emilou

I got called for jury service whilst on my last maternity leave. I was allowed to defer. I wrote saying I was on maternity leave and still breast feeding and that my child was not yet in nursery etc. The deferral was only for about 6 months and happened to be about three weeks after I went back to work! Not the most convenient but at least my little one was in nursery by that point and they paid for her additional days.

Keen to meet up too. Weekday evenings work for me too. Also keen for a Facebook group (I always forget to check the forum), but am not great with technology so happy to let more of an expert set it up (if not I'll have a crack at it!).

I'd love to join too. I'm due on the 11th October with my second. I'm based in nunhead.

Anyone at Kings Cross on Wednesday? Did you see this fab flash mob? It was organised by my friend in aid of the wonderful mental health charity, Heads Together. It is one of thirty things Jo is doing before she is thirty- such a cool idea and for a super worthy cause. Check out Jo's blog and fundraising page if you are interested in finding out more. http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mt/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=jowalker&un_jtt_redirect

Another recommendation for Andy and Richard. They have done various bits for us over the past couple of months (hanging curtains, mirrors, shelves, pictures). They are always quick to respond, give reasonable quotes, do a good job and are generally courteous. I'm at home with a young baby at the moment and they have been great with her and have gone out of their way to ensure naps are not disturbed etc.

If you like Motown some friends of mine have set up a Motown trio. They are fab and great for gettingnho everyone up and dancing. Check them out here http://www.freakmusic.co.uk/bands/the_chanterelles#.VdL_q4Z4XCQ

Happened to us too recently over in nunhead ( also red paint!). Can anyone recommend a good garage who will fix dent/re spray?

We used brad and his team last year to do a significant amount of decorating and were super pleased with the results. He works hard for his money and cares about getting things right (for example we had to get one wall skimmed and he sourced the plasterer- he wasn't happy with the quality of the results and so he tidied up and also lined the wall, which we'd been considering doing but had decided against for budgetary reasons, at no extra cost). Also importantly he is an all round nice guy and I felt very confident giving him a set of keys to the house and letting him get on with it. We were so pleased with his work that we have already asked him to quote doing some work in our new house since we've recently moved.

Prices are crazy at the moment. A house we tried to buy in the summer and eventually gave up hope of the sale going through in October has just come back on the market this week a full ?150k more than it was on for in the summer! That's crazy. We've shipped out to nunhead in the end which seems much more affordable and still a lovely feel, lovely shops and only mile or so from east dulwich. Surely this kind of crazy growth isn't sustainable?!

Can anyone tell me what the furthest distance offered for the church places at St. John's and St Clements school has been for the last couple of years? Can't find this info anywhere but maybe I've not looked at the right place yet.

Okay not entirely sure this the right section but thought I could rely on the family discussion board for some Good ideas. It's the hubby's mums 60th birthday coming up. They live out of town but we'd like to treat her to an afternoon/evening out it London town. We were thinking champagne afternoon tea but other ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Emily

I would also like to recommend John. He skim plastered a ropey kitchen ceiling for us at short notice because out usual plasterer was busy and we needed the work done quickly. John was friendly and tidy, and did a great job with the ceiling. BTW Our usual plasterer is Aaron who I'd also recommend (lots of mentions for him on the forum)- again good job, friendly guy and clean and tidy, and all at a fair price.

If your missing post and your name is Lindsey chamberlain then I have your missing post (or at least 3 items of post!). Have posted message previously. Its been poSted to the address written on the envelope but the postcode is for a different end of the street. If the don't have any luck via here then I'll return to royal mail noting not known at this address.

Just a quick post to say if anyone ends up with a glut of fruit I'd happily take off your hands in exchange for some of the jam I'd make with it! Ta muchly in advance. Em

Me and mr emilou would also be interested. This is our first year of growing so not sure how much of what we'll have when but hopeful we'll have something to contribute!

I was thinking of going via Bellenden Road (to avoid Dog Kennel Hill to Camberwell, past Oval over Vauxhall bridge and then turn left and cycle along the river?

I'm on landells so it does indeed help. Thanks!

Can anyone recommend a good cycle route between east dulwich and west brompton - preferably avoiding big hills! Thanks

Another thumbs up for cycling. I do a quick detour through Peckham/Bellenden Road to avoid having to cycle up dog kennel hill! That way I can pootle along and not get too sweaty (although most work places do now have showers and encourage cycling I think). Would also fully recommend the free cycle lesson Southwark provides (if you live or work in the area?). They offer one on one lessons and you can use them how you wish - e.g. it might be you've not got on a bike for 20 years and you want a hand remembering the basics, or they can just give you helpful tips about how to handle London traffic, and best routes to work etc. A really good offering from Southward I would say.

My mums birthdays Christmas day and my grandpas is boxing day - so lots of celebrations go on at Christmas time in our family. When my mum was younger she did the birthday party in the summer thing. But as I was growing up we always did, mums birthday on Christmas morning making a real effort to make a fuss of her and then christmas for all in the afternoon. As she's got older my mums always said she quite likes having a Christmas birthday as it means she always gets to have friends and family around her on her birthday!

Gerry and the dragon - nettlefold hall- west Norwood.

Hi all, Seeking some parental advice... I am struggling to know what to buy my 11 year old cousin for christmas. She started secondary school this year and seems to be growing up fast. I want to give her something that lets her know I know shes moved on from cuddly toys and general pink tat (which used to keep her endlessly happy!), but equally doesn't encourage her to grow up to quickly! Ideally I want to avoid DS games etc as I know other will buy her this. Any ideas gratefully received. Em

Does anyone know of a good route for east dulwich to canary wharf or is that just madness?

Has anyone had their loft converted and ceiling heights lowered as a consequence in any of the Victorian terraces on landells road. We're thinking about getting our loft done but I'd like to see how low the ceilings feel once lowered and what space you might gain from converting the loft. If anyone has had this done on landells road (or a road with similar houses) and wouldn't mind me and mr me having a quick look around I would be really greatful. Thanks Emily

Our rubbish on landells road hasn't been coolected for at least a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed for this sat!!