The Turning Point
Autumn bank holiday has always felt like a shift. It is the final golden weekend before autumn sweeps in with crisp mornings, a return to routine and the irresistible urge to refresh our wardrobes. This year, before reaching for chunky knits and favourite boots, I pressed pause to reflect on summer. The months seemed to fly past faster than ever, leaving me wondering…
“Is the pace of summer changing or are we simply living it more fully?”
Sunshine and Salutes in Cardiff Bay
For me, the British summer is a love letter to long days, outdoor living and that delicious sense of freedom. Work and play blend together, and this year one highlight was a trip to Cardiff Bay to host an awards ceremony recognising businesses who support veterans, reservists and the wider armed forces community.
The celebration coincided with the Queen’s Birthday. Under blazing July sunshine we were treated to the drama of a 21 gun Royal Salute across the Bay. After swapping ear defenders for sparkling conversation, we honoured a wide range of inspiring companies. I loved reconnecting with familiar faces from home including Platts Agriculture and Andy Swan HGV Training.
“Nothing quite beats sunshine, ceremony and a proud Welsh welcome.”
The Buzz of the Eisteddfod
August always carries a personal milestone too. It is my birthday month and this year celebrations coincided with the National Eisteddfod of Wales (explore here). Europe’s largest cultural festival descended on Wrexham and brought with it an extraordinary buzz.
Around 150,000 visitors poured onto the Maes to enjoy music, art, drama and literature while 6,000 competitors filled the stages and exhibition halls. I was honoured to present the prestigious mixed choir competition, the sound of voices rising in harmony inside the pavilion was electrifying.
I also hosted two awards ceremonies celebrating arts, crafts and architecture. One standout moment was recognising the new café at Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, a stunning design inspired by sea urchins found off the local coast.
“The pavilion shook with harmony. Goosebumps, pure and simple.”
A Summer by the Sea
Of course no summer is complete without time beside the sea. For us that means the North Wales coast and days spent in Criccieth. Our tradition of dining at Dylan’s Restaurant never loses its sparkle. Seafood with a view of Cardigan Bay tastes like pure summer on a plate.
This year brought something new. We discovered Y Maes, a food hub and cultural centre breathing fresh life into a building that was once a blacksmith’s forge and later a slate workshop. Today it is alive with colour and flavour, from street food pop ups to interiors that nod affectionately to its past.
“After a long coastal walk there is nothing better than good food, good company and sea air.”
The Rhythm of Summer
Traditionally summer is the season of the big getaway. Lighter stories fill the headlines, diaries are full of out of office replies and parents juggle children’s holidays with summer camps and grandparents. Yet this year felt different.
With flexible working now the norm, the rhythm of summer has shifted. I found myself dipping in and out of calls, keeping projects moving, while still carving out time for short breaks and sunlit adventures. Instead of one long holiday, the summer unfolded as a series of pauses that gave me the chance to recharge, plan ahead and embrace new opportunities.
Ready for What’s Next
Now, as autumn beckons, I feel ready to change up a gear. The summer of 25 may be behind us but its energy, connections and sun soaked memories will carry me into the new season with a fresh burst of inspiration.
“Summer has wrapped. Autumn is calling. And I am ready.”
