Serena2012

There was a young-ish looking black cat in the shelter on the south-bound platform when I got off the train at East Dulwich station around 9.15ish this evening. A kind fellow passenger went and looked after it. Hopefully this one was simply lost and hadn't been abandoned.

Yes. The notice outside says that it's taken a bit of a bashing in recent years so they're giving it a bit of a facelift. It's reopening next weekend I think.

Two other thoughts (and then I promise to shut up). If you have time, you should definitely consider individually wrapping the toys/ books that you include in the children's party bags. A pi?ata (Tesco online has lots of options) stuffed with sweets, along with giant jenga and connect four (which can be hired) might also be options.

Before I forget origami can be a good distraction as well - particularly if you include a competitive element. You should be able to source a 5 minute origami set relatively cheaply online... Another option would be to create an "I Spy" game for the children, listing out a list of things they need to take photos of using the disposable cameras provided. There should be plenty of sources of inspiration online if you google "wedding I spy ideas"

At our wedding, we had 8 children aged 7 and younger. I had my aunt (who is very handy with a sewing machine) make fabric bags with each of the children's names on them. I then filled these with lots of activity and colouring in books, depending on the ages of the children. The Tate Modern's book store which has loads of activity books was a really good source of inspiration in this regard. I ended up buying books like: Everybody's activity book The anti-colouring in book; and The ha ha bonk book (a favourite of mine when I was around 7); and for the younger children (we had quite a few between the ages of 2 months and 3): Peppa Pig Activity Books The Hungry caterpillar Tell Me How Much I Love You; and Jonathan and Martha We also gave the babies a small soft toy each. I agree with the comments above re: bubbles. Disposable cameras are also a very good way of keeping children entertained, and my mother in law also bought a pack of silly moustaches, glasses and noses, which went down a treat with the toddlers... We also had a retro sweets table and a fancy dress box (including glo sticks) for the evening bit of the reception, which went down a treat with the slightly older children and adults alike, and I'm sure the sugar high meant that our little flowergirls (aged 5 and 7) stayed dancing far later than they would otherwise have done - which was a bonus for their parents... In a similar vein, I've also been to quite a few weddings which have had photobooths (both DIY and professional) and these also seem to go down a treat with children... Also, if you google "Rockmywedding windswept beauty part 2" you should stumble upon a blog entry for a beautiful scottish island wedding where the couple had a table of toys and games etc. set up for the children - a fab idea and one that in hindsight I wish I'd thought of earlier... Happy planning!

A Waitrose is just what Lordship Lane needs. I am still disappointed that the M&S Planning application was unsuccessful but would be delighted if the eyesore that is Iceland was replaced with Waitrose.

Thank you all for your kind words of wisdom - much appreciated. Great to hear that there's a good sense of community on the street. We hope to be your neighbours soon.

We're thinking of moving to the area and have seen a place we like on Copleston Road. Any views positive or negative about this street would be much appreciated. In particular, I have heard that parking can be a bit of a nightmare. Does this ring true? Many thanks.