Debi

Signed with no hesitation. Um ... is Louisa for real???

The last I heard about Pimlico was not good news, I'm afraid. My 13 year old goes to Kingsdale and we thoroughly recommend it. My youngest is currently in Year 6 at Goodrich and will definitely be going to Kingsdale too. But Debs is right re the supportive parents bit ... (All people called Debs are right. Always.);-)

Ratty - the one on Grove Vale just by Goose Green roundabout. Come to think of it, for a while they had 'sign only' for credit cards instead of PINs recently. I joked with the guy at the time saying it was so rare I wasn't sure if I could remember my signature. He wasn't amused as I recall. Having read all this now, I do wonder if the machine hadn't been removed for checking. If so, it doesn't seem to have been very effective as a deterrent (assuming our suspicions are well-founded).

I've always sniggered a bit at people who go to great lengths to cover up their PIN when they enter it. I've learned my lesson! And I'm also going to boycott the Grove Vale Texaco from now on ...

Bought petrol in Texaco Grove Vale on Sat afternoon with my credit card. Thought a bit weird at time as they keyed in wrong amount and called me back to correct it. Later that evening Barclaycard called to say card inc PIN no had been presented in Canada (?400 purchase - rejected I'm glad to say). I was impressed at speed and efficiency of bank's response at least ...

Monica - I think the enormous amount of work and commitment this took should be loudly applauded. It's sad that some people seem to have lost sight of the bigger picture but I hope it doesn't grind you down knowing there are those who don't understand the concept of altruism. It's all too easy to snipe and criticise. Far harder to got off our butts and actually do something to make a difference. You have my 100% support, Monica et al.

I thought the purpose of the exercise was to draw attention to the environmental issues re plastic bags (in which case it's been a cracking success!) rather than ensure everyone with a particular postcode gets a free bag ...

Result! At Goodrich we have a weekly organic fruit and veg scheme. It used to be delivered in brown paper carrier bags that you could bring back for re-use. For the last couple of weeks they've been using plastic bags instead and I was building up to protest. Then yesterday the veg arrived in ... SNUB bags! They're lovely - strong, good-looking, capacious and with impeccable green credentials. Good on you, Monica, and thanks from this little corner of a damaged planet.

I'm in Friern Rd in the flats at the Lordship Lane end. I'm presuming someone will make the effort to get into the blocks so we're not left out ...?:'( Well done, Monica et al.

Lovely food and vibe. All their coffee is fair trade and they're really friendly. I'm in East Dulwich Writers' Group and we do meet up there for our regular coffee chats, though not weekly. Now I want to know who Sandperson is and how you recognised that the dodgy lot huddled in the back room are part of EDWG ... (?)

Those who doubt that fascism is alive and well in 21st century Britain only needs to check their voter's card today. If the BNP get 5% of the vote (and they came v close before) they automatically get a seat on the London Assembly. I doubt if the timing of this graffiti is coincidental.

DC - oh bless! Assuming we're talking about Nirvana Bites and Trading Tatiana ... Hope you enjoyed them and really pleased you had access to them via UC's stall. And yes, I am Debi Alper. As you can see, I'm crap at self-promotion! (One of the reasons I don't include a link to my website and blog on this forum.)

Getting back to the original point - sorry to hear you're off, Ultraconsultancy, and wish you luck for the future. Um - I believe you have copies of my books (delivered to you pre-Xmas) tho don't know if you sold any. Can you let me know how you want to go about returning them? Please PM me to let me know ...

Only just seen this, Clare! Really sorry to hear ... Kisses to your lovely daughter and you. xxx

Absolutely! As soon as our son walked into Kingsdale's atrium he said it was the school for him, but it wouldn't necessarily suit everyone. Check out allof them and make your own decision.

The great thing about Kingsdale is that it's far more than just the fab building and facilities that make it the excellent school that it has become. (Won't keep repeating myself here - see those previous threads for all the things the school has going for it.) We couldn't be happier about our decision to send our children there.

As mentioned on those previous threads, our eldest is at Kingsdale in Year 8 and is doing wonderfully well there. Our youngest is in Year 5 at Goodrich and when we come to decision time later this year, we won't even look elsewhere. We're just grateful that he will get an automatic place at Kingsdale as a sibling. It's fast approaching the point where, if you don't put Kingsdale top of your list, you risk not getting a place. It's certainly about time the school got the recognition it so richly deserves!

Kingsdale here too - and we thrived!!!

Yes - it's for refugees. And yes - they're shipped in and out very fast these days and dispersed round the country. Inside it's pretty grim, believe me ... Not meaning to self-promote here, but it features in my 2nd book. http://www.debialper.co.uk/booksmain.shtml#tt

We saw those lights and were quite freaked out! About 7 of them - slow moving and then just faded. So what were they?

You took the words from my mouth, Jan!

Phone the school, Jan. They're incredibly open and will be happy to arrange a tour just for you during school hours. They'll only need an hour's notice to make sure someone is available to show you round.

Thanks, Ko! As per the other thread - we have a son in Year 8 at Kingsdale and are passionate supporters of the school. We have another son in Year 5 at Goodrich and will have no hesitation whatsoever in sending him to Kingsdale. Reply in this thread if you have any specific questions about the school that I can help with.

Absolutely - and it's paid off - big time. But money can only do so much. It's provided the amazing building and resources as well as raising the self-esteem of many of the pupils. But as I said before, it's the dedication and vision of the head and teaching staff that has really made a difference. They are very self-critical and always seeking further improvements and are also very parent-friendly and open. If a child is engaged with his/her education, they will be given every opportunity and encouragement at Kingsdale.

For those people for whom Harris will not be an option (for whatever reason) I'd urge you to consider Kingsdale. My son has been there since September and is absolutely thriving. They have wonderful resources, a totally dedicated and committed staff team and rapidly improving results. Please don't listen to out-of-date negative propaganda. Check the recent Ofsted report. http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/portal/site/Internet/menuitem.7c7b38b14d870c7bb1890a01637046a0/?event=getReport&urn=100844&inspectionNumber=285899&providerCategoryID=8192&fileName=\\school\\100\\s5_100844_20061122.xml Or better still, arrange to visit the school yourself and speak to teachers and pupils. Keep an open mind and I guarantee you'll be impressed. At the very least, you'll see there are genuine options within the area.