NunheadGirl

I have to say that whilst I agree travelling to see relatives can at times feel like a pain overall I have been quite surprised and saddened by how many people on this thread don't get on with their extended families. I lost my Dad a few years ago, before having children, and my Mum is about 200 miles away and getting to an age where I know she will not be with us that much longer. I really miss seeing her on a regular basis and dread the time when I will have to explain to my children why we can't visit her any more (I had them late so they are both still young and likely to lose her before they get to double figures). I'm so glad my hubby's parents are closer, so we can get to them within an hour and therefore manage to see them more often. It is really important to me that my children know their Grandparents, and are given the chance to hear some of the family stories and history etc. whilst they are still with us. I know the travelling can be a pain at times, but we are talking about family here.....I'm sure you would travel 1,000 miles for your own children, or think about when they are grown up, and you are missing them, how hurt you would be if they showed signs of not being willing to make the effort for you. However much I dread the journey once I am there with them it always feels worthwhile. At times we have travelled late at night, or left at 5am in order to travel at a time when it is best for the kids, and to get out of London whilst the traffic is clear - if need be can't you do that, and book a cheap hotel en route, or close to the lunch venue to make it work? I don't know how many times a year they ask you to be with them, but regardless of what is 'normal' in your family, when you decide to marry someone you have to be open minded about accepting his families ways as much as you'd expect him to accept your traditions. It isn't always easy, but it is all part of being married. How does the saying go - you can choose your friends....but not your relatives. I feel really blessed to have 'out-laws' I genuinely love and get on with and I know that makes it all easier, this thread had really reminded me of that even more. As far as wedding anniversary celebrations - I agree they are generally something for the couple to celebrate privately, but if I get as far as my Ruby Wedding anniversary I'm damn sure I'm going to have a big party - in this day and age not that many people make it, and those that do deserve to be made a fuss of in my opinion!

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Aha - tell them when the Ice Cream man plays his music it is to let everyone know he has sold out of ice cream! Evil Mummy grin. ;-)

Yes I saw Jo at the DP festival too, whilst watching the excellent magic show.

Brewing Mellors??!!!! Sounds perfect, see you for a pint of snakebite! Seriously though, happy to help any way I can. Molly

I got 2 tops from Boob in the sale on line and 2 tops from bras4mums on line which are vest style but with unbuilt support and clips to drop on one side or other to feed. Have worn all these to death - still in them 15 month on so I reckon I've had my moneys worth! Noticed pre Christmas that Gap Bluewater now have maternity stuff - too late for me sadly!!

Well yes, I can understand that completely and don't blame you for being careful. I hate the fact that teenagers can at times feel so intimidating, and certainly when pregnant I steer well clear of any conflict.

I truly believe there are more good people than bad out there, and I love this part of South London because there is such an eclectic mix, but we do all seem to muck in together fairly successfully most of the time. After 12 years here I have so many friends and a wonderful support network that would make it hard to move away. I have experienced many acts of kindness - without fail I am helped with my buggy when trying to make it up and down stairs at the train stations, or when with my 80 year old Mum and in need of help with her suitcase etc. The other week I was in Morrisons in Peckham struggling to pack my shopping with my newborn and the man from the next queue came across and packed all my shopping and loaded it into the trolley for me. I couldn't thank him enough. Having said that, I get furious when I see people dropping litter and have been known to 'wade in and have a go more than once' because I don't see why we should all just turn our heads and let people get away with stuff like this. I usually pick up said piece of litter and say something like "I'll just put this in the bin shall I as you can't be bothered to". Equally as a conscientious dog owner (not wishing to kick off a huge dog/poop scooping thread again) if I see someone not picking up after their dog I walk up to them with a nappy sack and say "Excuse me, I don't think you noticed but your dog just went to the toilet over there, do you need a bag or have you got your own?". North London - I'm glad you've 'seen the light' and come to appreciate the merits of life South of the river! Nunhead Girl.

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > It's worth all the dwellings of Nunhead put > together, although it needs a bit of work pmsl ???? - are you sure? You clearly haven't seen my 7 bedroom Victorian dream set in its own half an acre.....(neither have I sadly).....

The Daily Mail is really only fit to use to line the cat litter tray, so don't expect to read anything sensible in it. I love Nunhead, alway have and always will. I love some of our local shops, but am also glad to have ED just across the park. I totally respect the views of those who prefer East Dulwich, but don't see why there has to be any snobbery about it. Surely we can all live alongside each other quite happily? I reckon there are good and bad things about both areas. Nunhead Girl

I am really curious about the big derelict house by the Harvester / Cox's Walk. I know a new version of the house has been built behind it, but the original is still standing. Can anyone tell me what is going on with it? I have been 13 years in Nunhead (does that sound like a life sentence...I do get out now and again?!!), I think it has been standing empty as long as I've been around.... Nunhead Girl

Nico, It sounds like your place may be more of a bar than a cafe, but for the latter, IF you do want to get the buggy brigade through your door then let me tell you about a fantastic cafe on Northcross Road in Clapham, which has a childrens play area tucked into a small area at the back. It has soft mats and an upper and lower level (but very safely 'fenced') with just a few toys. Basically it means parents get to chat and enjoy lunch whilst children are fairly well out of the way and entertained, so in some ways less hassle than when expected to just 'sit and behave' with nothing to actually entertain them/keep them quiet. That place also has a supply of nappies and baby food etc. to hand if needed and is very child friendly, and the menu has a good selection of food suitable for healthy eating Mums-to-be, young children, and those looking for something a bit more exciting. I have had more than one discussion with a friend about opening up a place like this in ED as I am sure it would do a roaring trade, and maybe it would reduce the number of buggys in some of the others cafes which I know would be welcomed by those who would like to escape 'us lot'! It may not be for you, but thought I'd mention it! Nunhead Girl

PMSL @ *Bob* and Jefferykon08. :))

Gosh, I am so thankful to NatashaD for posting on here. Now I will know how to recognise any future gay men I bump into (heaven forbid). Seems to me only one person around here is in danger of lowering the tone of East Dulwich.....although of course, as her fitness instructor is gay clearly she cannot possibly have any homophobic qualities..... Nunhead Girl

As there are many different 'straight' venues, so it is with gay venues...some allow anyone in, others are intentionally and exclusively gay - this hasn't changed and I doubt it ever will. Some of my best friends are gay (hmmm, I feel a song coming on), and there are some places they go where I simply wouldn't be allowed in because they are male only, exclusively gay clubs....such as XXL, but there are plenty of others that I've been to with them, and I guess this the type of thing I can imagine working in ED. But, the issue is could you really make it a gay / straight friendly bar, rather than 'just another bar'? Amanda