On the week that we hear Oasis is reforming… as we go in search of bucket hats and Parkers and middle aged men across the country cut their fringes weirdly short and grow in their sideburns, it’s a hello from me in a very sunny Pembrokeshire where I am having a well deserved few days away from it all with the essentials - camper van, two dogs, walking boots and a pile of books. Absolute bliss! 

Carfest! 

Well what a fantastic few days we all had. I think the name is misleading and as Chris Evans (who created and runs it) becomes ever more health and wellness focused, so too does the festival which saw me spending most of my time listening to talks from the likes of Dr. Rangan Chaterjee, Kirsty Gallagher, Dr Louise Newson, and Megan Rossi to name but just a few. Plus Tim Peake, Noel Fitzpatrick, Deborah Meaden… the list goes on!

I will be referencing things I learned from the talks I attended as we go along- we can all buy the books, listen to the podcasts, watch the programs but is always seems much more powerful when you are there in person hearing first hand. Mind you, I was busy typing notes on my phone in one group talk and looked up to see Megan Rossi staring at me and I was mortified - I sort of wanted to jump up and say “no, listen - I am writing notes, I am not what’s apping my friends… I am storing your wonderful words of wisdom!!!”….

My camping booking was changed at the last minute. No problem but having had a lot of emailing back and forth to confirm what was what, I decided to just check what the set up was as I had my enormous sized tent (attaches to the side of my camper and makes life a lot easier). I couldnt reach my “girl on the site” so referred to the website where it stated “no gazebos, no windbreakers etc” so I dutifully removed all the tent paraphernalia from my van, deciding to the embrace the cosy challenge of sharing a very small space with my good friend Vanessa who was arriving the following day. My contact did call me back when I was on the M3 and was very vague and really not sure so I decided not to risk it and continued on my way. 

Well… let’s just say that on arrival it became clear that I was the only rule abider and I was the only, I repeat ONLY van who did not have an entire canvas village attached… I honesty did contemplate turning around and going home for it, but if you can recall the hurricane of last Thursday, I decided  to be grateful not to have that wrestle and instead tried to work though my sense of betrayal and loss. 

I was absolutely thrilled to teach my classes in the studio at “Spa fest” where a timetable of events ran over the 3 days. I was delighted to have huge turn outs for both classes with my twin nephews and Lou as my guests of honour who very loyally joined my Sunday class - thank you! 

In spectacular fashion, I mixed my times up, arriving impressively early for my first class and nearly bursting a gasket as I charged across the site when I realised my error for my second… I should have been more than aware - I had been screen shotting all the different talks and events I wanted to attend that day and had sent to Lou who was coming on the Sunday and she rather pointedly sent back a screen shot of “Juliet’s Pilates 2.00pm” which clashed with a talk I had planned on attending… ah yes, that small detail! 

We had “The hay bales” talks where an astronaut and a space man chatted together (Tim Peake and Sam Ryder) and were fully emboldened, inspired and warrior like after so many empowering talks from a huge range of presenters.

 As a “performer”, I got access to The Green Room and The VIP Guest bar where I enjoyed some major imposter syndrome as people asked me what talks I was doing or what books I had out… well, you never know…. Watch this space

Chris tends to encourage anyone who is a guest on his radio show to come along “and do a slot” so I brushed shoulders with “Trent Crim” ( have you heard the rumours about a possible season 4??) Vassos of course and Andy Ramage but oh my, oh my, oh my… to have a chat and a selfie with Uncle Bryn!! Rob Brydon is part of the Carfest family and is always there, and never fails to entertain. Uncle Bryn tho!!!! Someone did ask him just what did happen on "that fishing trip" but he swears he does not know!

I must admit I was disappointed in two performers (Scouting for Girls and Sam Ryder) who asked for a chance to get their breath back between songs. Really boys, you need to seriously raise your game! We all know as I have mentioned previously that our Tay Tay goes through her entire set while running on the treadmill in order to be fit - mind you... my brother and I were googling the singers from our teenage years to compare where we were!

There was, understandably a lot of chat about the power of  social media and having had encouragement and input from a couple of people, it motivated me to start doing more video online content, so I started the day I got home. Dodgy home editing and definitely keeping the reels "real" but you have to start somewhere, right?! Have you any idea how absolutely terrifying it is to record and post on socials? I mean I am live online every working day but posting is a WHOLE different ball game… this is where you are exposed and open to critique and really putting yourself out there. I have had so many teachers I worked with, approach me about this and how to start it so I jokingly said to one that I would lead by example - that set me up didn't it! I have no choice now!

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