Be.jones

Just watched a sparrowhawk take down a blackbird on Heber Rd. Poor blackbird!

Hi all - I would really like pet guinea pigs because I think they are lovely animals and I?d love my children to have a pet. However, I grew up in the countryside with a big lawn so they lived in a run. In ED we have a tiny paved yard and have had rat/fox problems in the past and are encircled by cats. Also my husband is not pro pets so they would have to live outside. Is this fair on them? Thanks!

We had Mr Fruitcake yesterday for a 4 year old's birthday party with about 18 kids and he was FANTASTIC! Kept everyone entertained and laughing wonderfully. Really really pleased we'd booked him.

So Shaggy, you would drive Calais to St Malo in one day, but not East Dulwich to St Malo?

That's really helpful, thank you! Calais seems so far east on the map we thought we were crazy considering it so it's good to hear it can be ok. Also good for tip in toll roads. Ta!

we can't work out the best way to do this. Either ferry from Cherbourg/Le Havre/St Malo to Portsmouth then drive, or eurotunnel Calais to Folkestone. The ferries leave at such odd times in the way back but it is a long way to Calais from Brittany. We keep going backwards and forwards on this, so interested to see other people's preferences. Oh, we also have an 18m old and 3.5 yr old so trying to compare day in a car w them vs snatching them back from the railings on Brittany ferries. Thanks!

Does anyone know what these are? Like black beetles who appear to have latched on to the rose and then died. The rose had sawfly in summer so I cut it back to help it recover, but I don't think it looks like their eggs. Any thoughts appreciated! Thanks.

We had a nanny share for our first and it was the wonderful for her. She was so little a nursery didn't feel right. She was incredibly close to the boy in her nanny share and we had an excellent nanny who was really hard working, committed and loving. But now I'm going back ti work after our second and they are both going to nursery. I am finding the thought of leaving my baby difficult (some of the posts above have been really helpful, thanks!) but we have a place at a super nursery, which we didn't have first time round - we couldn't get in. Also a nanny now would be quite expensive and extremely complicated because we'd want our eldest to have some time at nursery too. What I'm trying to get at is there is no right answer, there are many right answers. It is up to you what feels right, what you can afford and what options you have. Good luck!

There's a paint shop by East Dulwich station - Colour Makes People Happy. Good for advice and v friendly. Am painting up a stokke using their yellow gloss. And it did make me happy!

Hi Maria - I can really recommend the one o'clock club at the Peckham Rye hut from 10-12 on Tuedays. Lots of fun, messy and outdoor play!

Sorry - wrong section!

Hi all - We've had a lot of damp come through over winter caused by cracks in our windowsills. All the render out front is looking tired so we want to get it redone. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

I struggle with greenfly and aphids every summer so I find it hard to think of ladybirds as a pest... Maybe a bit of local redistribution is needed!

I bought the Steeleye Span one we had when I was little. It is a bit 70s but in a wholesome way. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Very-Favourite-Nursery-Rhyme-Record/dp/B003334SJ0

I have just started using Terry nappies with my 4 month old. Mothercare do a starter pack for ?43 with 12 squares, linings, nappy bags, pins and bucket, which is v helpful.

Hello Emma, I would love to come along too - room for one more? I have also just heard when my antenatal classes are - starting 2nd Feb. Anyone booked on these as well? Look forward to putting some names to faces! Best, Bonnie

It does, thanks Jo!

Hi there - Quick question on the NCT classes: how did you book? Some of you are talking about a course starting on the 20th Feb at E Dulwich hospital. I've had a look on the NCT website and can't find this one, although plenty of others in the area. I've filled in all the leaflets I got about parenting and breastfeeding classes but haven't heard anything back from Kings yet. Also, my work would like a MATB1 form which I haven't been given yet. Anyone know where these come from? The paperwork this baby needs! Thanks in advance. Best, Bonnie

Hello everyone, I am due my first baby on 26th April and would love to come along - but can't do the 3rd, but only because I will be across the road at the Palmerston, so might pop in to say hello. However, this all seems great and I will follow the thread and look forward to meeting up soon. I am going to the antenatal pilates at the E Dulwich Therapy rooms this Wednesday - perhaps see some of you there? Congratulations everyone! Best, Bonnie