Elusive NCT

[Cairistiona]

Can anyone help me?

I have recently moved to the High Wycombe area, I know no one and would like to get in touch with the NCT or similar group.

I rang NCT central before I moved here but got a lecture from a lady who did not seem to be having a good day. The mere fact of my ringing seemed to have called her considerable inconvenience. I decided to leave it until after my move/birth.

The HV gave me leaflet including the NCT number, which I rang. A chap answered who's wife had been the right NCT person some years ago but was now no longer involved. He was not having a good day either and could not give me the correct number.

Two lectures down, I went to the NCT website and got the number for the Chiltern branch which the irritable lady at NCT central had originally suggested I should try. I emailed them but got a reply that I should get in touch with the High Wycombe branch - no number or email address supplied (thanks sister).

I have tried to get the High Wycombe details but the NCT website appears to be down whenever I try.

I am begining to feel that a higher power does not want me to find the HW NCT.

Can anyone help me find the elusive contact or suggest a more approachable group.

Be nice, please!

Cairistiona, not good, is it? Sorry about your rotten experience. Are you looking for antenatal classes, or have you already had your baby? Either way, it might be worth asking your midwife/GP/health visitor if they know more. And some NCT branches leave leaflets on maternity wards at their local hospitals.
Facilities for new mothers are very patchy round the UK but as you settle in to HW I am sure you will find there are other ante/postnatal groups locally. For example, where I live, the local sports centre had antenatal aquaerobics followed by discussions with a local independent midwife. That was a great way to meet people.
Good luck!

Sorry to hear of your problems, sometimes if info. isn't updated then 'old' committee members are still contacted and they may not have new contact numbers. Please remember that everyone you meet at a local level (excluding antenatal teachers) is a volunteer. Good Luck. R

Thanks ladies

Marina - I will try baby swimming classes - it's a good idea - it never occurred to me that i might meet other mums there - how stupid do I feel typing that!

Bron - in a way I am glad that someone else has had problems too - maybe it's to do with being a stranger in town and not being tapped into the local network. If you 'just know' local stuff, it must seem irritating when someone doesn't seem to know even the most obvious stuff. To be honest it puts me off trying any more but my husband keeps telling me that I can't complain about not knowing anyone if I don't make an effort to get out and meet people. It just seems like such a BIG effort!

Perhaps baby swimming lessons would be enough - or am I being a bit of a coward now? At least it wouldn't matter that I hadn't been to the same antenatal classes as everyone else.

caristona, what about trying to find local toddler/mum and baby groups? (apart from NCT) You could try the library, the town hall for details. There's bound to be one in HW somewhere, it's probably just a case of finding it. There's also an organistation called Meet a Mum Association (MAMA) which is about putting local mums in touch with each other. Will try to find a website for you. I do know the feeling having moved to a new area 2 years ago.

Caristona, the MAMA website is here

Not sure if that link works. If not try this

Have a look at your local leisure centre/swimming pool while you are there - they might do mum & baby yoga or baby massage too. Someone new joined our long-established NCT tea group last week and we were delighted to see them as a couple of people are moving out of the area and we like to keep up to strength. I'm sure you will be very welcome too (ask to go with a group with babies your age if poss, it's more interesting, I think). If you do meet someone at baby swimming (just say how lovely their baby is, everyone loves that!) you could ask them for tea in the cafe afterwards - I've met a few people like that. I think mumsnet proves how much mums want to talk to other mums...

Good luck

Thanks all for your advice.

I see from the fact that SueW has still not got back to me that in fact, the HW NCT is quite elusive!

Baby swimming starts in September so I am going to sign up for that but it's a while away.

I may give the local mother and toddler group another shot although it felt like I had walked onto the league of gentlemen set when I went before - perhaps newborn hormones had a part to play in that too!

I didn't make the NCT sale as my in laws are staying this weekend - in fact I must dash back to my spotless kitchen and make a roast lunch like we always have even when they are not there (ahem).

Cairistiona - SueW's daughter has been in hospital, that's why her life has been hectic lately. SueW, how is she doing?

Cairistiona - SueW's daughter has been in hospital, that's why her life has been hectic lately. SueW, how is she doing?

Thanks for this.

I'm just back from holiday in Cornwall so missed the 16th but I'll be in touch with them soon.

Although I am thinking that I might go back to work instead now - too bored with my own company!

SueW - I hope your daughter is ok. I'll try some positive thinking for you.