Workdays and Weekends: Laura Munro

When she's not supervising and coaching handsprings, pikes and somersaults, Laura spends her days re-enacting the Gruffalo and organising the Perth & Kinross Sports Awards, that celebrate all the amazing sporting achievements of local sporting hero's - It's not your typical week!

We couldn't wait to find out more and how she manages to squeeze this all in, with a Deans Berry Nice Cocktail thrown in for good measure!

1. What does a typical day at work look like for you? 

Never ever a typical day!  My role is pretty varied so some days I could be working with senior school pupils on Community Sports Leader Projects helping them develop in their coaching ability in the morning. Then, in the afternoon I might be in the office completing funding applications for coaching courses or equipment and planning mentoring sessions or organising/hosting competitions or festivals for schools.  I usually finish with coaching gymnastics or trampolining sessions in the evening.

Its not all just gymnastics, I'm currently one of the organisers of the Perth & Kinross Sports Awards, which I've been involved with for the past 5 years.  It’s the only celebration event in Perth & Kinross which recognises the achievements of our Sports Clubs, Volunteers, School Teams, Officials and of course, athletes in one evening.  It really highlights all the good work that is going on across the region.  This years event is being held on 3^rd March at Perth Grammar Theatre so its all go at the moment with nominations coming in every day! Don't forget to get your vote in!

2. What signals the start of your weekend / days off?

On a Friday I coach two really fun classes at Strathearn Campus In Crieff and finish at 6pm. I normally get home at about 6:45pm and have dinner with my husband who has usually picked up something nice from Marks and Spencer. Once the boys are off to bed,  I can then switch off and relax.

3. What makes for a perfect night in? 

In this horrid dreich weather – my perfect night is good food, a big cosy blanket, and Sherlock; although this season has been a bit odd!  I do love Benedict Cumberbatch though – I think he is brilliant!

4. What makes for a memorable day or night out?

I danced when I was younger – up to the age of 18 or so and would spend every evening watching a dance recital or show if I could. However, one of my favourite things to do is going exploring with my two boys – Cooper (5) and Clark (3) – its great seeing them experience things for the first time and getting excited about what we are doing.  Clark loves the Gruffalo and when we're out walking he pretends that he is the mouse from the story and when he hears the leaves rustling that it’s the snake or fox! - I normally get the role of the Gruffalo, minus the poisonous wart and purple prickles of course! 

5. Tell us about the weekend you’d love to live again? 

Last year I went on a brilliant trip to Liverpool with a big group of girls and I just laughed and danced all weekend – it was really good fun and great to let my hair down, be a bit silly and just have a fab time.  I think everyone needs a girly weekend like that every now and then.    

6. And now your best ever day at work? 

There have been lots of really good days especially where gymnasts achieve a new skill for the first time or do well in a competition. However, a stand out moment was last year when a coach who I started working with about 6 years previously when she was a senior pupil in High School was about to embark on a very exciting new role. She wrote me a lovely letter saying thank-you for the mentoring and support I had given to her and it was one of those moments, where you realise the impact that this job can have on a young person and that the hard work we put in is all completely worth it.

7. Any workday or weekend rituals?

I make Pain au Chocolat' and Croissants with my boys on a Saturday mornings which is always very messy!

8. What’s in the perfect day off breakfast? 

As a family we are big fans of - Stuart Tower Dairy. On a Sunday morning we normally visit after the boys swimming lessons - Its only a couple of minutes up the road from where we live and so perfect for a breakfast visit.  They have Dairy Free Ice Cream, which is fantastic as my 5 year old is allergic to dairy so our lovely breakfast is followed by Ice Cream.....

9. Any words of wisdom for us? 

Dance and Laugh every day x

***

Laura is the Gymnastics Sports Development Officer at Bells Sports centre.  She is also an organiser of the amazing Perth & Kinross Sports Awards.

TO NOMINATE IN THIS YEAR'S SPORT AWARDS & TO FIND OUT MORE CHECK OUT OUR STOP PRESS STORY HERE >>>