Meet a Committee Member
Catherine Foster, Minutes Secretary and mum to Alexa (3) and Elliot (1)
Tell us about yourself and your family
My husband lured me here with the promise of a garden, ten years ago. We recently moved to the other side of Beckenham, into the house that he grew up in and we are now experiencing multi-generational living with his parents as they downsize. This has been lovely for the children and I have been spoiled too – dinner’s on the table every night and we have a laundry fairy! My brother-in-law’s family live locally and my mum helps out with childcare so we see everyone all the time!
What is your experience of the NCT?
We went to an NCT antenatal class in the sweaty summer of 2013 and ended up making great friends. I can’t tell you how lovely it is to see those tiny little babies
turn into beautiful, funny and smart children that are all so different. I also went to a NCT baby massage class with my boy and learnt awesome massage skills pairing gentle touch with singing to your baby!
What is your current NCT role?
I’m the Minutes Secretary, so I attend the monthly meeting, catch up with the other volunteers, drink tea and take notes. I type them up and circulate them so we can keep track of groups, volunteers, fundraising and events. I also channel my inner compulsion to tidy by sorting through our storage unit at Big Yellow in Elmers End. Next on my list is the group’s email inbox and filing system. In between renovating a house, raising two children and working full-time in the City I will find time!
Any advice for anyone expecting their first baby?
Read all the books and then forget it all - you will figure it out. Trust your instincts - if you think something is wrong then get it checked out. Do a first aid course - knowing what to do when my daughter was choking was critical.
What has been the biggest learning curve about becoming a parent?
Dealing with *mummy guilt* and trying to get a good work life balance. My immensely pragmatic husband has helped me to ‘own’ my decisions and just get on with it. Life is too short to waste it and everyone is happier.