INMCD

Hi. My son's in Year 7 at Harris Boys. We live just by Nunhead Cemetary and he got in last year on 1 March. Quite a few boys from that part of SE15/SE22 are in his year. We're so glad he got in - he loves it. We're very happy.

I'm so glad I've seen this post. He was fast asleep on Tuesday morning when we walked past and my son was really concerned for him. We've never seen him sleeping there before - just sitting in his chair by the entrance to the park. Its so sad. Really hope he gets some help x

I agree with the above, I just think the reason my daughter was freaked out by it was that she'd seen the same guy on Rye Lane walking menacingly down the road. He was walking in a dead straight line & everyone seemed to be jumping out of his path. Possibly she & I over-reacted but the police seemed to take it seriously enough.

My 3 children were just walking home through Peckham Rye Park and walked into the path of a man wearing a balaclava. They were absolutely terrified (my 6 year old was really, really upset) - they ran home v. quickly. My 13 year old tried not to scare her brother and sister too much so kept very calm. My husband's at home and called the police and they've sent a car out to the park. It may be completely innocent but on a warmish, sunny day like today a man in a black mask covering his whole face (eyes and mouth as well) is reason to be concerned. I've seen this guy (assuming its the same one) barrelling down Rye Lane and I was a bit scared.

My daughter goes to South London Harriers. They train at Crystal Palace. I'm not sure what age they take them from (she's 13) but my son, who's in Year 4, has joined in a few times when we've gone to watch. I don't know of any other clubs around. Their email address is www.southlondonharriers.org. Niamh x

I agree. My daughter's just about to start Year 8 and I can't think of anything negative about the school. She's come on so much in the last year and is really happy there. Lovely teachers who are so encouraging and positive. She works hard but doesn't feel under any undue pressure. So far so good for us. x

You're right of course that Southwark shouldn't have to inform us about Lewisham schools. The talk we had at school was supposed to cover all concerns about secondary transfer. What I was trying to say is that the school didn't warn us that although most people in that room would be applying to Lewisham schools, lots of our children would have no hope of getting in. We just weren't given any real guidance & that's where the frustration lies x

My daughter didn't get a place at Sydenham Girls this year due to distance - our application was dealt with purely on that criteria. We had no idea that was going to happen as other girls near us have got in before. Southwark came to school to speak with parents and they never gave us any indication that applications for Lewisham schools would be based on distance! Pretty disasterous really. x

Nunheadmum is right. We're just off Ivydale Road and still waiting for a school place for September (my daughter got none of her 5 choices but was offered Harris Peckham!). The furthest distance that Haberdashers offered in the top band was something like 280 metres (defintely less than 300 metres) so most children from Ivydale and surronding roads wouldn't have a hope of getting into Haberdashers. This year has been partiuclarly bad with hardly any children getting their 1st choice so I really hope that the new school takes the pressure off slightly next year. x

Great thread. Otta your post has really made me laugh. I grew up in North London and remember the fear on the night bus home from Camden Palace! x

I had epidurals at Kings with my three births. My first two were back to back so I definitely needed it and my plan for a water birth with my 3rd went out the window the minute the contractions kicked in! The midwives were happy to give me one all 3 times (first time took longer as we were waiting for the anaesthetist). As soon as it kicks in you can sit back and read a magazine or watch Coronation Street! I didn't have forceps or stitches with any of mine. Good luck! xx

My daughter had teeth crowding and needed a tooth out. Kings messed us around for about 2 years - never making a decision about whether to take it out or not and then finally deciding on a general anaesthetic! I wasn't keen. We went to lovely Nicola at Dulwich Dental Clinic on Lordship Lane and she popped it out in 5 mins! Like Snowboarder I found the Kings experience draining. I'm sure if you go to an NHS dentist you wouldn't have to pay. Niamh x

I love this thread! We have three children - now 10, 6 and 3 and its great. Two children (a girl and a boy) wasn't enough for me and I knew I wanted another as soon as my son was born. I had to fight for number three as my husband was happy with two. She completes our family and I would've regretted not going for it. I would love a 4th but my husband had the snip when she was nine days old! Do it - you'll never regret it! xxxx