tyor

I?m considering applying sealant on my Indian Sandstone patio to protect it and give it a wet look/satin finish. Unfortunately there are so many sealants are there that it is difficult to identify the really good ones. Recommendations from previous experience would be most appreciated pls. Many thanks

And another recommendation for Gary Skinner of First Choice Decorating. We took on Gary after reading the many glowing references he received on the forum. With the many cowboys/rogue traders around, it was important to find someone trustworthy who could also deliver quality finishing. We found such qualities in Gary and his team of Ray, Ben & Lee. The interior decoration work included stripping woodchip wallpaper, skirting boards and dado rails, plastering, fitting new doors, painting of the porch, hallway, two large receptions and landing as well as fitting and painting new skirting boards. Throughout the job we found Gary and the team to be very accommodating and understanding; giving advice and suggestions where required and working around the schedule of the loft conversion builders. We also found Gary to be very personable and easy to get along with. Overall, the work was completed to a very high standard with an attention to detail in the finishing. We now look forward to phase two of the project which is redoing the bedrooms and will definitely be calling Gary back. As with the other recommendations I have no hesitation recommending First Choice Decorators and sharing pictures and responding to direct messages.

Hi Saffron, First of all congrats on the new job. Oh, the headaches of being a working parent. Since Little Saff is 5yrs old that means he will be changing school in September regardless of whether you're moving or not. We recently moved and uprooting the kids from their school is something we just didn't want to do, and didn't. So I can understand your apprehension. Because Little Saf is starting Yr1 in Sept, I think you're in a better situation. If I were in your shoes, I'd consider renting out our current home and renting one in Kingston or some place where commuting will not be a nightmare for both you and your husband/partner and find a school there for Little Saf. Bearing in mind that applications to primary schools (private and state) would have closed by now, I'd strongly suggest you start looking asap. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Lorraine.

Thanks both. I'll have a look at the Goodrich class. I spoke with Stagecoach East Dulwich yesterday and was told that they will start accepting childcare vouchers soon. Probably after the summer. Apparently she had been inundated with requests for this. Personally, I feel the rules should be reviewed to make it easier for child carers to accept it.

Hello All, I'm looking for a drama club/class for kids that accepts childcare vouchers. Ideally one that will also run over the summer. Any recommendations? Also, can someone explain why most of these kids clubs/after-school classes don't accept vouchers? We're finding it more and more difficult to use them.

Gambado Beckenham is a great venue and just 20mins drive from East Dulwich. we've used it in the past. We recently had our daughter's 5th birthday at David Lloyd Leisure Centre (also in Beckenham). It was great. The parents had the option to drop the kids and grab a coffee and some much needed quiet time while the children ran amuck. In addition, each child is given an IV for the family to try out the centre for free for two weeks (marketing ploy I know). The children had a fantastic time. Goodluck with your search.

Might be worth a shot if you visit a pet-shop for this. Aquazoo in Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon are superb. Goodluck.

Hi All, Can anyone recommend a very good and reliable water softener system? How much should we budget? There is a promo for one on Groupon by a company called EWT Technologies for ?575 (?499 if you go directly to the company. Does anyone have any experience with this company? Also, what are the ongoing costs of having such a system in place? E.g periodic salt purchase for the system. Thanks

Thanks for this Lochie.

We are in the process of moving to Beckenham with no immediate plans of changing the kids from their school in West Dulwich. As we begin planning for this and resumption of the new school term I was wondering if anyone in a similar situation (i.e living in Beckenham and driving kids to school in the Dulwich area) can advise on the best route to Dulwich coming from Upper Elmers End Road to avoid morning traffic.

There's a chap that works in Southwark council who's name is Jor-El(Superman's father): That's got to be one of the coolest names for a kid. Apparently his mother was a big Marlon Brando fan.

Have a look at www.gear4music.com. I bought an 88-key Yamaha P35 digital piano for my then 5yr old son when he started playing last year. Comepetitive pricing for all types of pianos with inclusive extended warranty. I've been pleased with the purchase.

Just wanted to add my recommendation of Nick as well. We had him over at our place yesterday for some minor decoration. Very professional. We'll definitely be calling on him again.

I'm also looking for a childminder/nanny for school drop-off, pickup and after-school care starting from 6-Jan. Ideally must have a driver's license and a car (though having a car is not a must). My requirements are: - Drop off 4 days a week (Mon - Thurs) 8:00 for resumption at 8:45 Pick-up and after-school care 3:30-6:30 - 3-4 days a week Please PM if you are interested or know any one who could be.

I also receommend the east Dulwich Dental on Forest Hill Road.

Hello, Mistakenly posted this in Family classified previously. We are looking for someone to help us with the school drop off 4 days a week and if possible, pick up and after school care 2-3 days a week as well. We can be flexible with the days/hrs. We have a 6 yr old son and 4 yr old daughter who both attend Oakfield Prep. School resumes at 8:45 and closes at 3:30 Please PM me if this is something you'd be interested in. Ideally, we are looking for someone with a car or driver's license? We are looking at a 6-Jan start. Thanks

Hi, Hope this response isn't too late. Have you tried Gambado Beckenham? It's a soft playground perfect for kids brithday parties. Used it for our son's 5th and plan on using it for our daughter's 4th. Cheers

Mfichardt, I know what you're going through since we were also in the same shoe this time last year. Holiday Drop off is very good. Only problem is that the kids have to be 4yrs old and up. We have a 5 and a 3yr old. AVP Sports (www.avpsports.co.uk) is brilliant aka known as Scamps for the junior kids. Though they are primarily open for the summer, Easter is the only half term they do. Our 5yr old son loves it. They use Dulwich Prep School ground including the swimming facilities. Good luck.

Thanks everyone.

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a splittable bunk bed for my little ones. Does anyone have experience using This type of bed?Also, suggestions on where I can get them at a decent price and of good quality will be appreciated. Thanks

After years of being with British Gas for dual fuel and home care we decided to leave them last December because of poor customer service. From comparison sites Co-Op energy was quite good. We have since moved to them. More decent than the known names in my humble opinion. In hind site I don't know why we were with BG for so long. loyalty is worth nothing these days. Hope this message doesn't seem like a rant against BG..lol

Hi All, Can anyone recommend a good dietician/Nutritionist local to East Dulwich? Testimonies would also be most appreciated. Thanks

@Fufton, Spot on. That's exactly what we want as well. Breakfast club and someone to pick him up when school closes. We decided not to go for the after school club cos it'll just be too tiring for him. Thanks for this.

Thanks Carbonara.