Topics On This Page: Local Tradesmen |
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The email group often has requests for local tradesmen (tradespeople?) or services.
If you're not already a member, please subscribe to the email list.
Here are a few local requests and recommendations that you might find useful: (note on email addresses - it is bad practice to put email addresses on web pages unless you want to be be snowed under by a maelstrom of spam. Therefore, I don't write the email address as gardener@somewhere.com, but as gardener at somewhere.com. Hope that makes sense.) Policy statement: This page is compiled from recommendations traded on the Cazenove Area (CAAG) and Northwold Area (NARG) mailing lists. I regularly turn down requests from people who want to "recommend" themselves or otherwise publicise their business. Anonymous recommendations are not acceptable. All recommendations posted here are genuine and attributable to someone who lives locally. If you have an issue with your name being published here then please CONTACT ME. John Campbell, Feb-09
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Can anyone recommend a company that does kitchen refits/refurbs? I'm ideally looking for a single company to handle/project manage everything from wiring, plastering and flooring to installing new cabinets etc.
- Cupboards By Design Ltd, Unit 2, Leyton Business Centre, Etloe Road E10 7BT. 020 8556 1424 / 020 8556 1424 Fax / 07956 493 408 / fiona@cbdltd.fsnet.co.uk / www.cupboardsbydesign.co.uk. Fiona Duckworth is a cabinetmaker, but she project managed (plumber, electrician, suppliers) for my kitchen beautifully. She is an absolute pleasure to deal with. You're welcome to come and see her work (020 8806 6653) - Amy Erickson, 19-Jun-06
- http://www.squarepegkitchens.co.uk/index.htm - John - I've known him years and years! - is a long-time Stokey resident(Susanna Ferrar, Osbaldeston Rd, 25-Oct-07)
- Scott Williamson is brilliant and a specialist in kitchen fitting - very highly recommended - but he is often busy if you need it immediately. Contact him on (07958) 648495 - (Dave Donert, 23-Oct-07) fitted our kitchen last year and did a fantastic job (Sean Hamilton, Osbaldeston Road, Dec-10)
- I would be happy to recommend Ian Thackaray who does excellent kitchen
design and supply, and also refurbishes existing kitchens www.refurbyourkitchen.com tel 07988 009038 . - (Joanna Marshall-Casson, Mar-11)
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- We recently used a local company called Horncastle and Son. They are reliable but bit expensive. Email is horncastles@aol.com . Tel: 020 8809 3029 - (Ahmet Bulutoglu, February 13, 2006).
- I would like to recommend Lee Jeff ( leejeff@hotmail.co.uk) as a roofer. He was friendly, competent and reliable and did the re- felting job on my flat roof very well. (Caroline Halcrow, Alkham Road, May-08)
- Andy retiled our entire roof last year. Tel. 07904 384 188 or
01707 661225. He takes satisfaction in doing a good job and sometimes works with a loft conversions company. (Elizabeth F, Feb-09) Andy is excellent (Sara Cottingham - Jun-10). I can highly recommend Andy. He was reliable and charged a reasonable
price (£70) to fix a broken gutter. (Caroline Penn, Oct-10)
- We are currently having some work done by Mick Phillips (Phillips Roofing) - repairs to cracked tiles, replacement of concrete fillets with proper flashing, replacement of guttering and comprehensive repairs to chimney stacks. It's a 3 storey house, so the work of course involves scaffolding. All very smooth so far, and we also know his work over a long period, having had him completely replace our back addition roof 10 years ago. He is warmly recommended as a good and competent roofer, and very dependable guy. His contact number is 07973 608888. He's also very busy, but it could be worth trying him. (Penny Taylor, Apr-09)
- I know a very good roofer. Stephen Mumford: 0973 179 7571. It was a while ago, but he worked for a friend last year, and he was very
happy with the results. (Alison Whyte, Nov-09)
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- Stokey Sweeps - Dan: 07904 645775 (NARG, Dec-07)
- I'd
recommend David Dupree, who is a Master Sweep, (and son of a Master Sweep) and
excellent all round chimney person. (020) 8475 0711 / (07931) 907 351 (NARG, Oct-08) We did use David Dupree and were extremely unhappy, he left house covered in
soot, his special
equipment which he had boasted differentiated him from all the rest broke down
half way through, he left all the gunk for us to get rid of, and when we
eventually got him back to block two chimneys from which soot was still falling
in quantities he damaged some paintwork. (Vanessa Edwards, Oct-08) We used David Dupree. He didn't leave our house covered in
soot (though we were in at the time so perhaps that has the something to do with
it?). Either way chimney seemed fine and we were happy with his work.
(Adam Orton, Dec-09)
- I've used Firkins for a number of years - very professional, minimum fuss, no dirt. Book soon this time of year is their busiest 020 8886 9420 (Berni Graham, Sep-09)
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- We are currently using Cardoe Martin in Islington for a party wall agreement. This is the 3rd time we have used them and have found them to be concise and thorough. Speak to Graham Cardoe or Sean Curry and by all means mention my name. They may have changed their name recently but are still on this no: 020 7874 1066. (Clive Bremner, 21-Mar-06)
- A local company called DMC at end of Church St just passed Rose and Crown, are ok as surveyors go (Martha Silcott, 21-Mar-06)
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Does anyone know someone they could recomend to paint the outside of my house?
- Chris Johnson of 115 Clapton Common runs a business called Boldshine, doing carpet cleaning, building maintenance and decoration. Previously worked for the NHS as a maintenance supervisor. He has done a lot of work for St Thomas' Church and I would recommend him. His number is 020 8802 7538 (from Marjorie Brown)
- Try Alan Limbrick 8986 4709 (from Mischa Borris)
- The guy I used was Ray Bushell. He was very good - prepared all the surfaces properly, did a good job painting, was tidy, reliable and friendly. His telephone numbers are 020 8802 9648/ 07949 265324 (from Andrea Parry)
- Allen Swain is a brilliant painter (although often very busy). Give him a try. 020 8533 0735 (John Lane, Nov-09)
- I just had a couple of rooms in my flat done by a guy called Richard McCall. Thought he was really good. His no is 07540806101. He does allsorts: painting, plumbing, tiling, kitchen and bathroom installations. Fairly reasonable too. (Emma Keele, Jul-10)
- Thomas King ( Email: thomasking16 at googlemail dot com, tel: 07832 319 991) has just completed installing a new bathroom and painting in our home and we are all pleased and impressed with his work. He is a very considerate worker and took care to protect everything in the house. His workmanship is excellent and he cleans up before he leaves. He is prepared to work hours that suit you and provides a 24 call out service. (Mary Murphy, Osbaldeston Road, Feb-2011)
- Alex Amery, painted the outside of our house last year. He did a good job that we were very pleased with. If anyone is looking for a decorator, he has years of experience and I would recommend him. He is on 0777 932 5974. (Elizabeth F, Apr-11)
If your house front is currently exposed brick, you may want to leave it uncovered, as recommended by the Victorian Society and the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings, on grounds that the brick was designed to breathe and plasticated masonry paints or cement renders can trap moisture against the brickwork and cause structural damage (as happened with my house).
If it's currently painted, you may want to find out with what and whether it's breathable. If it's currently stuccoed with a lime render, you can have it limewashed, and these days lime wash comes in any colour.
See www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/diyelem/extwalls/wallpaint/wptprobs.htm for more info - Amy Erickson 21-Mar-03
My house is one of only a few in the road which is painted as opposed to bear brick. As it is in need of painting I am seriously considering blasting thepaint off and returning it to the paintwork. However I seem to recall that this may damage the brick and cause problems. Does anyone have a view/experience of this? If your experience was positive do you have a recommendation re person? - Martha Silcott, May-08
Steaming is an alternative to sandblasting, and does gives you back the original brick surface. But while it's gentler on the bricks, it's harder on the pocket. (And from sweltering experience I recommend that it's done in the cooler months.)
- We used Brian Williamson & Daughters, (tel 01342 834829) five years ago, although we never saw the daughters.
- Another nearer recommendation at the time was: Independent Brick & Stone Cleaning, Alan O’Keefe tel. 01449 678837 (Highbury, N5)
(Amy Erickson May-08) |
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The floor of our cellar has dampness and decaying brickwork. We need the cellar to be dried out and any rotten brickwork replaced. Can anybody recommend a builder / labourer who would undertake this work?
I strongly recommend that you have a specialist diagnose the cause of damp in your cellar before you take any practical measures to deal with it. I recommend Mike Parrett who is entirely independent of any products or damp proofing companies (don't employe one of these, or for that matter a local builder, until you are absolutely sure of what is happening in your cellar and don't necessarily believe what they tell you). He will charge for his services but could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Email: mikeparret14 at hotmail.com or michael.parrett at ntworld.co.uk.
Take a look at the following websites:
http://WWW.DAMPBUSTER.COM
http://WWW.BUILDINGPATHOLOGY.NET
I hope this helps - Michael Tutton, local Building Conservation and Repair Consultant, 2007
I've tried all his numbers and looked for his number everywhere with no luck. I have the impression he is not interested in small house jobs. He just doesn't reply - even though I've left about 5 messages on both his number. good luck. (Sue Askew, 31-Jul-08)
Mike has just recovered from an accident which took him out of the picture for a few weeks. However he is very much up and running again now. (Andrew Jackson, 2-Aug-08) |
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Can anyone recommend a good electrician?
Wondering what accreditidation is widely respected and would be accepted by the council for example?
As far as domestic electrical work goes, the main body is NIC EIC. There is also NAPIT, ELECSA, BREC-ECA and BSI, but they have much smaller memberships for electricians. All local Councils recognize certified electricians of these bodies as competent to self-certify electrical
work for 'Part P' of the building regs go.
There is a list of 'Part P' registered people for ALL trades (not just electricians) at http://www.competentperson.co.uk/
NIC EIC's register is at http://www.niceic.org.uk/ but all the domestic installers are included in the part p website above.
If you need the work to be compliant with building regs you should always try and check they are on the website. But this can be difficult
if you don't know what business name they trade under.
Fran Kinsey of "Electrics On" is on the NICEIC register and has just completed her 'upgrade' to the latest IEE wiring regs. I've used her
quite a bit over the last 18 months and has done exactly the work you require for us in the past.
A quick check of the others on the CAAG website, only Fran (Electrics On) and Live Electrics can be found on the NIC EIC website - but that's
probably because we don't know the names of the trading companies for the others.
(Nick Perry, Aug-08) |
- decorator Louis (L.C.T contractors) Tel
07818617373 - has just painted and plastered our front room and replaced
the skirting board. - specialise in drainage, flooring, painting &
decorating and plastering & rendering Services provide a variety of
services including: Brick & Stone Cleaning, Brick / Block Paving,
Decorative Cornicing / Plasterwork. (Sean Hamilton, Osbaldeston Road,
Dec-10) , I'd also like to recommend Louis who painted our flat and also
sorted out some carpeting and plumbing issues. He works very
efficiently and is extremely courteous and considerate (Mike, Chardmore Road. Aug 2011).Louis
laid a new path leading to the front door and we are really pleased
with the result. Because of this we asked him to do some interior
painting for us which also turned out to be excellent. His next job for
us was tiling our kitchen floor and hall, which was also done to a high
standard. We found Louis to be very pleasant and helpful and extremely
hardworking. (Bob Harris & Saskia King, Warwick Close EN4,
Jun-2012) Lois painted my hallway and put up a very large mirror for me.
He did an excellent job, is very friendly and was totally trustworthy
with keys. I would employ him again without a shadow of a doubt and
highly recommend him. - (Tanya Harmer, Jun-2012)
- I know a very experienced German builder (he is currently redecorating our flat). He does all sorts of work and charges around 18 per hour. It might sound a lot, but he doesn't waste any time at all. We are quite pleased with the results so far. Hans 07941600570. He will be working in our flat (in Reighton Rd) until next week, so I suppose he would be willing to give you an estimate on the job required. He arrived in the UK a few months ago and his English is not so good. - (Silvia Camara, 30-Mar-06)
- Handymen with buildings skills: Andrew on 020 7275 7574 / Mel McLaughlin on 07932 160777 (Amy Erickson, Oct '06)
- Carl, 07969576849 / Handyman1uk@talktalk.net / www.theessentialhandyman.co.uk - He is willing to do small jobs (I had a list), does them well and is very thorough. He is also good at solving problems (Margaret Roe, 12-Nov-07)
- John Bisset, Based in N16 Contact John tel 0207 249 7937 / 07833905152, email: twothirteen at btopenworld.com. website is www.2-13.co.uk/small_things.html. Has done us a fair few jobs over the years - fixing, fitting, plumbing, shelving, decorating, d.i.y. Friendly, Reliable Service - reasonable rates RECENT JOBS removing tiles and re-tiling round bath; fitting shelves in alcove; replacing broken ball cock and valve in toilet cistern; hanging mirror and pictures; replacing valve in tap; planing door to fit (Ivor Kallin. NARG, Jan '09) Arrived on time and gave friendly, efficient and intelligent service. And left no mess! He also helped us out by looking over our washing machine and giving advice to the landlord about its condition - that it had had its day! (Pat, NARG, Jan-09) He is a really nice straightforward guy who has done a few small jobs for me recently, one of them a quite tricky re-plumbing of a kitchen sink, and he replaced a dripping stopcock. He is quick, efficient and very reasonable and a pleasure to have around the place (Anne Synthiem, Feb-10). John Bisset is a great handyman, but he is also a great plumber - he replaced a tap in our bathroom and did some very tricky work with a leaky pipe, plus he also fixed an overflow pipe from the toilet. He is hardworking, reliable, and efficient. His fees are also very reasonable (J&G Ivory, Sep-11).
- Julia O Hanlon decorated my stairwell last year and another room previously. Very good and reasonable, neat, clean and quick . Has also done a lot of other work in the area - she was recommended by someone else. it is her full time job Tel 020 7281 6291 / 079614 08964 - (Berni Graham, March '09)
- We had a great builder/decorator recently who can do a bit of everything and is really reliable, cheap and friendly. His name is Daniel Rybsk and his phone number is 07850 349387, email: danielrybski at yahoo dot co dot uk - (Paul Moon, March '09 / Sep 2011) I also employed Daniel. He brought another man who did the work. He worked very hard and all was fine. (Alison Whyte, Jan-2010)
- I can recommend Steve on 07704336866. He painted our house on in the summer very well (Ezra, Lynmouth Road, Nov-09) Did a great job decorating my study. He was very reliable and efficient and has a great eye for detail. He did exactly what he said he would do and was very pleasant to have around the house. I would definitely recommend him. (Carla Law, Jan-2011)
- Handyman: I can recommend Mick Walters - 07883 306 613. I also know that he's very busy, so OK if not urgent!!!. If you call him, please say that I gave you his number. (Cherry Klein, Evering Road, Nov-10 / Mar-11)
- Joss Reiver Bany lives locally, and is good. He's been taking on handyman jobs recently since being made redundant. email: jossreiverbany at btinternet.com - (Celia Urbach, Alconbury Road, Mar-11) I have employed Joss twice this year on varied jobs, and he is prompt, thorough, ingenious at solutions, and reasonably priced.- (Laurel Brake, Leswin Rd - Jun-2012)
- Painter and decorator - exterior and interior. Local, reliable and reasonable: Rafal Sujkowski on 07766 810888 or email: sujkowski at london dot com. (Pip Kemsley - Sep-2011)
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Can anyone recommend a carpenter to put up some skirting board in our basement. It's not a bit job but too tricky for us! - (Tracey Field, Apr '07) I'm looking for a really good carpenter to get radiatior covers/cabinets made? (Ellen O'Connor, June 2011)
- John Rae made some fitted cupboards for me. They fit beautifully, doors glide shut - expertly made. I think he's based in Finsbury Park. tel 07958 910789 - (Caroline Penn, Jun-2012)
- Very highly recommended is Mick. His number is: 07883 306 613. If you call him, please say that I gave you his number. (Garry Bettle, Evering Road, June 2011)
- Scott Williamson is an exceptionally good carpenter – hardworking and reliable – you may have to wait for a week or so if he’s busy, but it’s well worth it. My 1890 victorian terrace house has been extensively refurbished with a great deal of help from him. Contact Scott on 07958 648495 (Dave Donert, Apr '07) We completely second that (Philippa Kemsley - Apr '10)
- Dave @ DWC on 07831188295. Tell him Vishal recommended him (Vishal Vora, Apr '07)
- Dave Myron on Alconbury Road is a very good carpenter. Email at mr.david.myron at gmail.com or call on 07747634239 (Sal Remtulla, NARG, Sep-08)
- If anyone needs any cabinet making/carpentry type skills then I can highly recommend David Starkey, I have known him for over 10 years and his work is of an extremely high quality and he is a delight to work with. email: dstarkey at blueyonder.co.uk - (Martha Silcott, Jan-09)
- I can highly recommend a local (very) carpenter, Christian Vydelingum.
I've known Christian for over 20 years and have commissioned him on
numerous projects. Shelving systems, kitchen and bathroom design and
fitting. All of which he has carried out superbly with much skill and
perfection. Having an art school background, he's got a really good eye
for design and collaborates easily with his clients. Examples of his
work at www.n16carpentry.co.uk Tel: 020 8806 8092/07866 763 566 - (Clive Bremner, Mar-11)
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does anyone know a nice friendly architect who doesn't charge the earth? I'm thinking about a loft conversion?
- I can recommend a local architect. roger_crimlis at hotmail dot com / tel. 07515 514723 - (Fergus Grew, Jenner Rd, Jan-2011)
- I would definitely recommend Carolyn Squire - lives locally,professional, dedicated and she did a great job designing my loft conversion and house renovations. tel. 07976 374 221 / http://www.carolynsquire.co.uk (Caroline Penn - Jan-2011)
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- Simon on +44 7963 905303 is a great all round builder and a former Northwold Road resident. (Sal Remtulla, June 2011)
- Martin on 020 8806 5202 (Jim Kidner, June 2011)
- Chris Maddison 07850384424 (Steve Job, June 2011)
- Dan Masterson is currently project managing our kitchen refit, which has incorporated everything from plastering to plumbing, electrics etc. He's very straight and honest, and v pleasant to deal with. 07881 826 131 / 0208-521-5189 / email: dpmasterson at gmail dot com- (Lorna Fray, Cazenove Road, Nov '06) He is very skilled, competent and reliable. He manages a skilled team of traders and is available for a comprehensive range of domestic and insurance jobs. (Caroline Halcrow, Alkham Road, May-08) We used him to do a couple of rooms - excellent plasterer, reliable and very
polite. Highly recommended (Nell Ravenscroft, Jan-2010) He recently worked on our house: re-plastering, some brick work in the garden, restored a Victorian tiled floor in our hallway and replaced the front step which included shoring up the joists in the cellar as well. He was a pleasure to have around and the pride he takes in his work is second to none. He did a fabulous job and I would highly recommend him. (Julia Gibbs, Carysfort Road, Oct-2010) I contracted Dan to do quite a major renovation of my two-bedroom flat - ripping out an old kitchen and installing a new one, taking out the old bathroom suite and installing a shower, ripping out the old laminate flooring and carpet in the entire flat and laying new wooden flooring, plus extensive painting and decorating (walls, ceiling, all the woodwork including doors), and tiling the new kitchen backsplash and the entire bathroom. Dan was detailed, well-organised and cost effective. Tthe finish on the entire flat is impeccable and I really couldn't be happier. (Maria Kaberg, May-2012)
- Alan Godfrey - 07960 186 394 (Amy Erickson, Dec-09)
- Try my friend Elaine Hambridge, on 079 084 18150. She's very helpful and I've been really pleased with her roofing/wall repairs etc (Gerald Laufer, 25-Jul-07) [recommendation by Nick Perry, Aug-08; removed by request Apr-09]
- Our general builder, Alan Smith
has people who will do guttering, exterior decorating & masonry
repairs, Ironworks (gate, balustrades, etc), and more. He recently did a
very nice job of replacing the decorative cornice on my mother's house
in Oldfield Road (in the same style as the original) and then
redecorated and repointed the whole of the front. Replaced several of
our windows with good traditional wooden sashes. Have used him many
times over the years and he and his team have always done a good job.
Not the cheapest and tends to be interested only in larger pieces of
work but highly recommended. Contact: 07866 015 498. Tell him I
recommended you (Richard Collings, Kyverdale Road, 27-Jul-07, 31-Jul-08)
- Richard Armes (Benthal Rd) on 07798 688272 -- general builder Website (Amy Erickson, Oct '06)
- Andy Newstead, a good worker and very friendly: , Mobile 07765 258921, Home 020 8341 9714, andy@andytradesman.co.uk, 513a Green Lanes, Harringay, London, N4 1AN, www.andytradesman.co.uk - (Mark Brotherton , Nov '06)
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I have a wonderful chap working in my basement, who seems to be
able to do all these things himself. His plumbing and electrical work
certainly seem fine and his plastering is excellent. He's about to
embark on tiling, but is experienced, genial and unflappable.... Richard Krzywdzinski
07875307631. His English is not wonderful, so phone contact is tricky,
but I'm happy to mediate. I think one of the main reasons he's not
booked solid is his English... - Susanna Ferrar, Osbaldeston Rd, Nov '06
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Does anyone know of a man (or two men) with a van for moving a few pieces of
furniture locally? (Caroline Penn, Oct-09) - Tony Hewitson, 07956 843 504, very reliable (Simon Welch, Oct-09)
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- For conventional glazing tasks, A&B Glass on the High Street have, to me, always been knowledgable, courteous, quick to respond to urgent jobs' and well priced. 020 7254 4541 (Nick Perry, Aug-08) very dependable (Penny Taylor, Aug-08)
- For decorative, painted and stained glass, Richard Payton at Rainbow Glass Studios (www.rainbowglassstudios.co.uk 020 7249 0276) on Church St has just re-leaded two Victorian panels and designed and fitted a contemporary stained glass panel for me. He is also in the process of replacing some modern flat float glass in my sash windows with hand-made glass - complete with ripples and flaws! (Nick Perry, Aug-08)
We are thinking of replacing our tatty front windows with something
more like the original sash windows. Does anyone have a good experience
of a company undertaking this kind of work? (Paul Vernon, Aug-08)
- Dennis Swain at Dendale Construction Ltd, 418 Hale End Rd, London E4 9PB, Tel 020 8527 5777, email sales at dendale.co.uk. They are Fensa window installers and recommended as general builders. I have used them quite a few times over last few yrs. (Andy Jackson, Aug-08)
- Dovetail Joinery in N17 did a great job of servicing my sash windows a few months ago and were tidy and turned up! They also made some doors to my spec. The Sash window servicing was done for a fixed price per box. Call Nigel O'Donoghue directly on 07984 232216 or call the office on 020 8801 9584 www.dovetail-joinery.com (Nick Perry, Apr-2010)
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- Ben Aveston, Repairs washers, dryers, dishwashers. Astrofix, 08456 44 0427 / 07836 786875 / 07050 379274 / http://www.astrofix.co.uk/ I like this chap - (David Vail
, 2006),We used this guy to fit an oven and felt he did a good job - Richard Collings
(2006), He did a fantastic job repairing our dishwasher and only charged me the
agreed price although the work was more complicated and took much longer than he
originally anticipated. He is a lovely guy and really knows his
stuff. (Julia Gibbs, Carysfort Road, Nov-10)
- Try "Spanners" on Lee Bridge Road Tel: 020 85560809 - (Andrew Jackson 2006)
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Anyone know a person or company that makes gates
for typical Victorian houses? (Martha Silcott, Sep-10)
- C
J Kaye based in Islington. They did the metal fence and gates for the
Bath House in Shacklewell Lane. Cheap and excellent. Dave Kaye no. is
07961 423713 (Anna Newman, Sep-10)
- Stuart
Watson is a sole trader blacksmith based in Clapton Tramsheds. He has
worked on various railings, gates etc locally. 07985 776 993 / email:
horseworkshops at hotmail.com (Lorna Fray, Sep-10)
- Security Gates and Bars welding, also Car Bodywork repair. - Mr. Cassie or 'Cass' at 60a Belfast Road. Tel: 07960408872 Reasonably priced and local - (Clive Bremner, Dec-2011)
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Can anyone recommend a computer engineer (PC's) who does call outs? (Emma )
- Joe Jones tel. 07505863317 / http://www.cazenoveithelp.piczo.com / email: cazenoveithelp at hotmail dot co dot uk. He set up my new laptop for me. He advised on what software to uninstall to free up space, what software to download from the internet and how to do that safely and he set up my Mail accounts. He also taught me the tricks of Windows 7 and some features of my particular laptop that I didn't know about. He saved me lots of time and was well-informed and professional in his approach. Joe is an IT star! (Sara Longmuir May-11) Joe got get me going with Skype and Facebook! He was very helpful with getting the photos on my Gumtree ad a few months ago and it all seemed so easy. His is very personable and helpful (Caroline, May-11)
- I'd recommend Ben Schneider. His details are at http://www.it-guy.org or phone 07775 621150 - (Pat Sweet, 04-Oct-06)
- I took my laptop to the internet cafe/ computer shop in Cazenove Rd yesterday and they have sorted it out. I had a strange virus so they had to re-install everything and put new virus software on. Now runs very much faster too. Cost 40 pounds. (Anna Newman, 4-Jan-08)
- I am a qualified electronics engineer with over 30 years experience, but sadly these days there is little call for these skills. Now I refurbish and sell laptops - but I also can service and install PCs. Networking upgrades etc. and have worked for the local authority providing IT services to schools etc. You can telephone me on 0208 806 5971 / http://www.donert.freeserve.co.uk (Dave Donert, 4-Jan-08)
Can anyone recommend a Mac expert to service my computer? - (Iain Bruce, May-08)
- Not actually used this person but spoke to him and he seemed like he knew his stuff (I have a Mac) - he was doing some pro bono work for somebody at the time so he must be a decent chap (?!). Steve Dowding (email:steve.dowding at lineone.net) He has a web site http://sdit.org.uk - (Tom Albu, May-08) I can recommend Steve Dowding most highly. He successfully cleared up some software problems we were having - working methodically from first principles. His mobile is 07989 982079 - (Iain Bruce, June-08)
- Danny Gold. 07717675416. He works in Old Street, Tel 020 7729 8030, after 10am. - (Margaret Roe, May-08). Danny repaired my Mac. He's a lovely bloke and knew what I needed him to, and is reasonably priced (John Campbell, May-08)
- Andy Gambino. Andy lives in Walthamstow so doesn't have far to come. He
is quick and doesn't charge too much. He provides a call out service 0208 8819 8586. 07939539489 www.macaid.co.uk (Margaret Roe, Sep-09)
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- Sacha Newman, age 17, is available weekends and evenings. Tel. 07828442719. - (John Campbell Oct-2012)
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- After almost 25 years, I am shortly moving out of Clapton to Shoreditch. This means my cleaner, who has been cleaning my house for even longer, has some spare time. Her name is Jeannie Flanagan on 0759 543 5613. She is very reliable and something of an Evering Road institution. - (Robin Fellgett - Evering Road, Nov 2011)
Raimonda
is very good very flexible. Tell her Vishal (with the
cats) recommended her (Vishal Vora 4-May-07)
Raimonda Lungiene from Lithuania, is looking for a few extra hours of
work each week in this area. I can recommend her work and
character. Contact her on 07944 599804 (Marjorie
Brown, Sep-08)
I would like to recommend our cleaner, Maria, who has been working
for us for the past year - she has been very reliable and flexible and
does a great job!! She is based in Haringay, but happy to travel in
North London generally...Her number is 07799401 631
(Katherine Mengardon, Lordship Park, N16,
17-Apr-08) Adriana (tel 07985559583) is excellent. She's been coming to
our house since 6 months and we are very happy with her. She's a
Mexican lady very friendly.- (Catherine Monfils, Jan
'09) I
would like to recommend Emila. She is very good. We have used
her
for around 3 years now and she is always reliable, friendly and is
great at
cleaning. Her ironing is especially good and I also find her 100%
trustworthy. 07756 305320. Please say that Alex recommended
her. (Mrs Alexandra
Bishop, May-10) I would like to recommend Danuta our cleaner (and
the cleaner of all our friends!). We have used her for the last 4 years
and she is an utter joy to have around, her work is fantastic and she is
completely trustworthy. We can’t speak highly enough of her, she lives
in Clapton and does a number of homes in N16, her mobile number is 07938
981115. (David Cumberworth, 6 Nov 2010). We
have recently hired a lovely and very efficient cleaner. She is looking
for more work and has two afternoons available at the moment – Monday
and Thursday – and charges £10 an hour. Her name is Irina and her mobile number
is 07814 746 097 - (Louise Hanson, George Downing Estate,
March-2011)
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Can anyone recommend a good local GP, preferably a female doctor?
- We use Dr Kiernan at the Elm Practise in the Fountayne Road Health Centre (020 7683 4839) and would recommend her very highly - (Richard Collings, Sep 2006)
- Somerford Grove practice. I haven't been in over 2 years, but I used to see Dr Mark Hindley and found him friendly and he seemed to take an interest. They open at 8:30 and getting an appointment was usually quick in my time - generally the next day. The front desk staff were often curt and unfriendly - but that seems to be par for the course at any medical centre! When I've moved 0.7 miles further north, to a street off Cazenove Road, Somerford Grove practice would no longer see me and I had to change GP! (Nick Perry, Feb-09)
- Stamford Hill Group Practice (on Egerton Rd) is by far the best practice in the area - if you can get on their books. (Claire Gorman, Apr-09)
- My family and I are at Elm Practice at the Fountayne Road Health centre and I have been very impressed with them since we joined a few years ago. I would definitely recommend them - there are two principal doctors: Dr. Kiernan and Dr. Hussein (Belle Benson, Feb-09)
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- North London Store, 82 Stamford Hill, N16 6XS; phone 020 8806 1807 (the one opposite Morrisons) - (Richard Collings, Nov '06)
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Anyone know of a good window cleaner? (Brendan O'Keeffe )
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- Steve Anthony is an experienced local guitar teacher - email: steve.anthony at tiscali.co.uk - (Peter Daniels, Benthall Road, Dec-08)
- Piano teacher: Kate Smith -- 8806 6514 (Caroline Penn, Oct-2010)
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- The Rose & Crown at the top of Albion Rd in Stoke Newington has nice reasonable rooms from £80 a night, a lovely Art-Deco B&B.
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- http://www.rawatics.com/ has years of experience, and can easily tailor to your budget and requirements :-) highly recommended! - (Nadia Akram - Feb 2011)
- http://www.technicalbloke.com (roger heathcote) is a local guy that I highly recommend - (Rachel Western - Feb 2011)
- try Jim Kidner he's local with a wealth of experience: tel 020-8 815 8245 / 07886-709059, BENTHAL RD, http://www.kics.biz/ http://www.sectioneleven.co.uk/ - (Dave Donert - Feb 2011)
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- I'd like to recommend Kane (07592 878 199) for turntable and speaker
repairs, if anyone else still has a vinyl collection. He's an enthusiast
of the first order, and will be local for another year or so before
returning to New Zealand.
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- Abney dentist - corner Cazenove Rd and High st/ Stamford Hill. Very pleasant, NHS, efficient, what more could you want.... (Berni Graham, Jul-09)
- Pickering Upper St also NHS, very busy but efficient - except for your first check up, for which you have to queue. they have a highish turnover or young dentists. (Berni Graham, Jul-09) Went to Pickerings for a while but had to wait too long and it felt a
bit of a conveyer belt. (Anne Williams, Jul-09) I can really recommend Pickerings. I've been going to them for about 20 years and have had about 6 crowns (not their fault!) which have all stayed in. They are busy but v. kind. (Jill Brooke, Jul-09)
- I can thoroughly recommend the practice in Stoke Newington Church Street,
opposite the library. They are excellent dentists and they do NHS work.
They're very efficient, I've never had to wait more than five minutes. (Alison Whyte, Jul-09)
- Try Kind'n'Dental - we've been with them for years - off Newington Green
Road. (Anne Williams, Jul-09)
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- Joseph V. Zudovas.Fixes all types of sewing machine, domestic and
commercial. Visits your home. Charges £50 plus parts no matter how long he
takes. Fixed my ancient machine cleaned and serviced it. 0208 8561
1488. 07786193889. www.SewingMachineEngineer.co.uk (Margaret
Roe Sep-09)
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- Jonathan Edwards turns up by bike at your house or some other mutually convenient spot and can service, mend, repair, de-squeak and tweak, fit things (like pannier racks, mudguards, computers etc), tune and build wheels and generally get you back on the road. If he can't fix it on the spot (eg if the repair requires a vice), he can take things away and come back. And he is cheap: a fiver to turn up, which includes the first 30 minutes of labour, and then £2.50 for each 15 mins after that. He carries a few spares like cables, outers, blocks, tubes. Jonathan's number is 07946 261165. (NARG - June-06)
- 'Perlie Rides' workshop and call-out service that also has a stall at Broadway Market on Saturdays: Bicycle Workshop Fully equipped to undertake all maintenance and repairs. Open by appointment. Call-out service, collections and inspections on request from home or office. Contact: 020 8525 5694 / 07957 529 389 / http://www.perlierides.com / 28 Southborough Road, E9 (Richard Lewis, Hackney Cyclists, 16-Oct-07)
There is a comprehensive list of bicycle repair shops on this Hackney Cyclist's web page.
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- John Campbell - the administrator
of this site - is a Windows based programmer of many years experience.
Expert knowledge includes installations, MS-Office, Excel spreadsheets
and Access database programming, websites and website programming, and
programming in a number of languages and environments. He'll be happy
to offer free advice or take on a project. tel. 0782 844 2719 (John Campbell, May-09)
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Can anyone recommend a local, good, but not overly expensive gardener?
Can anyone recommend a garden designer who is prepared to work on a modest terrace house garden and not charge the earth ?
We have a small garden, mostly patio but some beds and need someone to come and do some weeding and general maintenance every couple of months for a few hours.
- Saroj Nelson at 0207 254 7217 or 07941 659 564. She's reasonable and friendly and very efficient (Belle Benson Apr-08)
- I’ve just had some work done in the garden – laying a brick patio and building some walls for flower beds and I’d definitely recommend Darren Ward, Wild Roots Landscaping, who did it. His contact details are email: Darren.ward at yahoo.co.uk, 020 7254 0886 / 07772 980693. He did a really nice job, was friendly and efficient and left everything very tidy. (Claudia Courtis, Alkham Road, Nov-08)
- My husband, Nicholas Borzello, is a gardener and we live nearby. His number is 07985 947 556 - (Belle Benson, Apr-09)
- I can recommend David Male. He’s a gardener based in Stoke Newington. 07791 557791 or 020 7249 4839. (Robyn Pierce, Apr-09)
- Brendan Woods lives near the Brook Road/Benthal Road junction. I recommend him as he charges reasonable fees, gets the job done in the time he quotes, and keeps you updated about what is being spent and unforeseen extras that arise as the job progresses. He helped me fox proof the garden when they tried to dig up all the new turf. His number is 07866362762. (Sarah Hoad - Oct 11)
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Does anyone know of a workshop or business that makes large banners that might be hung outside a building ?
- Our latest Hackney Cyclists banners were made by House of Flags. http://www.flags.co.uk/ - (Trevor Parsons, May-08)
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- try the cobbled yard on 020 8809 5286 ask for Carole - (vishal vora, Mar-08)
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- A local driving instructor called Tony on 07980 451349 got two members of this family through their driving test and stayed calm throughout.- Marjorie Brown, 3-Mar-08
- The woman who runs Lady Drive 020 7362 9007 (sorry forgotten her name) was brilliant with my daughter who had already had two bad experiences with instructors from a 'well known driving school' who were awful and almost put her off driving completely. I would never ever recommend the 'well known driving school'. - Anne Williams, Mar-08
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- Minas runs an excellent garage - just on the side of Hackney Downs. Park View Motors 1A Downs road its in the arch under the railway bridge next to the petrol station. His knowledge on all makes is encyclopaedic. Tel: 0208 5330410 he opens from 11:30 till 9pm (Dave Donert, 03 December 2007). They use all the latest diagnostic kit - but are very down to earth
- Two people separately (Steve&Rachel) have recommended Michael at Hackney Service Centre, Mare Street, Bohemia Place, London, E8 1DU, tel 020 8533 2786. (a google search turned up that there was more than one down Bohemia Place to be careful to go to the right one). Steve says he has used them for years, they are extremely reliable and trustworthy.Rachel says he has always done her proud and he won't do work unless it is absolutely
necessary and always checks with her and offers to keep the bits and show her, she also says the bill is always reasonable.
- Claire recommends Sel from his garage called "Kaybay" who are just off Walford Road. Claire says Sel, really couldn't be nicer, he is really honest and hardworking, she has used him loads. She also said the engine has just gone in her van and she is in dire straits at the moment and Sel was there to help her out.
- Ingrid recommends Real Prestige Motors, 465 Andre St E8, 020 72543776. Ingid says she has used them for 15 years, he has fixed her car quickly and at a reasonable price every time, she has even bought her last two cars from him
- Vicki recommends: E&E Lusardi on Englefield Rd (off Kingsland Rd.) 020 7254 2881. Vicki says she has used them for a couple of years now and she trusts them not to rip her off. They've also helped with a minor thing and not charged her.
- Bibi recommended:A guy who's garage is down Belfast Road (right next to Stoke Newington Train Station) a petite Kurdish guy apparently.
NOT RECOMMENDED
- Charlie does not recommend AA1 Autos on Mare Street due to a mess up, although obviously thousands of other people have had good or at least satisfactory experiences with them because otherwise they would be out of business.
- Matt, does not recommend Morning Lane Autos (though he didn't go into specifics)
(some of these recommendations were contributed via Hackney Freecycle Cafe)
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Anyone know of a good window cleaner? (Brendan O'Keeffe )
-
Peter Jones (Abbacare) has always done an excellent job for us. - tel. 020 8888 5405 / 07767 357 112 (Séan Donnellan, Rectory Road - Jun-2012) Tim Witting, CVS (Carpet Valet Services), 07860 729703. Based in N16. Clean, tidy, reliable! - (Caroline Penn, Jun-2012)
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- Stuart Roweth. Really excellent- he’s taken out a dangerous and enormous eucalyptus for us,trimmed various large trees in our garden and taken out a huge and - alas - beautiful eucalyptus that was growing monstrous and heading for 150 feet, and pruned our other trees very sensitively. 07768335968 / email: Stuartroweth at gmail.com / Stuart2roweth2 at freeserve.co.uk. He lives near Newington Green. (John Fletcher, Sep-07 / Apr-11)
- Steve Hooper’s treework company. We were impressed, when, coming for an estimate, he point blank refused to do what we had planned, because it would ruin the shape of the tree and suggested alternative, more aesthetic strategies which worked well. The men who did the work were pleasant and competent, and, before taking the shreddings to the Council compost depot checked that we didn’t want them for our own composting. Payment by cheque with VAT, of course, but very reliable and professional: www.stevehooperlandscapes.co.uk ; E-mail steve@hooper-gardens.freeserve.co.uk ; Tel 020 8340 6041. (Paul Vernon, Sep-07)
- Steve Mayhew 07985 692820 (Amy Erickson, Sep-07)
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- David Green does events, family and personal portraits and special occasions. www.davidxgreen.com / 07814 823 780. His photos from the Stoke Newington Common Picnic 2009 are online here.
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We have broken and generally problematic drains on our house and just cannot find anyone to come and mend them. Can anyone out there reccommend someone to do a simple but "high" job. The height of the house seems to be the issue for some reason!
We are having problems with our central heating. Can anyone recommend a plumber/engineer who can service our system?
We want to replace out ageing boiler. Can anyone recommend a heating engineer?
- Nigel Londt, NPJ plumbing -
0208 806 9483 / 0771 0912119. He's Corgi registered and Institute of
Plumbing acredited. Lives in Geldeston Road - (Dave Donert, Jan-06)
Nigel has just replaced our boiler and other bits. We have been
delighted with what he has done and would recommend him wholeheartedly -
also local and puts himself out to help his neighbours! - (David
Blundell, Feb-2012) Nigel has just replaced our boiler and done a great job. - (Mandy Maidment, Feb-2012)
- Try Naseer Mapara 07973420753 lives on Kyverdale Road , quick and efficient. - (Raheel Solkar , Feb-2012)
- John Sleeman 07946161737 who fitted our new boiler and removed our old one. - (Kirsten Foster, Feb-2012)
- Yusef 07973639240 is great –
very reasonable, based in E8. He installed a new boiler and several
radiators for us, and has done all sorts of other plumbing jobs for us
over the past few years. (Lorna Fray, 29-Mar-06), He came and
serviced my old, trusty but obsolete Worcester boiler (which Worcester
will no longer do) for £65 (cheaper than Worcester), and was honest
enough to tell me that it wouldn't lengthen its life, which was fine as I
just wanted to make sure it was safe. He is funny and nice as well. (Anne Synthieme, 4-Jan-08).I can't recommend highly enough. Nice, reasonable rates, very good job done. 07976 275239 - (Alison Whyte, Feb 2012)
- Krystal May from Amphibious Plumbing & Electrics 07984 745645 / Website - (Robyn Pierce - Dec-2011)
- Mark, advance heating and plumbimg 07976278454. He is very good and reasonable - (María, Northwold Road, Feb-2012)
- We can highly recommend Richard Metcalfe - he lives locally and is very reliable - he did ours last Oct and did a great job. 07956290586 (Frauke Franz, Mar-08)
- I would recommend Steve on 07973 703795 (David Vail, Mar-08)
- plumber -Phil on 078858 20896- always found him reliable and good and have recommended him to a few freinds who found him fine - (Berni G Apr-06)
- Lyndon Duffey, lives locally, 07970 695559. Used, and recommended widely, a local plumber (young guy, not yet Corgi registered) who is excellent for anything to do with water supply, taps, bathrooom plumbing etc. (Penny Taylor, Aug-08) Lyndon has replaced and moved several radiators for me and last year replaced and relocated my boiler, converted my central heating system to closed system and moved the hot water tank into the basement. I have had no issues and happy with the price, I would recommend Lyndon's clever, thoughtful and professional approach to his work. (Tony Mulchrone, Fountayne Road, Apr-2010) I used Lyndon Duffey to sort my leaking cistern etc.
out earlier in the year; he was efficient, reliable and concientious. He
lives on Evering Road (Ezra Kirby, Oct-2010), he has been great (Belle Benson, Oct-2010)
- I have used M&M Plumbing and Heating (020 7249 8228) in the past, they are based on
Stoke Newington High Street. They repaired my gas boiler when it needed
a major part replacing. They are friendly and helpful, though perhaps
not the cheapest (Emma Robinson, Aug 10)I've also found M & M very good and also quite cheap (Alison
Whyte, Aug-10)
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Last Updated: Tue 23-Oct-2012 |
