It can be a bit daunting coming along to an event where you know no one at a time in your life when you’re feeling a bit vulnerable or lonely. So here’s a little detail on what to expect at Morning Mocktails.
WHERE IS IT?
The lovely team at Hammond & Smith is loaning us their premises for the morning. Yes, it’s an estate agents but the gang there frequently work with and support other local businesses. Also, Carly (Mrs Hammond) is currently expecting baby no.2 so it’s the perfect partnership.
If you aren’t an Epping local, Hammond & Smith is the store with the turquoise and bright pink signage. It’s a few doors up from Marks & Spencer’s and Greggs. So if you walk away from the big church with M&S on your left, you’ll be sure to find it. Just come in the front door.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
It’s on a Sunday, so there’ll be few to no parking restrictions. All the council car parks (there’s a temporary one just off St John’s Road) are free but you’ll still need to get a ticket. You can park in most side roads for free but do check restrictions. If you are an Epping local then walking is probably easiest.
WHEN IS IT HAPPENING?
Sunday, 26th February.
WHAT TIME IS IT HAPPENING?
We’ve stated 10am – 12pm on the flyers. Do pop along at any time during the two hours we’ll have our doors open. You can pop mid shop, stop for a chat or come alone and leave dad/partner to take baby for a walk.
DO I NEED TO BRING CASH/MONEY?
The whole event is free, including refreshments. This is an opportunity for me, along with the team at Hammond & Smith to say welcome, congratulations, and this is our fabulous community. Do come and feel welcome. We may have a collection pot for charity but it’s not obligatory.
DO I NEED TO BRING BABY?
Again, optional! We’d love to meet your babies but if you’d prefer a little time alone to breathe, that’s cool too. This is an event for pregnant mummas too so their babies are still on the inside.
WILL PEOPLE BE COMING ON THEIR OWN?
I’d really hope people feel okay about coming along if they know no one. This event is all about finding people in a similar situation to you and feeling like a part of the community, although I understand not everyone wants to make baby parent friends. If you don’t know anyone you can come and find me, Zoë, Natalie or any of the Hammond & Smith team and have a chat (or don’t if you’d rather just enjoy quiet company). I do know it can feel a bit awkward but the nature of my work, teaching Pilates classes is about meeting new people all the time. If you’re really worried about coming alone, just drop me an email or DM me on Instagram and I’ll make sure to find you when you arrive.
WHAT WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN AT THE EVENT?
I don’t really know! I’m a big believer in setting out an intention, spreading the word and watching what happens. What I hope will happen is that – in a pretty low key way – a bunch of lovely people will come along to enjoy a coffee or a mocktail, perhaps some cake too (I’ll be baking and Epping Cakes are providing some cakes). Then maybe they’ll linger, find a friend they haven’t seen for a while, catch up with someone from a class they’ve attended or meet their long lost cousin Fran.
I hope there’ll be people I know from my pre and post natal classes but I also hope to meet new people. Weirdly at the last event like this that I hosted, a boy (now man) from my secondary school recognised me and popped over to say hello. He’s now a primary school teacher. No one saw that coming!
Oh and it’s also the perfect opportunity to chat to me about Pilates, pregnancy changes or worries (those niggles that seem to insignificant to share with your midwife or GP). My lovely breastfeeding support friend Natalie will be there as will pelvic health physio Zoë. I’ve also invited other friends who work with pregnant and new mums and families.
Stay for as long or as little as you like but don’t expect a schedule from me, other than 10am-12pm. That’s it!
Oh and yes, they have a loo! Toilets are available. So we’ve got that covered too.
DO I NEED TO SIGN UP?
No, you can come along but it would be so useful for numbers if we know you were coming. You can let us know easily by adding your email to this list: I’m Coming
CAN I INVITE A FRIEND?
Yes, please do invite any expectant or new families along too. You can just share this post using the buttons below.
Now I think that’s everything but if there are any other questions PLEASE do ask.
And if you’d like to find out about pregnancy Pilates click here: Pregnancy
Or about my next course of Post Natal Pilates click here: Post Natal