Ann

Good luck 'bout now. I hope your new relationship turns out well and thanks for updating.

London Town Paul McCartney and Wings

There is work in progress as dds29 says. It really is an ugly building at present. As others have said, whatever it becomes next has to be an improvement.

What a nice surprise! Guessing that the frog has survived by himself so far and may continue to so, Sue has provided an appropriate environment. On another subject is anyone else disappointed with the (lack of) daffodils on Goose Green this year? We know we've had a harsh winter but the daffodils in other public places seem to have survived; you can count the blooms on Goose Green!

Welcome Rachel, I didn't need it until the Summer although my son's one has now expired. Glad to help and thanks very much for the wine. Have a great trip. Ann

Hi Rachel, I have one you welcome to.

The clock has been replaced and is a larger version than before, pleased with this but has been too long broken.

Ditto what Cassius has said, I have always found the reception staff helpful and professional. I do also agree that the changing areas could be better maintained; there are now three of the ladies showers without a door and one without a temperature dial. Also only one hairdryer working that sounds like it's on its last legs! For all that I think it is a great local resource and arguably the fact that it is so well used perhaps illustrates this? The swim sessions can get crowded at times but in all honesty I'm not sure having to wait to swim would suit most of us; once you are in you can take your time. Swings and Roundabouts.

Sorry, but Murray has no real chance. Not under-estimating his achievements but he's not that well liked compared to the other contenders. Jessica must be one of the favorites.

What about Ben Ainsley? Granted, sailing is not a popular sport inasmuch as most of us don't understand the nature of the it and the difficulty involved. It's only the last two Olympics that GB's medal haul has been praiseworthy; memories are short, we've been grateful for Ben getting us onto the medal board in the past.

Ditto, I love the one with the 176! Thanks for sharing.

Nanny, that's one of the most intelligent, incisive posts I have seen in a while. I particularly concur with your suggestion that young families socialise in each others homes, that's what used to happen. When my children were young I always found restaurants rather stressful as the capacity to keep young children occupied was limited. Perhaps some parents aren't willing to compromise on their former lifestyles?

That doesn't make sense. The results published in August are always provisional subject to remarks. I didn't think November resits were relevant. Isn't that why the actual league tables have always been published in January?

I have genuinely seen Jeremy Bowen in Lordship Lane Co-op!

I do too. Facts are we have two of the most successful schools in the whole of the UK on our doorstep. The downside is that both have quite stringent entry exams and are expensive. Alleyn's is somewhat unique being a top rated mixed Independent day school, a definite plus. JAGS is all girls and incorporates the intense competitiveness that girls can thrive on. My 18 year old daughter has several friends at JAGS, the cohort quoted by the op, she would be the first to say that JAGS girls do work extremely hard. Not surprisingly they now compete to gain the new A* at A level - your a bit of a failure if you don't achieve at least one! Needless to say they all get their preferred university but it's heartening to know that The Charter have got their best results ever at A level with some notable achievements.

Any-one feel a little disappointed for Tom Daley? I did.

I remember clearly the moment seven years ago when it was announced that we had won them games. I remember thinking how lucky we were. I have passed the Olympic site many times over the last few years and have delighted at its progress. I had a truly enjoyable experience today watching the torch pass through Coldharbour Lane, the atmosphere was electric! I can't comprehend an opportunity to show case the city where we live ( and I wasn't born here) better. Simply can't be done. Remember, Paris were the favorites to win the games. Would you really prefer to sit down tomorrow night to watch that scenario? I'm not knowledgeable about financial matters but it's hard to believe it wont give some boost to the economy.

Thanks for those pictures, I saw the torch pass down Coldharbour Lane today, absolutely fabulous atmosphere. There have been two members of staff at Kings College Hospital who have carried the torch. They will personally visit the children's wards to ensure the children haven't missed out. That's a nice story.

I sympathise with you and agree with other posters. I definitely think boys struggle more with this than girls. My personal thoughts are that boys 'conform' at school and need that emotional release when they get home, ie relax and be themselves; homework somewhat spoils this. I also suspect that at the end of the academic year he's getting tired. That said holidays should be holidays, albeit with some regular reading etc. A lot of homework set ( in my experience) was not realistically achievable without considerable parental input. The quality of which reflects the level of help more than the child's input.

Very well put civilservant. Women are predominantly the perpetrators of FGM, ie the mothers and grandmothers. I know this from experience as a health professional. A lot of people on this forum claim to know an awful lot about cultures that they possibly know very little.

Grateful for pound shop umbrellas, also the lawn in my quite small garden has never looked so vibrant. Plus a holiday.

I am genuinely half Irish half Polish! Born and raised in England. Can anyone remember when all three teams have played in the same competition, if ever?

I agree. My understanding was that day time shoes( esp leather) would mold to the child's growing feet and those moldings could potentially affect another child's growing foot. Sanne Penne and those of you with very young children - they get more expensive as they get bigger! Please economize when you can. Would also like to add that Barrett's shoe shop is a local gem that has been with us for very long time and gets little mention on this forum. I for one have happy memories of shoe fittings in that shop.

Handstands, Stella B is not a bad idea the only problem being that it's not cheap and how much would her parents have to top up? My daughter would love it. Oliver Bonus definitely worth a visit as you have a good price range there and I'm sure they have vouchers too.

You cannot separate a teenager from Top Shop! I've tried for five years with zero success; not because I have considered their clothes inappropriate but ( old M&S me ) very expensive for what you get. However you can sometimes get good deals in the sales. Slightly off topic but I do think their marketing strategy is good as they change their lines so often and I must say their designs do appeal to the younger woman/teen. Other popular shops will turn out similar lines but without quite the finesse. Back on topic I second Fuchia'a i tunes voucher. Jewellery but with caution, young teenagers are very much at the stage where they are getting selective with their tastes and why shouldn't they? They are on their road to womanhood!