Author Bridget Ashton visited Hay-on-Wye recently to launch her trilogy of books about her childhood growing up in the world-renowned book town.

Ashton discussed her new book ‘The Hay Girl Trilogy’ in front of a packed crowd at Hay Library on Friday, May 2, and spoke about the theme of how the places where we grew up influenced us.

The presentation was based around her childhood in Hay-on-Wye, and also involved tales of travelling around the world with friends by any means necessary, including hitchhiking and camel riding.

The autobiographical trilogy is made up of her books: ‘Hay Before the Bookshops or The Beeman’s Family,’ ‘Hit the Road, Gals,’ and ‘Cold War, Warm Hearts.’

She grew up in Hay in the 1950’s and 1960’s and discussed the differences of the town back then to today as she often visits nowadays despite residing in Northumberland.

Speaking about the book launch, Bridget said: “Hay library is such a cheerful, friendly place. As soon as you walk in, you get a feeling of welcome. I so much enjoyed interacting with such an attentive audience.

“We considered the influence of Hay on my own childhood, learning to be independent and my mother managing household finances on a shoestring.

“We had so much freedom in the 1950s and 1960s. We could play in the streets and by the river and walk to school. As I got older, this sense of independence encouraged my friends and me to go off hitchhiking around Europe and as far as the Sahara. Almost to Timbuktu! Of course, we always met up with good-looking boys! No doubt about it, Hay was a great childhood influencer!”

The Hay Girl Trilogy is available to buy on Amazon here.