The literature festival brought a big boost to Hay and the surrounding area. So many people came, from all parts of the World. When it first started it was held in the grounds of Hay primary school. During the summer break, the festival team took over the school and grounds. Up went a village of Marquess, porta cabins and booth`s. wooden walkways down to protect the grass if wet and muddy. Which often it was. But People came, they came in droves. Most of us from the Craft centre would get together and sponsor someone, usually a Comedian. That was always a good night for us to enjoy, have a drink together and socialise in the Green room at the end of the evening, always a late finish that day. One Comedian will always stick in my mind, Tommy Tiernan, not just a funny man, but also a Nice one. He came into our Gallery the following day, stayed for a good while chatting, I gave him one of my small bowls as a gift, he was so appreciative, You would think I had handed over a big diamond. Another one I remember from the Green room was Alan Titchmarsh. Alan was there just quietly enjoying a drink. Audrey and Molly,(a friend from childhood) were having a good old chat with Him. Trying hard to persuade him to bring His gardening team to do Weir cottage garden, of course that never happened. Those early days were the best for me, The Festival moved down to a field on the outskirts of the Town. More room, more people, business was still very good, But I feel myself that it lost a bit of the buzz we felt when it was more central. Some very Famous visitors to the Festival, Former American President, Bill Clinton came, Paul McCartney also, you don`t get much bigger than that. But for me, the nicest and most beautiful, was Lauren Bacall, now there was a Lady. When Lauren Bacall and her escort from the festival came into our Gallery it was so nice, She stayed, chatting for ages, I only wish I had got a Picture of her, sitting in one of Fred Wrights Windsor chairs. The lady was so interested in the works on display and wanted to know who done them and what woods were used. How we came about getting so many different types of timber, about tress, everything. Lauren Bacall bought several pieces, One of Ray Key`s stunning platters, a Trunion box of Dave Register, and a piece I turned. Not just a Beautiful Lady by looks, But inside too, Sadly no longer with us. One funny story, although it was not so funny at the time. Was when Paul, (the glass blower) and I went down to one of the receptions that were held for sponsors and others who supported the Festival. We were having a good time, in fact to good a time, champagne was flowing, every time one of the team waiting on Guest came round, are glasses got topped up. Not knowing just how much we drank, and if that was not enough, after we came out of the reception we both continued in the bar with red wine. Well I just don`t know how we walked back up to the centre. I knew I was a bit wobbly on my feet, and that`s an understatement. The Shop was so Busy, when I looked in I could see lots of people with bowl, plates and other items waiting to be served, Audrey looked out at me, waving her finger to say, don`t you dare come in, so really irresponsible of me to leave Audrey to cope on such a busy day. Knowing just how I was too. But I did, Just rushed straight through and into my workshop. Paul came over, and we both found our selves out the back door and sitting on a step. The lady from the cafe next door, seen us and bought us an Ice cream. We both then fell asleep with the ice cream melting and dripping down our hands. Later on, I don`t know how long we were asleep, but a Policeman popped his head into the shop to Ask Audrey if all was OK, She said fine thank you, asked him if he would check to see if we were OK, He came back and put both hand flat up to his cheek to indicate that we were sleeping. I got the blame from Pauls partner, she said I lead him astray. Well when we both woke up, I went home to sleep it off, Paul carried on in the Kilvert`s hotel. A silly episode, but Hay was a bit of a pub culture back then. I never repeated anything like that again. Those were Great times, we did a lot of things together. Audrey`s daughter, Emily, and my daughter Abigail came to work for us. They completely modernised the business. My way of working had been to bundle all of my receipts and paper work into a supermarkets plastic carrier bag, and drop it all off at the office of the accountant, who kept my books in order. The girls, both very talented, Persuaded me to get a computer, and they kept very accurate records, Emily used to take my books into the accountant`s, He was so impressed with how efficient they were, he tried to head hunt her, offering a job in his office. Both girls learned how do use tools, doing a bit of turning and scroll saw work, cutting shapes and wooden puzzles for children. Abigail went on learning to turn, and got on the register of professional turners. The Worshipful Company of Turners, a livery company of over four hundred years, have a register for professionals. This is to show people the turners who make their living from their craft. Selection to get on the register is carried out by a very skilled assessor. Such a lovely accolade for her. I remember, when Abigail started doing demonstrations at some of the wood turning clubs that were springing up at that period in time. One really foggy evening we when off together to Bromsgrove, Abigail was driving, the fog was so thick, but we got there. Turned up at Reg Sherwin`s workshop, had a cup of tea with Reg. Then followed him on to were the Bromsgrove club had their meetings. It was all set up and after a few introductions, Abigail was up and turning, Abi liked turning thin work and using Iron fillings or steel wool mixed with distilled vinegar . This mix applied to the wood surface turned the wood black. A sort of ebonising. The evening went well. "Any questions," Abigail asked her audiance, one chap put his hand up and asked, "Why did you only bring three tools with you." Abi, Looked at me, smiled, then replied, " My Dad taught me, and always said, If you can do the job with one tool, why waste time picking up others, only use the tools you need. I did not need anymore." Great answer, they all laughed. Getting home on such a night was our next thing, but Abigail got us there safe and sound. The next Demonstration Abigail done was at the Herefordshire club. Abigail, Marcus, her husband , Audrey and Myself went along too. After the Demo, which went well, the club members run a raffle, We had bought some ticket, and it was going well, we had not got a prize and there was only two left. A box of chocolate`s and a big apple log. Well Marcus is a Tree Surgeon. He said, to me sat next to him, "be just my luck now to win that log. The next ticket out the hat was his. He got his chocolates. We had to Laugh.