J27

Yes it's great isn't it... I forget the name too, but it's on the corner of Nunhead Lane and Old James Street (not Consort Rd, though very near). Well worth a visit...

No she didn't have children. She was quite young - I'd say around 20 - and said she was a student. The first time she seemed very credible, but the second time - and when she turned up at my neighbour's house - it was clear that she wasn't...

I've heard from a fellow dog owner that his dog was unwell (twice), after going into the stream near the park entrance (next to the Rye). There is a part of the stream there where the water is stagnant. Other parts of the stream are fast moving, and our dogs play there quite safely, but it's possible that the stagnant part may have had something dodgy lurking... It may not apply to taper's dog - hope she's doing ok btw - but I thought I'd mention it...

Apparently she was back in Upland Road this evening. She has a name of someone who lives at the particular house she's calling at, on her list, which makes it look genuine - but we're sure it isn't... (Don't know how she gets the names - maybe the electoral roll? or recycling bin?) J

Just a warning - some weeks ago a young woman came to our door asking for money as she'd completed a sponsored walk. She claimed that my husband had sponsored her for ?20, and his name was on her form, as was one of my neighbour's. I paid her, and had a nice chat - she seemed genuine. She came back this evening, with the same story and asking for the payment. The sponsorship sheet looked very like the one she showed me last time, but with my husband's name scribbled out, as were some of the others, so I couldn't be totally sure it was the same one. But I was sure she was the same person, although she claimed she'd not been here before. She claimed to be raising money for cancer support. Maybe she is genuine and just very forgetful/disorganized. But I'm pretty sure she was lying. I don't like to believe the worst of people, but in this case I think I was conned the first time - luckily not twice! I live in Upland Road, and she was doing the rounds at around 7pm. J

I also highly recommend Hamish. He's done some lovely work for us, and is also totally professional, friendly, and easy to deal with. He's given us good advice about possible future work too... V

Hi Scrummymummy, Great, that's very helpful. The office looks really nice! I had a quick look at their website - will definitely have a more thorough look when I have time, and maybe ask for a quote... Many thanks! J

Hi Jane and Norfolk Villas (or anyone else who's done this), I am looking for a garden studio too, and wondered if you'd be willing to share any recommendations? There seems to be a lot out there, and I don't really know where to start - any personal recommendations would be gratefully received! Many thanks! J

Oh, I'm sad she's leaving, she's always so helpful... But good news about the shop not closing...

I've always had a very positive experience of the shop, which I use a lot. I find the staff really helpful - would be very sad to see it go.

Thanks, that's good to know. I hope you've heard back from the SNT by now? J

Hi, I was wondering if any of the people who encountered this driver have in fact reported it to the police? A friend had a very close shave with a car matching the description, at the weekend. It really should be on police records, at the very least... Thanks, J

I totally agree. I simply cannot believe someone could behave so shabbily, both to Chris and his family and to the local community who use and value the shop. It is a wonderful business for many reasons - above all, for me, its atmosphere, friendliness, quality of service ... I suppose we could have a mass objection to the new owner's planning application - though that may come after the shop has closed - rather too late... There must be an EDF person who knows about the legalities of this situation, who could suggest something? If there is something that we as the local community could do to help Chris & co, I know there would be many of us who would love to ...

Overground also goes from Peckham Rye to Shoreditch (High St) - whole journey around half an hour... J

Hmmm... nice idea! Shame we don't have a town square or similar. I know some churches have a tree outside, but can't recall which... Sadly, an outdoor tree might be vulnerable to vandalism, though the roundabout would be good as it's in full view... but yes, the palm-tree probably rules it out...

I think an improved layout, increased variety of products and more regular deliveries would make a big difference. More organic and ethically produced stuff would be very welcome too (yes to Crank's bread :-)! ) - in addition to the everyday essentials. It feels like the Co-op's been neglected for ages, and I'm not surprised at people's scepticism regarding an improvement. But it's in such a useful, central position (near bus stops, park, PO etc); many of us use it several times a week on the way home from work, school etc. Re-fitting it and improving the stock would surely be in everyone's interest. I'm hoping...

I agree re St C's - but do phone them to check, before heaving all your bags down there. I went in a couple of weeks ago and they were unable to take anything, as they were totally full up. This may have changed by now ... Otherwise the MIND shop at Goose Green takes things ...

Hi Lameduck, Sorry to hear this - what a horrible experience and I'm not surprised you're shaken. So glad he didn't get in. See my recent post re Upland Road, where my neighbour's door was kicked in. Take care! J

Hi all, My neighbour's front door was kicked in today. When she confronted the men, they claimed to be from the authorities and said they needed to come in. One of them even showed her an ID card - obviously fake. She stood her ground and refused, and luckily they left. It happened around 1pm in Upland Road. Three youngish men, white, possibly eastern european. The police came very quickly and have been great. They told us there have been several attempted break-ins today in our area. The men left an abandoned car nearby. Apparently there was a white van involved further up the road too - don't know full details. We're certainly going to be extra cautious - double locking front doors etc. My neighbour's door was only locked with the yale lock, which made it more than usually easy to kick in.

Beautiful! Sorry to see you go, and good luck! J