alimc

I think I could accept that he would bump into me if we were coming at eachother head on around a blind corner or something but he came up behind me and would have had time to hang back, surely. I don't want to report this to the police, I just want to post it here to remind people to be mindful of others when you're running and also in case someone else had a similar experience, this might be something to look out for.

The part between Fireman's Alley and the Court Lane entrance. Thanks.

Hi all, just wanted to share something odd / unsettling that happened to me this morning in case anybody else has a similar experience and it is a 'thing'. I was doing my usual run around the trail at the outer edge of Dulwich Park this morning with not a care in world. As we all know this is a narrow track so it's not unusual to slow down or step out of the way for other runners or dog walkers. Suddenly out of the blue I feel a body so close behind me that it was right up against my backside - I could literally feel his body up against my arse. This happened very quickly but in the moment I swore and jumped to the side as did the guy who was doing it and for a moment we did that sort of dance you do when you try to get out of eachother's way and go in the same direction. He then sped on ahead. He may have been running very quickly behind me and I was going too slow for him but why on earth he though it was acceptable to get up behind me and so close so that we were actually touching, is beyond me. Covid and social distancing aside, it felt aggressive, intimidating and a violation, frankly. I'm posting here in case anyone else experienced something similar. Having canvassed a few menfolk this morning they were all pretty horrified and said it sounded wrong, unnecessary and a bit deviant. So deviance aside, if this guy is just some prick who thinks he owns the trail then I would like to just say to him (and anyone else thinking of running up close and personal to other runners) , BACK OFF AND HAVE SOME MANNERS AND STOP INTIMIDATING WOMEN! If the trail is too narrow and confining for you then run somewhere else. If it's not about that and you are a pervert then I hope someone gets to you before this escalates.

Also interested. Let me know if you find anything. Thanks.

Hi all, just found out we're due our second on 31st October so hope to join this group! I live in Forest Hill behind the Horniman. Ellie - my daughter will be 5 years by then so in the same boat. Alison

Hi all, we have a lovely new au pair who arrived from Spain last week. She's keen to get to know other au pairs. Please PM me if you're in the same boat. Cheers.

On a similar note - can anyone recommend a good venue locally within inside and outside space that would suit a 5 year old birthday party with about 25 kids? Thanks.

Hi there, Our current (and fabulous) au pair is leaving us in March. We had another one lined up to join us but she emailed last night to say that she has been offered a 'proper' job at home in France so she won't be coming afterall. I have re-activated our profile on aupairworld but would also be grateful if anyone on this forum could let me know if they know of anyone looking for an au pair role. We live in Forest Hill. Thanks in advance.

i second au pair world and in fact Mellors provided me with great advice when he took on our au pair last November (thanks!0 She is now planning to stay on until next Feb (and hopefully i can persuade her to stay longer). She is also in her twenties which is something I would recommend.

thanks so much, everyone. Taking your advice on board and things are slowly improving.

Help! Any tips from those of you used to having an au pair? Au pair seems very nice if a little shy with my girl. My girl clearly sees her as a threat to her time with Mummy and Daddy and is basically completely disobedient and doesn't want to do anything for her or be with her. I completely understand that she doesn't want to lose any time with us but I just wish they would get on! It's only been a week and a half and it is our first au pair but it's proving to be quite stressful. I think none of it is helped by the fact that the au pair is a little unsure of our daughter and needs to be a bit more outgoing and 'fun' but we can't change her personality.

Thanks very much, Rachel.

Can anyone recommend a dance or sport class for my 3 year old on Sunday mornings locally please? Thanks Alison

Recommedations from satisfied customers please! Thanks.

I know so many people who have had terrible experience with the management at Piplings with very similar experiences as described above such as being ignored. I considered sending my little one but did not like how the management treated me before I started. Their communication is horrendous and frankly quite odd. I hear the carers are great though.