Eventful life for friends

But friends Alex Widdowson and Rachel Wood are no ordinary mothers.

Dubbing themselves as ‘mumpreneurs’, they have set set themselves up as events managers.

The idea was the brainchild of Alex, 27, of Sunny Bank, Worksop, who has set up her own business called All Events Planners.

She is mum to five-year-old Max, who goes to Sir Edmund Hillary School.

“I just love planning events and organising things. My brain is constantly full of ideas and I have to stop myself sometimes.”

“I have a lot of creative ideas that I like to put into action. I started by doing fundraising for charity and then realised how much I enjoyed it.”

Alex set up an All Events Planners Facebook page to get feedback from Worksop people about the kind of events they would like to attend.

That was seen by Rachel, 27, of Gateford Avenue, who got in touch with Alex.

Rachel is mum to Billy, four, Maisy, two, Rupert, one, and four-month-old Troy - but she still finds time to get involved in event planning.

She said: “I have a lot of contacts in the community, particularly other parents and know the kind of things they would like.”

The two friends their first success with a nearly new sale of items for under fives - such as clothes, toys, high chairs and cots - at North Notts Arena.

They added extra interest by booking an impersonator of the children’s character Mr Tumble, to keep youngsters entertained.

“There were 180 people queuing down the road before we opened up. We got about 400 there during the whole event,” said Alex.

The response was so good that they have already set a date for another one, Saturday 2nd June, which will also raise money for Bassetlaw Special Care Baby Unit.

She is a qualified nail technician and was working for herself from home when she decided to organise a pamper evening at her son’s school last year.

“I really enjoyed planning it and that was when I decided to set up my own events business last April,” she said.

Alex has already set up a regular Sunday car boot sale at the Aurora Centre in the old library building in Worksop which is doing well.

“I enjoy helping people to make money. The trick is to hit on something that will work and that will interest people in Worksop,” she said.

Her next big event is a Ladies’ Night on 19th May at North Notts Arena which will feature a Lady Gaga tribute.

“It will be the kind of night where women can come along with their friends and fun,” said Rachel.

Alex is passionate about supporting local businesses and hopes to organise a calendar featuring Worksop firms and a carnival to bring people into the town.

“We’re also planning a big event to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee,” she said.

For more information about any of the events go to the Facebook page or contact Alex on 07526 379920.