IlonaM

I had a similar incident the other day, but with a parakeet taken by a small bird of prey. I have never heard such a loud and extended cacophony of screaming birds in my life, not just parakeets but also crows etc.. It seemed to go on for ages. I don't know if the bird of prey kept his prey or not, but he ended up on a branch being watched over by a crow (photo attached). They stayed like that for 20 minutes or so until the bird of prey dropped down. It hasn't put off the parakeets.

Price cap rise confirmed: 'Average annual energy bill to rise by 10% to £1,717 in Great Britain from October' https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/aug/23/average-annual-energy-bill-rise-great-britain-october-ofgem

'Energy bills could rise to average of £1,714 a year in Great Britain from October Cornwall Insight analysts predict quarterly price cap through to end of December will increase by 9%' https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/aug/19/winter-energy-bills-rise-great-britain-price-cap

https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/cah_treaty_1_1/?copy '[Note: potential trigger in first two paragraphs of original text] ... People can be tracked down and prosecuted, but when governments commit murder, torture, or rape – on a massive scale – it's nearly impossible to seek justice. We’re on the verge of changing that! More than 100 countries support a groundbreaking new UN treaty outlawing crimes against humanity. But powerful dictatorships like China and Russia are trying to stop it! Insiders involved in the negotiations tell us that international pressure is the key to building a big enough majority to block the blockers. The key UN committee meets in six weeks. If we can swing a few more countries, we can take the outcome out of the despots’ hands. So sign now and we’ll hand-deliver our voices to the delegates at the General Assembly! Posted: 16 August 2024'

Guardian article today: 'Grocery price inflation in Great Britain rises for first time in 17 months Shoppers turn to supermarket promotions as they come under pressure from price rises' https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/aug/13/great-britain-grocery-price-inflation-rises-supermarket-prices

Direct link for more information: https://standuptoracism.org.uk/stop-the-far-right-national-day-of-protest-saturday-10th-august/

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/banksy-peckham-street-art-wolf-bristol-b1175450.html

I hadn't heard of Jack Karlson until today, although the Australians amongst us probably will. Scroll down to watch the video - I needed a lovely gurgle today amidst all this horrible news : 'Jack Karlson, who shot to fame after ‘succulent Chinese meal’ arrest, dies aged 82 Karlson immortalised the phrase ‘this is democracy manifest’ in what has been described as Australia’s pre-eminent meme' https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/08/jack-karlson-dies-succulent-chinese-meal-death-democracy-manifest-dead-aged-82

Guardian article 08/08/2024: 'RSPCA urges vigilance as weapon attacks on cats more than double People using airguns, slingshots and crossbows for ‘fun’ behind rise in animal attacks in England and Wales' https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/08/rspca-urges-vigilance-as-weapon-attacks-on-cats-more-than-double

Dear friends across the UK, The far right are taking to Britain’s streets. And ordinary people are afraid to leave their homes. More riots are reportedly planned tomorrow in our cities and towns – but it's time to end this racist violence and call for real political change. Sign the urgent open letter, and when it’s massive, Avaaz will deliver it to MPs and the British media. ADD MY NAME Dear political leaders and press across the UK, Britons are watching in horror as the far right take to our streets. Mosques attacked. A hotel housing asylum seekers torched. Cars stopped and drivers asked if they are 'white' or 'English.' This racist violence must end. For too long, many in our political parties and media have spewed anti-migrant and Islamophobic rhetoric - fuelling the fire of these far right mobs. Migrants and Muslims have often been used as scapegoats for Britain’s challenges in a cycnical attempt to secure votes. We need accountability and we need change. A new type of politics that is based on respect and our shared humanity. A politics we can be proud of that doesn’t leave ordinary people scared to leave their homes. We’re calling for change. Do you hear us? ADD MY NAME Our community is one of millions of Brits from all across this country. It is time to stand together, stand in solidarity with those who are being targeted right now, and stand for real change so this violence isn't replicated. With hope and determination, The Avaaz team

This is fascinating!!

I recently had these guys out - quick response and appointment. Reasonably priced. Would recommend. https://computer-repair-man.co.uk/find-your-local-technician/england/greater-london/london/computer-repair-in-dulwich/

Also, as it is affecting your health, get in touch with your GP and the impact of the smoke, stress etc. onto your medical record. Regarding diarising incidents: creating a table is quite handy i.e. Date Time start Time end Duration Room/s affected Nature of incident How it affected you/interaction with neighbours if any/any other notes i.e. contact with SNT/ASB team etc.

'RHS asks for gardeners’ successes and failures to plan for changing climate Charity wants to know how climate crisis is affecting plants and what UK gardeners are doing to mitigate effects' https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/jul/31/rhs-gardeners-successes-failures-plan-changing-climate-uk Direct link to survey (closes 15 October): https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/articles/climate-change-gardening-survey

Keep the faith Sue. Although the recent ICJ decision was a non-binding opinion, Netanyahu is under increasing pressure both at home and abroad. The Labour government has dropped the tories' challenge to the ICC's arrest warrant case against Netanyahu and others. We need to keep up the worldwide pressure. It is very hard to be optimistic with the world as it is at the moment, but we advocates for peace, humanity, human rights and respect of International Law must try.

Guardian article 03082024: 'Energy customers urged to switch to beat winter fuel payments changes UK suppliers’ new fixed-rate tariffs could keep household bills down – and beat forecast energy cap rise' https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/aug/03/energy-customers-switch-winter-fuel-payments-tariffs

National March 3rd August 2024 London https://palestinecampaign.org/events/national-march-for-palestine-3/ PLEASE ATTEND WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS When 03/08/2024 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm National March for Palestine When: 12 noon, 3 August Where: Park Lane, London

Have a chat with Southwark Noise & Nuisance Team as smoke can come under nuisance. They may be able to to advise, assess when it is ongoing, and maybe intervene to encourage your neighbour to move the bbq to another part of the garden. They don't just cover social housing residents, so worth a discussion.

Re: Martin Lewis' advice on energy costs: 'Martin Lewis says people should act now to save money on energy bills before next Ofgem price cap Customers may want to check they’re getting the best deal' https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/martin-lewis-energy-bills-mse-tracker-ofgem-price-cap-b2588888.html

You really need to speak to a lawyer/CAB for advice on 1) who is the most appropriate to sue, Southwark or the tenant and 2) whether there are other options. Complex area to get quick resolution as, based on his behaviour, it sounds as if your neighbour might have mental health issues. Is the local Community Mental Health Team involved? Also regarding police, are you solely reporting to the Met or have you also approached your local Safer Neighbourhood Team? They can be very good on asb and neighbour disputes. That said, if you and your family are in immediate danger call 999. Keep on at Housing Officer/RSO and also try to get Southwark's ASBU engaged. Good to get councillor and/or MP support and advice. Is Southwark also your freeholder? See brief summary re landlord's potential responsibility for tenant's asb: https://www.insight-law.co.uk/blog/are-landlords-responsible-for-tenant-behaviour/ - on a landlord & tenant law firm's website. Good indication of what questions to ask etc.. Also Shelter England: https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_conditions/nuisance_and_asb/complaints_to_social_landlords_about_antisocial_behaviour

Observer article: 'How to find cheap (or free) days out for the kids, come rain or shine Amid the cost of living crisis, and the high price of attractions, many children are stuck indoors. But there are affordable, but no less exciting, trips' https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/jul/29/how-to-find-cheap-or-free-days-out-for-the-kids-come-rain-or-shine

James B Sikking American actor best known for his roles in the TV police series Hill Street Blues and the medical sitcom Doogie Howser, MD https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/jul/28/james-b-sikking-obituary - I loved HIll Street Blues

In the Guardian as well - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/27/trump-speech-no-need-to-vote-future I think they might just have checked!!