In Leeds train station,
they have automatic gates to make sure you have a valid ticket before you enter or leave the platform areas.

One day, as I was making my way through them on to the platform I see a mother pushing a pram with a toddler in tow coming the other way. She put her ticket in, the gates opened and through she went with the fluid ease of a woman who has done this many times before. The toddler, not so much. As his mother walked through the gates his attention was elsewhere and he stood still for a second. Turning round and seeing the gates open and mummy walking away he starts to run. I could see what was about to happen; I knew how long the gates stay open for and I could tell that he wasn't going to make it. What I didn't predict was how perfect his timing would be. As he ran towards the gates in that way that toddlers will, totally blind to danger or obstacles, they swung shut and smashed in to his face, knocking him backwards and nearly lifting him clean off his feet.

I laughed. And laughed again when describing the scene later on.

Note: the kid was fine. They bounce when they're that age.
(Mr._Pickles, Thu 22 Jul 2010, 15:59, 2 replies)

I know the place well.
I would also have laughed a little, though probably on seeing the kid was unhurt.
As a kid I once ran full-pelt into a glass door and bounced back a good few feet -- so I am aware how tough kids can be.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 22 Jul 2010, 17:50, closed)

Pond scum class ticket for me please...
I can't stop sniggering at this :) thanks for the Friday LOL.

*click*
( snee held his breath since, Fri 23 Jul 2010, 8:45, closed)