Giuli

I would sort of recommend the Dulwich Riding School if going further out of Dulwich is not an option for you. My daughter has had individual lessons there for a couple of years, and, although the tuition was a bit hit and miss, she mostly had good instructors and she has learned quite a lot. The best option is to ask for a semi-private lesson, either with a friend, or with somebody else. Very often it has happened that they did not have another person to go along, and she ended up having a private lesson, but at less cost. The management of the stables are a bit gruff, but when you get to know them they are OK. They only tend to ride out in the park at quiet times, and it is true that they rarely allow the horses to canter, although it does happen. Another option would be the stables at Mottingham, which we also have used. The riding there is a bit more satisfying because they have some land, and the teaching is usually good.

Many thanks to all who have contributed with advice. I do realize that it is a bad idea to seal the air vent off. Maybe I should have expressed myself better, but I guess I didn't know whether the problem was best approached from the bottom (blocking the inside of fireplace, which is not working anyway) or from the top (putting some kind of mesh on top of the chimney). In the case of the chimney, I was really looking for a recommendation of somebody who would do the work, and general information about what is involved (i.e. would scaffolfding be needed?). Thanks giuli

Hello, would anybody have an idea on what to do to seal off a chimney or a fireplace, so that animals(mice/rats/squirrels/birds cannot get into the flat? I have no idea of what to do or who to ask to do the job, so any advice is very much appreciated. Regards G

This may be a long shot, but Mitzi is not a common name, and I seem to temember there is a Mitzi who is a horseriding instructor at the Dulwich Riding School. tel: 02086932944. might be worth giving them a ring.

Steveo, lovely! I didn't think there were any politically incorrect people left in ED.

Try opening Skype, going into Tools, then Options, then Video settings. You may also have to adjust the Audio settings. If you already have done all this, try and reinstall your inbuilt webcam software or get newer drivers. Good luck! G

Thanks Keef, I had a look at the LG Viewty Lite, and it seems quite good, with good reviews and within budget.

Please, owners or buyers of any one of these 2 phones, help me chose. My daughter would like any of the 2 but only these 2 would fit her requirements and my budget. There is a huge number of rubbishing reviews for both of them, as well as some good ones. These reviews are all so passionate I'm beginning to think they have been planted. Paranoia sets in. Spent all afternoon online and still I can't decide. Any thoughts? Thanks G

What about including a range of cheap and cheerful young teenage wear? I hate shopping in Central London, given a chance would always shop in (East/West) Dulwich, but so far haven't been able to find much for my tall 12-year old daughter around here. Good luck