Meet a Committee Member
Susie Larpent, Happy Mondays Coordinator and mum to Joshua (3) and Oscar (6m)
Tell us about yourself and your family
I’m Susie, I’m married to Ben with two young boys – Joshua and Oscar. We’ve lived in Sydenham for the last 5 years.
What is your experience of the NCT?
I’d heard about NCT for years before having children, so when I got pregnant with Joshua in 2013 it was a no-brainer that we would do a local NCT course in early 2014. We made some great friends on that course who have become central to our family life in South East London.
What is your current NCT role?
Since the start of 2017 I have been the playgroup coordinator for Happy Mondays, which takes place at Bevington Hall in Beckenham every Monday. I arrive half an hour early to set up (with 4-6
volunteers it’s a quick job), buy tea and biscuits beforehand, keep a register and file accounts with the Treasurer. I also enjoy thinking of special ‘extras’ throughout the year: an egg hunt for Easter, cake sales, visits from book sellers, pottery events etc. We’re trying to organise some Messy Play events over the summer which will be great fun, and something completely different from our regular playgroup.
What do you like about volunteering for NCT Beckenham & Borders?
I’d been along to Happy Mondays a few times with a friend and always found it to be one of the most welcoming and well- equipped playgroups in the area – and the free tea and coffee is a bonus too! When I saw the advert looking for a volunteer to run the playgroup, it felt like an obvious thing to do. I’d worked almost full time between having Joshua and going on leave to have Oscar, and I’ll return to a very demanding job at the end of this summer, so this is a short period in which I feel able to give something back to my local community. I’ve really enjoyed becoming friends with fellow volunteers, meeting everyone that comes along, and the challenge of finding new ways to keep the playgroup fresh and interesting for regular visitors.
Any advice for anyone expecting their first baby?
Listen to all the advice you’re offered, nod and smile, and then do it your own way.