JennaAZ

I wouldn't have noticed because no one in our household is waiting on anything really. But I can tell you that I was scheduled for an MRI for last Tuesday (notified via text) and recieved the notification of the appointment yesterday (2 days AFTER the appointment). This is my experience, so yes, it looks as though things are a bit delayed by a good amount of time as I've always received the appointment letter 1-2 weeks in advance of the appointment.

I agree wholeheartedly with the 'why' the increase in muggings with school-aged children. I prepared my Year 6 daughter to go it alone by providing her with 2 years of self defense (just in case), preaching situational awareness (paying attention to what's around her at all times), the 'give it all up' talk and told her a phone was her perogative. She bought her own phone with her own cash (we foot the bill for the phone number) and she is aware she will be replacing her own phone if it is robbed from her. With this knowledge, she NEVER has it out unless it's an emergency, or she is around many adults at a busstop with the hope this makes her less attractive as a victim. At the end of the day, the preparing them is all we can do and hope they NEVER need it.

This is apparently the second time the owner has had to remove squatters. The fact that anyone defends the squatters or feels sorry for them is astounding to me. It's not their property, nor is it anyone elses but the property owner and as such, the owner can do with it as they wish - it is THEIRS - not the communities to demand what to have done with it - not the squatters to feel some sort of justification for living there - period.

As I've been burgled after something similar (man at door saying he got the wrong house number, left on school run within minutes of him leaving - with dogs, back home to find I'd been burgled), I always answer the door with my phone in hand. If it's an emergency, I can phone the police. If it's odd, I have my phone ready to take a photo. Sad days, but it is what it is.

macutd Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > i saw this woman going through bins as she walked > up Grove lane yesterday putting bits in her case, I found this same lady rummaging through our bin 2 weeks ago and told her, not so politely, to remove herself from the street. She said 'no speak English' to which I angrily pointed down the street and said 'leave'. She left and I haven't seen her since. There are a LOT of elderly people along my street. In fact, one of said gentlmen watched the whole thing take place and asked why she was in the rubbish. I did explain what 'could' happen, so he will hopefully be diligent in not putting personal-identifing items in the bin.

I'm so very sorry this hindered on your quiet-time sensibilities. Sadly, my British neighbors don't respect this American's right to a peaceful night's sleep after 10pm either with their loud laughter (gasp) and shouting matches well past 11pm for...O.M.G. - 2 nights in a ROW! I guess we all have a cross to bear with those pesky, noisy, celebrating neighbors. Happy Independence Day America! Yours truly, An American Ex-Pat.

first mate Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The site is adjacent to the Japanese garden and > pavilion which many people use for quiet time. > Mini golf may, as you say, be reasonably quiet- I > guess I keep thinking crazy golf. There is also > the matter of aesthetics, as per Ed Oldies post. Ah, that is right first mate, as I don't go in the Japanese Garden (I'm always there with my dogs), I had forgotten about that. You're right, that is supposed to be somewhat of a serene and quiet area. But, again, I do think mostly quiet will be achieved a good chunk of the time with the unquiet times focused around peak-kid-times.

If the Bowling isn't getting participation, then I think Mini Golf will be fun for many who will participate. Battersea (whilst slightly bigger) has had great success with theirs. The many times I've been, it's never been noisy everywhere in the park. The mini golf is near the play ground, as is Go Ape, and it's rather noisy there at peak-kid-times, but over by the fountain and nearly everywhere else, it's quiet. I think you'll find the same in The Rye with the trees buffering the noise and peace can be found pond-side as well as other places within the park.

I own two large breed dogs and it's appalling the amount of poo I see around. I cannot imagine leaving my dogs poo for someone else to step in/smell/see and I'm truly sorry for all of us forced to deal with those who are not responsible dog owners. Not sure about the street poo's you're finding, but I have seen dog owners completely oblivious to what their dogs are doing in the park because they are either a) chatting to other dog owners or b) on their phone. I'll point it out when I can and dog owners are always glad I did, but a little more diligence on the parts of dog owners to actually pay attention is needed, too. At the end of the day, unfortunately, there will always be the ones who just don't care.

I am writing as an American parent of a child in Bessemer. I only qualify myself as an American because in our school system there, we had a method of fluid driving drop offs that could happen here. I offered my suggestions to the Head and she gave a pretty candid response. First, fluid driving drop off can't happen until the zig zags go away. Second, they have, according to her over the years, tried different methods to prevent the mass car chaos. One of them was organizing staff to meet at Sainsbury's parking lot and walk the children over (there is a footpath from there to the School) and there was little to no participation so they stopped. This seemed to be the best option to me, but parents were not on-board. Lastly, with the road being so close (as with so many schools in London) to the school entrances (there are three entry points depending on what year the kids are in), bottle-necking and unsafe conditions for the children were concerns (not to mention the pollution). I am truly sorry the residence of the affected area were not consulted. However, this parent is truly grateful that I do not have to worry about car traffic and pollution while getting my daughter to school. Please keep in mind that her building is across from the main building (older years) and knowing we don't have to worry about traffic going and coming from school is a huge weight lifted from this mom's shoulders. As of now, the barriers are easily movable (on wheels), but it is my understanding that this test was to eventually be made permanent with permanent barriers and I'm not sure how easy those would be for residents. It is probably worth noting that I do not drive and do not have to commute to work. We walk and/or bus it to school. However, knowing that the Sainsbury's parking lot is a 5 minute (or less) walk to school would just mean I'd use that if I did. Again, sorry for the local resident inconvenience, but this mom thanks you for your unconsulted and perhaps unwanted participation. Jenna

My husband takes the 12 to central London from Peckham and says there are road works at Parliament so the 12 is either ending at Westminster Bridge/Parliament or trying to take the diversion around. He said when it took the diversion, it was just sat in traffic, not moving for 15 minutes. He has also mentioned that electronic outlets for this info are not updated to reflect this (i.e. google maps, waze, etc). Not sure how long the works will be, but if it's a huge delay there, it's bound to affect our area both coming and going.

Sounds like an excellent place for it to go. I'm in Peckham/Camberwell as well. Will PM you.

Does anyone know of a Sewing Club (adult or afterschool club) that would take a couple bags of fabric scraps (various shapes - even a couple of meters of ivory sweater knit). If someone would like to come get them or tell me where to drop them off, I'd be happy to see them go to a place that would use them. I also have hundreds of spools of thread of any color imaginable that I'd be willing to share as well. Thanks. Jenna Edit: Bags are medium sized black garbage bags (rubbish bags that is!)

At my house!! ;) I'm obviously kidding, but as an American, I have been an NFL fan for 22 years. I've bought the NFL GamePass and if you enjoy it, you might consider it as well - just a thought if you can't find a local venue that airs any of the games. Jenna

As an American living here 3 years and having been in Customer Service my whole life, I find this thread highly amusing while unable to comment on said shops as I do not frequent the area's mentioned. Those locally to me are all friendly enough. As for the comment about greeting a customer with a 'I've a shit day' - I'd commiserate as a customer, but as a manager of the employee, I'd have ensured his day was as such. :)