Break no Xmas present agreement?

Dear NappyValleyNetter,

My children’s school supports many worthwhile causes and recently there’s hardly been a Friday morning without a demand for odd socks, comedy t-shirts or ‘mad hair’; most of which I have failed to accommodate due to the demands being made five minutes before we leave the house.

This morning, however, I found both children in the kitchen in full festive garb well before we were due to leave, and it was a pretty sweet scene.

My daughter was attaching a shepherd headdress to my son, and she was already dressed as a pretty convincing camel.

Albeit one that had a thinly disguised ninja turtle shell for a hump, but it was better than anything I’ve ever done.

“I didn’t get a letter,” I said, “is there a charity day today?”

“Kinda,” said the eldest as they bustled out, “there’s a pretty decent prize for the best holiday outfit so we’re doing it ourselves coz we actually want to win.”

And with that the turtle-camel-hybrid and the shepherd waddled into the hall whilst I wondered if it was OK that a little bit of me wanted them to lose.

Here’s what you’ve been talking about this week on NappyValleyNet

S. has heard that Henry Cavendish in Balham are combining two classes from one year group into one, due to low pupil numbers. Is this happening in other local schools and what are the consequences of the decline in numbers, she asks? (read more)

After all of your helpful advice R., who has two children at the local nursery with annual fees of over £30k for the under threes, has reported that they are now exploring other childcare options (read more) Imagine how much Boris Johnson would pay if all his children went to that nursery? I guess we have to imagine as no-one knows how many he has!

H.’s brother has suggested that they don’t buy each other’s family Christmas presents this year as financially things are quite strained. H. doesn’t want her niece and nephew missing out but can she spoil them without causing offence? (read more). Imagine how many presents Boris Johnson would save etc. etc. (please fill in the gaps yourselves!)

A lovely cabbie has shared the postcode of a fare he dropped off last week. Not only did the passenger’s debit card get rejected but her tummy also rejected all the wine she’d drank that evening right onto his seats (read more). He’s down on both a fare and a cleaning fee so hopes she and her (sober) partner can make good.

T. has shared what the type of shop will be taking over the former Petit Bateau site on Northcote Road, and let’s just say they are not exactly enthused about it! (read more) How will a motorcycle gang custom workshop fit in there anyway?

News of another opening for Northcote Road which T. may be more excited about, as long as they like sushi that is! (read more)

A different C. asks does anyone know when the new Joe & The Juice in Balham will be opening? They spotted someone busy polishing up the tables inside, so surely they must be nearly ready to blend away? Mr NVN can’t wait to get his Iron Man juice order in! (read more)

Looks like we might have solved the mystery of the kind Bolingbroke Academy boys who took a shine to U.’s six-year-old son at their street party back in the summer. Love a yuletide happy ending! (read more)

Talking of Christmas, the fabulous NappyValleyNet Gift Guide has everyone on your list covered off. Providing wonderful gift inspiration for both the old and young, foodies, gin lovers, gardeners, four-legged friends and so much more! (read more)

C. is wondering where’s the best place to buy a Christmas tree that won’t have shed all its needles before the turkey is done! (read more) Love the ‘Flower Station (read more)

And if you enjoy singing along to Oh Christmas Tree head over to Woodfield Pavilion on Tooting Common this Sunday and join the Hornsby singers Christmas Carol sing-a-long and help them raise money for a St George’s Hospital appeal (read more).

C. had a great meal at Hatched on St Johns Hill recently and is keen to sing their praises (read more).

S. has posted that the redevelopment of the football pitch on Tooting Common has been refused at the planning inquiry. Power to the (local) people! (read more)

Thoughts on a Dyson hairdryer are flying in for G. to consider whether investing in one is worth the hefty price tag (read more).

More suggestions of must-sees in Seville for L. to add to their trip itinerary ¡olé! (read more)

N. asks if anyone has had an elective c-section at Chelsea & Westminster or St. Thomas’ hospital? (read more)

To provide a balanced opinion on a local orthodontic practice, which has been heavily discussed on the site, L. has added their positive experience (read more).

A. wants to let our community know that 860 people are expected to spend Christmas as patients in St George’s and Queen Mary’s Hospitals. With this in mind St George’s Hospital Charity has launched its Christmas campaign, to give inpatients and their loved ones a more festive stay over the holiday season (read more).

Keen for your kids to get some skiing even if you can’t? How about sending them for a week at Camp Suisse Ski during February half-term. It’s the ultimate ski camp in the Swiss Alps! (read more)

Garratt Lane is evolving this Christmas! Home At Last has welcomed new brand TTEarlsfield through its door, where you’ll now find their gorgeous leather bags and belts, funky party skirts, jumpers and warm stylish wraps (read more).

First Aid for Life have posted a really helpful guide on keeping children safe now that the days are drawing in (read more). Love FAFL!

Local residents are being encouraged to take part in a consultation into plans published by Transport for London designed to improve road safety both immediately north and south of Battersea Bridge (read more).

We have more schools posts than Asda has elfs!

N. asks if anyone knows what the practical assessment for a design award at an independent school might entail? (read more) L. has cleared up W.’s tax query on private school fees (read more). Qwerty Kids have two online typing courses and a flexi course running over the Christmas holidays. Could be a great time to learn a skill for life! (read more). Pass Tutors are offering a discount on the first month of tuition booked with them by the NVN community (read more). Exceptional Academics are running both in person and online 11+ booster courses this month (read more). Teatime Tutors are back offering in-person tuition where they will assist your child with their school homework, feed them supper and tutor them too! (read more) WenLin Chinese School are running GCSE online camps during the Christmas holidays (read more).

We have more House & Garden posts than Germany has spare World Cup memorabilia

To celebrate the best of Roundhouse kitchens 2022 across their Clapham, Richmond and Fulham showrooms, Roundhouse are running an exclusive competition with NappyValleyNet to win a £200 voucher from Clapham’s Michelin-starred restaurant Trinity (read more). E. needs a tax adviser to help them decide if they should sell their former home which they are currently renting out and making little money from (read more). A. has a large number of moving boxes looking for a new home (read more). C. has found a set of keys on Manchuria Road (read more). U. needs a handyman to tackle their lengthy list of odd jobs (read more). F. is looking for a reliable company that can do carpet and soft furnishings cleaning before Christmas (read more). More praise coming in for On the Wall, if you need anything hanging before Christmas (read more). If you need to create some space for Christmas gifts, Wandsworth Council are holding another Mega Skip Day this Saturday (read more). H. has posted about the new range of Frenchic wall paints which can be viewed at Home at Last in Earlsfield (read more).

A new home for the presents under the Christmas tree?