INMCD

Hi. My son's in Year 7 at Harris Boys. We live just by Nunhead Cemetary and he got in last year on 1 March. Quite a few boys from that part of SE15/SE22 are in his year. We're so glad he got in - he loves it. We're very happy.

I'm so glad I've seen this post. He was fast asleep on Tuesday morning when we walked past and my son was really concerned for him. We've never seen him sleeping there before - just sitting in his chair by the entrance to the park. Its so sad. Really hope he gets some help x

I agree with the above, I just think the reason my daughter was freaked out by it was that she'd seen the same guy on Rye Lane walking menacingly down the road. He was walking in a dead straight line & everyone seemed to be jumping out of his path. Possibly she & I over-reacted but the police seemed to take it seriously enough.

My 3 children were just walking home through Peckham Rye Park and walked into the path of a man wearing a balaclava. They were absolutely terrified (my 6 year old was really, really upset) - they ran home v. quickly. My 13 year old tried not to scare her brother and sister too much so kept very calm. My husband's at home and called the police and they've sent a car out to the park. It may be completely innocent but on a warmish, sunny day like today a man in a black mask covering his whole face (eyes and mouth as well) is reason to be concerned. I've seen this guy (assuming its the same one) barrelling down Rye Lane and I was a bit scared.

My daughter goes to South London Harriers. They train at Crystal Palace. I'm not sure what age they take them from (she's 13) but my son, who's in Year 4, has joined in a few times when we've gone to watch. I don't know of any other clubs around. Their email address is www.southlondonharriers.org. Niamh x

I agree. My daughter's just about to start Year 8 and I can't think of anything negative about the school. She's come on so much in the last year and is really happy there. Lovely teachers who are so encouraging and positive. She works hard but doesn't feel under any undue pressure. So far so good for us. x

You're right of course that Southwark shouldn't have to inform us about Lewisham schools. The talk we had at school was supposed to cover all concerns about secondary transfer. What I was trying to say is that the school didn't warn us that although most people in that room would be applying to Lewisham schools, lots of our children would have no hope of getting in. We just weren't given any real guidance & that's where the frustration lies x

My daughter didn't get a place at Sydenham Girls this year due to distance - our application was dealt with purely on that criteria. We had no idea that was going to happen as other girls near us have got in before. Southwark came to school to speak with parents and they never gave us any indication that applications for Lewisham schools would be based on distance! Pretty disasterous really. x

Nunheadmum is right. We're just off Ivydale Road and still waiting for a school place for September (my daughter got none of her 5 choices but was offered Harris Peckham!). The furthest distance that Haberdashers offered in the top band was something like 280 metres (defintely less than 300 metres) so most children from Ivydale and surronding roads wouldn't have a hope of getting into Haberdashers. This year has been partiuclarly bad with hardly any children getting their 1st choice so I really hope that the new school takes the pressure off slightly next year. x

Great thread. Otta your post has really made me laugh. I grew up in North London and remember the fear on the night bus home from Camden Palace! x

I had epidurals at Kings with my three births. My first two were back to back so I definitely needed it and my plan for a water birth with my 3rd went out the window the minute the contractions kicked in! The midwives were happy to give me one all 3 times (first time took longer as we were waiting for the anaesthetist). As soon as it kicks in you can sit back and read a magazine or watch Coronation Street! I didn't have forceps or stitches with any of mine. Good luck! xx

My daughter had teeth crowding and needed a tooth out. Kings messed us around for about 2 years - never making a decision about whether to take it out or not and then finally deciding on a general anaesthetic! I wasn't keen. We went to lovely Nicola at Dulwich Dental Clinic on Lordship Lane and she popped it out in 5 mins! Like Snowboarder I found the Kings experience draining. I'm sure if you go to an NHS dentist you wouldn't have to pay. Niamh x

I love this thread! We have three children - now 10, 6 and 3 and its great. Two children (a girl and a boy) wasn't enough for me and I knew I wanted another as soon as my son was born. I had to fight for number three as my husband was happy with two. She completes our family and I would've regretted not going for it. I would love a 4th but my husband had the snip when she was nine days old! Do it - you'll never regret it! xxxx

We go to Nicola at Dulwich too. She's lovely and relaxed. Highly recommend x

Its not just the trains leaving London Bridge to East Dulwich that's the problem. The 09.10 always leaves at 09.08 so its a mad dash from school to catch it but it sits outside London Bridge every morning - sometimes for about 5 minutes but this morning it didn't get into LB until 09.45! I only work 2 days a week and both nights coming home I get delayed at London Bridge. I've given up and go to Victoria now - less trains to Peckham Rye but a much easier journey. x

Voted. Love The Dish and the Spoon - best sausage rolls! x

My youngest has just started at Puddleducks (she's 3). She's the first one of my 3 children to go to a day nursery so I didn't know how it would be. She loves it & so do I. She's never been good at separation & has cried when I leave her but the ladies are so lovely & once I've gone she's fine. All positive & I'm sure your son will love it xxxx

We had the same sort of thing with our eldest. We waited until the Summer to have her baptised and it was definitely frowned upon (she was 8 months). We then decided not to send her to St Anthony's so didn't go to church. The priest asked me one Christmas Day why he hadn't seen us so when my son was born I was too scared to ask him to baptise him (silly I know!). When we had another daughter the priest had left and the new priest seemed a lot more understanding. My son was 3 by the time he was baptised - the water part was interesting! I was baptised at 9 days old! xx

Hi there. Another recommendation for Richard (07984 146615). He just painted and wallpapered my whole house. He did a fantastic job and really reasonably priced. Nice to have a around too - very friendly. xx

We spent 2 hours there this morning - cakes were beautiful. Really nice idea - go if you get the chance today xxxx

I really like them here - I've been with them for 10 years and they're really helpful. If ever I've needed an appointment for one of the children I always get one that day which I think is brilliant. Saying that luckily most of our ailments over the years have been very minor - not sure what they're like for serious issues. x

We've recently moved from Overhill Road and it was never gritted - 2 years ago I tried to get my car up the hill and into the drive but it spun around and crashed into the wall. Had to get the RAC out and about 5 builders came and helped push it back down - I was very embarrassed and my husband was furious! I hope they do grit it for you - they definitely should. Good luck and be careful xxxx

I always park in the car park just before Kings on the left hand side where the garden centre used to be. Quite reasonable & there's usually spaces. They do ask you to manoeuvre your car into a small space though! x