Spotlight on: Chantel from The Conker Crew

This week we shine the light on The Conker Crew. Chantel’s classes are one of our most favourite things to do with our kids on Mondays at Longford Park. We are so excited to be collaborating in August at Stockley Farm for Stockfest, and in September at Happy Sundaze – the Our Kids Social ultimate family sundowner.

Find out more about the classes, Chantel’s Crew at home and also her fave things…

What’s your name and where do you come from?

Hey there, I’m Chantel. I’ve been an adopted Manc for about 20 years now, but my roots and accent remain firmly, and obviously, in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

Tell us a bit about The Conker Crew! What can families expect?

So, The Conker Crew seed was planted a few years ago – I was a new TwinMama and I was gagging for some not-too-intense camaraderie; something engaging for the fellas but chilled and relaxed for me and above all else, I just wanted to get out of the house!

And so The Conker Crew grew from there – a cosy and relaxed forest school style playgroup where kids can enjoy muddy play, physical challenges, natural arts and crafts, singing, dancing, socialising, chilling with some practical skills thrown in for good measure. Grown ups and kids can join in as much or as little as they want and we always share a story, fire, hot drink and a snack. And the absolute bobby bonus is that it all happens in the convenience of your local park with me!

How are you involved with Our Kids Social?

Well, previous to the lovely Hannah and Jo being original Conker Crew members, we’d been to a couple of OKS as a family. We love a tune, a good old boogie and the fellas love to show off in a ‘performience’, so OKS is perfect for us! The Conker Crew will be at Stockfest and Happy Sundaze with OKS this summer and man, we can not wait!

Which three words best describe you and why?

I reckon ‘chatty’ – I absolutely love a chinwag, a debate, a good old conversation. Erm, ‘chilled’ – with three under 5s there really is no other way. Nothing is ever that bad that it can’t get better.

This is hard…the third is ‘proud’, I think. Yes, it has negative connotations but I’m happy to own this one – I’ve always proper enjoyed and celebrated the achievements of others and it’s only recently that I’ve learned to do the same with my own. I’m one proud Mama, daughter, sister, wife and friend.

What is on the kitchen disco play-list in your house?

It’s probably always going to be some 90s indie with a healthy dose of Motown, Northern Soul and Ska. Who doesn’t get up to dance when The Snake comes on?

Where are your favourite places for a knees up without the nippers?

These days it is probably at a willing friend’s house or a gig; we really do love a gig.

What was the first album / single you bought and what format did you buy it on?

This is like a big disco glitter-ball spotlight on my age… It was Paul Young ‘No Parlez’ bought as a present for my Cabbage Patch Doll, Zoe. She was mad into vinyl. Oooo this has got me all nostalgic now – I remember how the papershop at the bottom of the street sold three 7″s for £1.00. Soft Cell‘s ‘Tainted Love’ was definitely amongst the first pocket money purchases there.

What would be your band T-shirt of choice?

More nostalgia… there were many. I proudly rocked Silverfish’s ‘Hips, Lips, Tits, Power’ for a time and on reflection the trip to HMV for a Beastie Boys t-shirt was ill-advised at 13 when unbeknown to me it screamed ‘Get Off My Dick’ on the back of it! To be honest, my ultimate fave is always going to be The Charlatans ‘looking for the orange one’.

What is a favourite family meal at your house and do you have a great recipe to share?

It’s an oldie but a goodie… the classic roast dinner. No top tips I’m afraid, other than best shared with a whole load of friendly folk and maybe a vino tinto or two.

Apart from Our Kids Social (obviously) what would you recommend for family fun in the North West?

I’m scared to share our gems, but this is easy – Projekts Skatepark, Rock Over Climbing and… The Conker Crew!

What are you looking forward to most at Happy Sundaze in September?

Another easy one… A right good boogie – might practice that flossing-malarky. Ukelele playing must surely feature somewhere and of course, The Prof. And as for The Conker Crew, well, we are looking forward to sharing our fresh air fun with a whole host of fabulous people at a fabulous venue. Can. Not. Wait.