I’m Heidi Herkes. A lifestyle influencer & personal stylist with a disability. I’m a great believer that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger & humour is my go to!
I have a keen interest in fashion, style & all things travel. I’m also mostly seen, living my best life, accompanied by my scruffy but oh so handsome, fun-loving Doodle, Hadley.
This week I had a fabulous day exploring the wonders of Hay-on-Wye Festival with Hamilton George Care. Providing support for private clients across the UK, their unique care programs are highly tailored and their handpicked team are dedicated to making every day your best day.
Set in acres of velvety, green countryside, nestled on the fringes of the book loving town Hay-on-Wye, this internationally acclaimed literary festival is a real page turner. Bringing together celebrities, writers, filmmakers and musicians from far and wide, there is something for everyone at this engaging two week event.
On arrival I was greeted with big smiles from security at the entrance, who were busy doing the obligatory bag checks before entry. My lovely PA Alyce Sheedy from Hamilton George Care, playfully asked what they were looking for. His response ‘’Harribo’s & welsh cakes’’ You’ve got to love the Welsh humour!
First stop coffee, with a good side order of cake at the Grove. A cosy cafe serving up delicious treats, opening up into a lavish restaurant that was in the throw of setting up for lunchtime diners.
And showtime!
Mum and I spent an insightful hour listening to Jenny Packham (Dressmaker to the stars and royalty) along with her brother Chris Packham, who for some of you reading may well remember him from the CBBC nature series The Really Wild Show. In celebration of Jenny’s recent book launch, they touched upon their childhood, whilst focusing on topics like the value of style, fashion through the ages and the statements we make in how we dress.
The rest of the day was spent perusing over many a book title in the myriad of book stands and book shops
Independent pop-up shops, including a family run business making beautiful fire pits @thewoodee
A silversmith crafting the most exquisite handmade jewellery @jasonjonesjewelry
The Woodland trust, who were offering free trees to plant in gardens as a haven for wildlife & a fight against climate change.
Looking forward to seeing my crab apple & birch tree come to life 😀
The Fabled Thread
‘’Some stories are written in ink. Ours are told in needle and thread’’
What a statement!!
An incredible array of hand embroidered cushions, art work, throws & more. Where creativity just keeps on giving!!
Next on the agenda was fulfilling my craving for ice-cream, especially after seeing so many people at the Festival with one in hand! Hearing only good things about shepherd’s sheep ice-cream, I opted for a good dollop of their finest toffee delight! Verdict? Heavenly!
Accessibility at this venue is an absolute breeze! Everything had been considered to the highest level possible to ensure wheelchair users like myself, can access all of what the Festival has to offer.
Getting out and about in the fresh air and exploring is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Even more so when you have a disability and are dependent on people to make that happen. Having the right person by your side, like a PA with whom you can connect with, is one of the most life enhancing necessities.
Alyce, my Hamilton George Care PA, made this whole experience just that! Full of smiles, incredibly obliging, charismatic, attentive & hard working.
Discovering an agency that can find care is one thing but finding an agency that can cover your care & effectively ‘matchmake’ is another.
Hamilton George Care is without doubt one of the best, if not THE BEST care agencies I’ve worked with. A first class service that not only offers the best calibre of care but who anticipate and deliver a streamlined concierge-like service. From parking, to booking tickets and accommodation, they left no stone unturned and sure know how to make you feel special.
All in all a fabulous way to spend the day in Hay!!
Try it for yourselfie!!
Instagram @heidiherkes
