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December 08 - Sarah Rayfield
 Main
successes: I became a Lollipop advisor in February, and at the
first demo I did, I got a big order. The lady has just come back
to me to discuss the next size nappies. That’s what I love
about Lollipop, the great connection with the customers; many of
them end up as friends.
Main frustrations: I get frustrated with people’s
unwillingness to give cloth a try. I wish people could appreciate
that if they made the switch they would be taking a great step in
caring for this planet. I know disposables are convenient, but washable
nappies are not a great chore anymore, and they’ve become
quite a fashion statement too.
Top tips: Network as much as possible, make contacts with
baby groups, your local Children’s Centre, local green groups,
I’m known as “Nappy Sarah” in our town! Get involved
with your local NCT branch - they always need volunteers, and it’s
a great way to meet mums and mention cloth without being pushy.
3 happiest moments: Giving birth to my second son at home,
my husband with me in the birthing pool, and the sun setting behind
us across the valley. Watching my two boys growing up and playing
together, they constantly surprise me! Of course I have to include
my wedding day, I was grinning like the Cheshire cat all the way
up the aisle.
Hobbies: Knitting - especially socks and baby clothes, though
I am rather slow and often the baby has outgrown the garment before
I’ve finished it, but never mind, it’ll fit someone
else’s offspring!
Favourite website: The Lollipop Forum of course, but also
Ebay & my local Freecycle - I always look for something second
hand first rather than buying new, and I’ve met friends through
Freecycle too.
Best indulgence: Curled up in bed, reading a Jane Austen
novel, while eating a big box of chocolates from our local handmade
chocolate shop. Oh, and the boys are all out at the park!
Book last read: The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins,
because I’m on the steering group for our town’s Transition
Initiative. It’s all about how we can face the challenge of
Peak Oil while reducing our impact on Climate Change, and strengthen
our community at the same time. Of course switching to washable
nappies is an important step!
Favourite sandwich filling: Houmous and roasted vegetables.
Top 3 chocolate varieties: Dark chocolate, dark chocolate,
dark chocolate!
November 08 - Philippa Green
 Main
successes: I’d say my main success is definitely the work
I have done with Walsall Council. In the past year they have really
taken on the cloth nappy camparign and have given away over 200
free nappy trial kits within the borough. This has expanded from
Real Nappy Week to other events through the year. It has really
raised the profile of real nappies locally and also recently has
resulted in involvement from local Sure Start Teams. We’re
already planning for Real Nappy Week next year. I just wish my own
children were still in nappies, as they were my little demo models
when they were younger. I have to say that I owe a huge amount to
Thirza Whittal, she was such a help to me when I first started and
taught me so much about how too meet people and help them to choose
the right nappies for them. She is very deeply missed by all.
Main frustrations: The thing that frustrates me the most
is trying to get over the misconceptions that people have with cloth.
Although things have moved on so vastly, unfortunately many still
have the idea that cloth is folding terry squares, fastening with
pins and buckets full of soaking nappies.
Top tips: Definitely using the advisor forums, if you have
a question then they will have the answer. The other is a bit of
persistence, everyone will have quiet periods throughout the year
but by being persistant, things will naturally be on the up again.
Staff within the council change, so if they were reluctant to be
involved one year, it doesn’t mean that they always will,
so keep a good working relationship with them till they then need
you and they will need you!
3 happiest moments: As many others, the birth of my 2 beautiful
girls, Alice & Amelia and marrying my lovely hubby, Dave.
Hobbies: I love knitting and spinning my own wool on my
spinning wheel!
Favourite website: Apart from the Lollipop forums, I love
Ravelry!
Best indulgence: Glass of wine and a Toblerone
Book last read: “The Overlook” by Micheal Connelly
Favourite sandwich filling: Plain old chicken salad
Top 3 chocolate varieties: Mint, Orange & scrummy Milk
chocolate
Best t-shirt slogan: Amelia had a top with “ Does
my bum look big in this?” and the answer was usually Yes!
Most amusing nappy tale: My husband always got confused
with fitteds and pockets, so whenever he was changing a nappy, I’d
get a shout from him asking “Do I need a wrap with this?”.
From then on I had to separate all my fitteds and pockets to avoid
confusion.
October 08 - Sam Armstrong
 Main
successes : I’m really pleased that I have been able to
get involved with the Surestart team in Selby. As I was finding
my feet Surestart began to run a weekly session specifically for
breastfeeding Mum’s. I went along, firstly as a Mum but was
asked to take my nappies along one week. I now have a regular display
there once a month and also attend other sessions. I’ve been
able to meet a lot of the area Health Visitors and let them know
what I do. It also led onto becoming a Breastfeeding Volunteer Peer
Supporter which is very rewarding. I was also asked to get involved
with local writer Kate Lock as Kate wished to run a real nappy trial
as research for her book ‘Confessions of an Eco-Shopper’.
Through the Surestart group we found some Mum’s who were willing
to have a go. Surestart, Lollipop and another company all provided
some nappies and I met up with the Mum’s to show them how
to use them and then stayed in contact through the trial. Kate came
to the next Surestart session to meet us all and then chat through
everyone’s findings which were really positive. It was an
interesting process to be part of. I was really pleased to be invited
to the Book Launch and see it all in print.
Main frustrations : There seems to be a general misconception
that cloth nappies are hard work. Yes there will be a nappy wash
every two or three days but with a lot of today’s nappies
being made to be quicker drying, either through the fabric or the
style it should not be a problem. (And you won’t have to dash
to the corner shop for more nappies or borrow your neighbours bin
space to fit the nappies into.)
My other hang up is when people say that cloth nappies make the
babies bum look big. Some styles do, but some don’t too. I
personally think seeing a babies bum wrapped up a lovely soft cloth
bundle is cute, does it matter if it’s a tiny bit bigger?
Top tips : Don’t be afraid of being enthusiastic,
even in the quietest of group demo’s. They may just be shy!
Try to be positive and give facts rather than being negative about
‘other nappy’ choices .
First impressions count, I try to dress ‘smart casual’
for demos and meetings as it helps to reinforce that although nappies
are something I love to talk about, it is a business too.
3 happiest moments : Getting married with all our family
and friends around us. The births of our children. Also realising
that the rope was working after bungee jumping from Victoria Falls
bridge (and the cocktail afterwards…..)
Hobbies : Reading definitely. I love science fiction and
amuse my husband by skim reading a new publication (especially the
third in a trilogy) just to see what happens, before starting again
to read it properly. Also getting out and about for a walk, not
quite so long distance at the moment as the boy’s legs aren’t
up to it. We try to get out for puddle stamping and tree climbing
instead.
Favourite website : Not exactly a web site but I do love
Google. A quick way to find out most things. And really good when
your children want to look at trains or elephants……
Otherwise the nappy forum, just to see what is happening and how
everyone is. Also the BBC site to try and see what is happening
in the world (and on the F1 circuit too).
Best indulgence : A glass of red and meal out with my husband.
Book last read : Shadowmarch by Tad Williams. Another trilogy
I definitely wouldn’t read until all 3 were published (the
last one isn’t finished yet).
Favourite sandwich filling : Cheese of any type with a nice
homemade chutney.
Favourite chocolate variety : Co-op dark chocolate. Fairtrade
and in our local shop.
September 08 - Vikki Elford
 Main
successes: I joined Lollipop in December 2007 so I’m still
really learning. In terms of successes I have been very fortunate
because my local authority, Christchurch Borough Council have bought
into the real nappy concept whole heartedly and actively promote
washable nappies throughout the borough as part of their waste reductions
strategy. They offer all residents a £30.00 voucher towards
the cost of buying real nappies. We also do joint presentations
at antenatal classes. Due to the success in Christchurch the scheme
has recently been extended to cover Dorset and is now administered
by Dorset County Council. I would like to take the opportunity to
thank the Dorset County Leader Louise Rowland for helping to establish
the scheme in the early days.
My second success is using real nappies 24/7! I genuinely love my
nappies especially when you take them out of the washing machine
all clean and fresh - yes I know that sounds sad!?
Main frustrations : I just don’t understand why more
people don’t use real nappies - especially as they’re
so easy to use and so economical? It frustrates me that consumers
are bombarded with TV adverts for disposables which may even be
linked to charitable causes - in my opinion it is merely to improve
their image and somehow mitigate the damage they do to the environment?
I would like to see the government financially support the advertising
of real nappies on TV as part of they’re green policies? Surely
that would have a huge impact in terms of raising awareness and
ultimately the take up of real nappies by the wider population?
Top tips: I make sure I have email addresses and mobile
numbers for all my customers and then I periodically contact them
and say “hi, how’s it going - is there anything you
need or do you have any questions?” Customers seem to appreciate
me making the effort.
Obviously, it really helps if you can develop a good working relationship
with your local authority and the golden nugget is establishing
a real nappy incentive scheme!
Minor thing, but I try and collect and keep all nappy related articles
I find in the press and laminate them to show people.
Due to the increased cost of petrol I ‘encourage’ potential
customers to pop in and see me at home. I explain that I have stock
at the house and therefore more products to show them and it means
I can spoil them with teas, coffees and biscuits. Of course for
some mums it isn’t practical so I’m always happy to
go to them if required.
I never push my nappies on any of my friends/family - I really don’t
want them to think I’ve turned into some pushy sales rep -
I always wait for them to approach me and express an interest -
which most eventually do.
My final tip is have fun and enjoy meeting new mums and mums to
be - we usually end up discussing birth !!!
3 happiest moments: When I bought my house, I was single
back then so it was a real achievement.
Getting married to my hubby Lee on a cruise ship in the Caribbean
in 2003 - all our family and friends came with us. Very decadent
but still cheaper than getting married in the UK!
Finding out I was pregnant and telling my mum the happy news, sadly
she died a week before he was born but I know she’s watching
over us.
Hobbies: I love watching almost any sport - I was hooked
on the Olympics. I also like going to the gym (while my son enjoys
the crèche) I do trampolining, swimming and running.
Favorite website: Well, I’ve spent most of the summer
watching sport on the BBC website (when I’m not watching it
on the TV) of course the Lollipop website gets a fair bit of my
attention too.
Best indulgence: I love crisps with dips and a bottle of
wine of course! Also, I like to have a relaxing pedicure every couple
of months ‘Russian navy’ is currently my colour.
Book last read: ‘The Secret life of a Slummy Mummy’
by Fiona Neill - it’s hilarious, I definitely recommend it!
I’m also a big fan of Red magazine.
Favourite sandwich filling: When I’m at work I usually
buy an emental and bacon baguette from the local sandwich shop.
August 08 - Mandy Gillies
 What
have been your main successes since joining Lollipop? My initial
launch party back in January was a very enjoyable experience, I’m
still in touch with customers from then who were preparing for their
first babies and have contacted me now that their babies are here
looking for advice. I had a good bit of publicity in the local paper
at the start of my Lollipop journey and I think this has helped
me a great deal, I also love the satisfaction of being able to give
accurate advice to an unhappy customer and being able to help them
so much that they reordered other products!
Have you any tips for other would be advisors? Enjoy it,
enjoy the challenge and use the products you are talking about,
it helps immensely having an individual and honest opinion about
what you are trying to advise and sell. Also if you can, see the
local business advisor to get some invaluable advice on starting
a new business, I did and ended up getting funding to start up as
there was nobody in my area that did what I am doing.
What have been you last 3 happiest moments? Well I’ll
have to combine the birth of my 6 children into one for this one,
my wedding to my husband in 2006 and probably when he proposed to
me at John O’ Groats
 Any
hobbies you could recommend as a busy mum? I’d love to
have the time to do my cross stitch again, but by the time the little
ones are settled for the night, all I want to do is sleep! But I’d
definitely recommend it as a good relaxation therapy.
What is your favourite website right now? Most definitely
the Lollipop Support Forum as they have all been great in giving
excellent advice when needed.
What indulgence can you freely admit to? Bassett’s
Licorice Allsorts, hubby bought 2 packets the other day and I’m
using my pregnancy as an excuse for craving them!
Which book have you just finished? I can’t honestly
say I’ve read a book this year. Hubby bought me a Patricia
Cornwell one at Christmas but I haven’t even opened the front
cover yet.
Your favourite sandwich filling? Peanut butter and banana,
strange combination but I’ll have to admit to liking it even
when not pregnant, but it always reminds me of the old yellow pages
advert of the hubby trawling the streets looking for a tuna and
banana pizza for his pregnant wife!
July 08 - Claire Frost
 Main
successes: My very first antenatal talk which was to the biggest
group of mums-to-be that they had had - 18, from which I got 6 big
orders! A great confidence boost to start my Lollipop sales! Oh,
and the Royal Cornwall Show was great too - can't wait for next
year!
Main frustrations: seeing people at the supermarket buying
disposables and some even commenting on what a bargain they are
when they are on a multibuy or special offer! NO, they are NOT!
Top Tips: I'm still pretty new to this and getting loads
of tips and insight from the fantastic forum but on a personal note
I'd recommend getting as much media coverage as possible, preferably
for free by asking newspapers to do editorial/features. As well
as direct sales from it, it helps to get you known in the area so
that when people do think about nappies they automatically think
of you! Also, get to know the midwives and get a regular slot at
the anenatal/parentcraft classes.
Happiest moments: Very predictable, but marrying my lovely
husband Paul (the best cook and the best builder, so I am very lucky!
;-) ) and of course having my 2 children Megan and Finlay and seeing
them growing up; Megs surprises me every day with how much she has
learnt in her 5 years!
 Hobbies:
There is no spare time in my life at the moment as I have 2 jobs,
2 children and my volunteering work with CRNP, but Paul calls nappies
my hobby and he is probably right as I enjoy it so much!! If life
ever gets boring, I'd like to learn the piano and clarinet properly
and get back to jewellery making.
Favourite website: Has to be Facebook (the perfect way to
keep up with everyone and a reminder to make time to see them in
real life!), Ebay (I rarely buy anything brand new anymore and definitely
not without checking to see if I can get it secondhand or cheaper
on there) and the Lollipop forum.
Indulgences: escaping with friends for some me-time; either
a weekly swim (where we mainly chat in the jacuzzi!) or weekends
away where I catch up with my uni friends and pretend to be a student
again!!
Last book read: "Speed cleaning" by Shannon Lush
- how to get a spotless home in 15 minutes per day apparently. Well
I've read it but haven't quite got round to putting it into practise!!
Some good tips in it though....
Favourite sandwich: good old cheese and tomato!
June 08 - Tessa Briggs
 Main
successes : Hampshire Baby Show. I was really impressed with
how many people made a bee line for me and were very committed to
using washable nappies. As a result I was doing two or three demos
a month and making good sales. Fitting my Lollipopping round work
and other commitments, my usual rate is about one a month! Another
benefit of Lollipop has been that I have become much more environmentally
aware and as a family we have changed our lifestyle in several ways
to reduce our impact on the environment.
Main frustrations : Not being able to persuade local councils
to give washable nappy uses an incentive. We are putting so much
less rubbish in our bin than disposable nappy users we deserve a
thank you! I am still working on it....
Top tips:
Use the forum as much as possible.
Try to go along to a training course.
Make sure you claim all your expenses properly so you can reduce
your tax bill - all your mileage counts as does providing tea and
biscuits to customers/postage/a proportion of your electricity/phone
bills/stationery etc etc. Also do your tax return sooner rather
than later - you will be fined if it doesn't arrive on time which
will wipe out your profit.
3 happiest moments: Apart from the birth of our three children.....Being
told by the trading standards officer that I had done everything
right in relation to a difficult customer....Getting an email from
an early customer when she had put her nappies on the washing line
to dry for the first time and felt really good about it. 5 referrals
from a friend's sister which resulted in 4 good orders.
Hobbies: Are you kidding?! Three children and an almost full
time job....I used to have hobbies. Now just picking up a newspaper
or a book feels like a treat. Having a long bath or a lie in is
the equivalent of a hobby these days....I do enjoy baking though
and involve Josie and Thomas in this (although I wouldn't expect
anyone to eat Thomas's efforts....)
Favourite website: I don't really have one....the ones I
use most often are my bank, Ocado, Team Lollipop obviously and that's
about it....
Indulgence: It was magazines - I had subscriptions to about
4 which admittedly I did pass on to friends after I had finished
with them but I felt guilty about the environmental impact so I
cancelled them all. Home made cakes definitely - there's always
something in the tin (or on my plate) in our house whether I am
breastfeeding or not.
Last book: Baby names book...Charlie was without a middle
name for 10 days. I am a member of a book club in our village so
that dictates my reading list but I have picked up Richard Hammond's
autobiography which my husband gave me for Christmas (a present
for him or me??). I am actually really enjoying it at the moment
while I breastfeed Charlie.
Favourite Sandwich: I work in the City so you are only limited
by your imagination (and not the contents of your fridge). Avocado
and crispy bacon on a granary bap is a favourite.
May
08 - Sarah Hunter from Chorley
 Sarah
joined Lollipop in May of 2007, reached T2 a short time later and
her feet haven't touched the ground since!
She has worked very closely with her council and even managed
to secure funding from free Lollipop nappies and wraps to be given
to Lancashire advisors to give away during Real Nappy Week. Her
first Real Nappy Week was one of the busiest I have come across
for a relatively new avisor, visiting libraries, toddler groups,
council offices and hospitals, even donating a set of nappies to
the first baby born in Chorley hospital during the week.
She seems to have boundless energy and enthusiasm and I think
her efforts deserve recognition - great work Sarah!
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