verds

My daughter, who's about to turn 16, is available for babysitting. She's looked after lots of cousins and her baby sister, who's two. She's a great cook (and baker), can help with homework, crafts, games. As she's starting out, she's charging £7.50 an hour. Based in Forest Hill, but happy to travel and knows her way around. So if you want help at teatime or a night out, message me.

My outside drain was overflowing and no amount of prodding with a stick was unblocking it. So I called Don the Drain (yes, that is his real name) and he sorted the problem quickly at a very reasonable price https://www.donthedrain.co.uk/

Thanks to everyone who recommended James the electrician - he fitted my small job in quickly (changing some bathroom downlights) and then didn't mind when I asked about loads of other little things. Great job and a great price. If anyone is in need of a good electrician, here's his number: 07816 160353

I emailed St Barnabas, thanks to Milan05 for suggesting that! They said they could forward the photo to the couple.

Thank you so much - I?m going to try all of those!

I was walking through the village yesterday (around 3.30pm, Sat 30th) and a bride and groom came out of the bit near the gallery in a tuktuk. This is really random, but my friend took a pic on his phone and when we looked at it last night we realised it was so beautiful and happy. Would love to get it to the couple. The bride had long, brown hair and the groom was in a military uniform. I know it?s a long shot, but if you know them give me a shout!

I have two childrens' beds to give away, a bit scratched but with lots of life in them. Anywhere taking donations? I can deliver

Another recommendation for Paul. He replied quickly with a quote which was very reasonable - and then came round within a few hours to safely take everything away. I?ve got my garden back thanks to Paul.

Steve came round to fix my washing machine last week when it conked out just as I was putting my holiday wash on. He's quick, friendly, reliable and reasonably priced. Highly recommended!

Does anyone know what time the curfew is? I really want to take my kids to see Kelis, but wondering if it's too late for them. Yes, I realise this is the most annoying post on this thread!

I called Dave because my boiler was leaking - he was there within an hour and fixed it, as well as finally getting the heating going (that had never worked) in my loft conversion. Really pleased!

This is very helpful - and looking at these makes me want to up my budget!

Hello. Does anyone have a good-looking en suite? And if you do, where did you get it from? I need to buy a suite for my loft conversion, but they all look the same to me! Thanks in advance

Oof! Anything but the fire door! Did they tell you that halfway through?

Thanks - that's really useful. No, I'm just at the beginning of the process, so haven't had building control in yet. I'm hoping they'll say the same!

This is not strictly family-related, but you lot are wise when it comes to renovations... I'm hoping to get my loft done, but I want to keep the downstairs open plan. So I'm thinking of getting a sprinkler system installed rather than closing off the door to the kitchen to comply with building regs. Has anyone done this? If so, can you recommend a company? (I fear it may be the expensive option!)

Loving the camping inspiration. Any tips on what sleeping bags to get? I'm a cold person and my children are of the hot type. We're going at the end of May and I'm pondering a 4-season bag plus a quilt for all of us because I'm a wuss. I sold all my camping gear before they were born thinking I'd never be mad enough to take them...

Any hostel, foodbank or local family in need? I have two beds I'd like to give away this weekend.

I have a fitted wardrobe with sliding mirrored doors and one hanging rail inside. It's a whole world of chaos. Does anyone have a nice one? If so, can you recommend who built it for you? I need more fashionable doors, but I don't know what's in at the moment - I'm browsing Pinterest and watching the Great Interior Design Challenge to try and find out. And loads of drawers/organisation inside! Any advice (and nosy photos)?

I think it really varies. I pay around ?70 just for me (with Pru) and it doesn't even cover the whole amount of my mortgage as I couldn't afford the premium, so yours sounds like a better deal. It pays to shop around - I went for mine because a very handy company who arranged a tricky mortgage recommended it (probably the worst reason!) and I do need to review it.

Hope you get it sorted. I used my old log-on but in the new borough as it wouldn't let me create a new one. They do make it complicated!

Are you going through the borough of Lewisham's application website? I think you apply from the borough you live in now and can put schools in any borough (eg Southwark) on your list if that makes sense! We moved from Southwark to Lewisham and the Lewisham eadmissions form let me put in the new child and new address on the Lewisham site.

Anything at the Albrighton is usually friendly and we used to go to All Saints church in Peckham on a Weds morning - I think there are sessions at 10 and 11. There was also a playgroup at the church on Coplestone Road on a Tues morning, but I'm not sure if that's still going? If you fancy a bus trip, get the 176 or 197 to Forest Hill/Sydenham and try Holy Trinity church at 10 on a Fri morning. It's run by lovely ladies who make very nice cakes. Get off the bus at Tesco and walk along Sydenham Park. Sometimes baby groups can seem cliquey, but I think that's just people sticking to who they know. I remember those days when the last thing I wanted to do was to talk to people, but sometimes if you just have one chat you feel better. Anything free is usually nicer! Hope that helps.

Eliot Bank is great. I think they challenge the children quite a lot, which suits mine! We started mid-year and it's friendly. I've heard Fairlawn is very good too. Let me know if you want to know anything in particular, and good luck.