised at the low-level stress driving around London can induce. That affects me and informs my thinking about teleworking. Yup, I really don't understand why there aren't more splattered cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers littering the roads. Saffron, on the days I currently visit the office I actually build in time to walk around and soak up gossip and general chit-chat. It's surprisingly critical. I'll have to find a substitute for that if I work permanently at home. Also, I don't want colleagues "forgetting" me in my absence either... Hmm... On the plus side, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't put myself at risk (but good point) and anyway I spend half my time working with US-based colleagues who won't care where I am as long as I'm available. There's a lot to this teleworking business. I guess it even affects interactions with partners and housemates. My partner has just raised an eyebrow at the suggestion I might be around all day, every day, hogging the study. We shall see................

Calling any converts to teleworking (home-working)! How's your experience been? Any qualms or regrets about not being in the office? Any contract of employment changes that concern you? Background... I work from home three days per week and pop into my company's offices the other two. I say "pop into". In fact, the commute by car is over an hour (if I set off at ca. 6am). The offices are beyond NW London so the train is not an option from here and new roadworks, speed restrictions, cycle superhighways, and increased traffic on the way are all making the drive a battle. In the 10 years I've done this journey, I've noticed things getting a lot worse recently and I don't see how they will scale favourably in the future. I appreciate to some extent the squeeze on drivers is inevitable and I've adjusted my timings and route accordingly. However, I can't see myself taking that approach any further. I'm therefore contemplating applying for a change of contract so I can work full-time from home with just occasional visits to the office. It's either that or find another job, which I'm reluctant to do. Internet, desk, printer, etc. are all set up at home. It's not the technicalities of teleworking I'm wondering about. It's the psychological, social, and legal adjustments. I'd welcome your thoughts.

One word. Cake. What those Austrians don't know about baked carbohydrate and fat isn't worth knowing. Seriously, I spent a week there but decades ago. I would definitely recommend wandering the streets soaking up the grand, modernist architecture (e.g. the Secession Building). Have a good trip.

a_m, obviously I never looked up at Brissi's shop sign till it was too late. Thanks for clarifying. The builders definitely said it will be a clothes shop, whatever it's called.

JNot sure I'm the first to post on this, but have you seen Brissi are setting up in the old East Dulwich Deli? Apparently, it's to be a clothes shop.

SuperBob sounds great. I'm as yet undecided about Aaaaaaaaaah! as that's not the Google-friendliest of terms. From the sound of it, this must be an action adventure featuring the crazy antics of an East Dulwich superhero confounded by mad road schemes, a crazy local council, increased house prices, and only five sourdough emporia to choose from.

njc97: Indeed, the developers will pay for the OKR route. The trouble is, they will pay only a fraction of the cost of it.