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Wednesday 23rd September 2015 earned the right to be included in the most memorable and special days in my life so far. I am still stunned by the superlatives that are being used to describe the conference, exhibition and launch of ‘Another Twinkle in the Eye – contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness’ – ‘incredible’, ‘amazing’, ‘a triumph’, ‘moving’, inspirational’, ‘phenomenal’. On reflection there were many components that made it that way:

At my second book launch 23rd September 2105

The venue:

Originally it was going to be at Salford University – then the students took priority. Next it was moved to Old Trafford – then a football match took priority. Finally it was held at Hotel Football across the road. The setting, customer service, catering and attention to detail were all excellent.

View towards Media City

View of Old Trafford from Hotel Football function room

The organisation:

Earlier in the year when I was speaking to students at Salford University I mentioned to the lecturer that I wanted to hold a conference to bring my new book to life. Being born and bred in the NW of England I wanted it to be up here. She told me that they had a team that did their events; contact was made with Salford CPD and from then on they have done all of the logistics, marketing, etc. for me. They did a great job and helped make the day run so smoothly – even dealing with a burger van owner who seemed keen to block cars in ahead of the match later that evening!

My publishers:

Over the summer months my original publishers, Radcliffe Publishing, were bought by Taylor and Francis Group so there was a change in the team I had been working with. Both the original team and new one have been most supportive. As I type this they have a sale on offering 15% off and free shipping of some of their titles including mine – ‘Eyes without Sparkle’ and ‘Another Twinkle in the Eye’.  It was great that Lucy came from the publishers and had a stand at the exhibition on Wednesday.

The supporters

We had a series of stands from the speakers, including APP, Dads Matters UK, #PND Hour, Cocoon Family Support, PSS, Family Action and The Smile Group and some tasty samples of nutrient bars for pregnant and new mothers from Nutrimum. At each break and over lunch delegates visited the stands and answered a question from each to complete a form – the winner drawn at the end of the day was Carly from Northamptonshire who won a £100 spa voucher kindly donated by SpaBreaks.com. When she won she said that she had dreamt the night before that she was going to a spa – so the day ended with the remark ‘Dreams can come true’!

My family

Over the last 10 years since I resigned my teaching job my family have been a wonderful support. My parents, Maureen and Lawrence Walsh, have always been there for me. Having them share this special day; meet people who have been part of my life since I published my first book and witnessing the impact of it was very special.  Thank you for everything Mum and Dad. The evening before the conference my lovely sister Claire and my niece Sophie joined us for a meal. It was a bit far for my brother Kevin to pop over from Vietnam where he is currently working!

My parents and I

My son Marius was also able to be there. Thank you to his tutors at CCAD for allowing him to miss part of his first week back of his second year of his photography degree course. He was our photographer for the day! It was the first time he had ever been at one of the events around perinatal mental health. I hope it showed him what an impact sharing our story has made! I was proud and thrilled for him to be part of the day. Look at the difference in 10 years!

That first book launch was held at our home at the time. The kitchen adjoined the garage where many people congregated! The launch for the second book was a bit bigger…

I would like to mention that there were a number of my friends at my first one who who all sent their best wishes and would have liked to have been there on Wednesday. Your messages and support meant a great deal to me.

To be continued ….

Elaine 🙂