Gerald and Jill Westenra's three tuneful children all have form in the singing department.
Their eldest child, Hayley, has sold 4 million CDs worldwide, Sophie is also a singer whose most recent gig was at the Blenheim Christmas in the Park, and youngest child Isaac continues to raise money with his busking.
Jill Westenra said she was thrilled to be surrounded by a fit and healthy family during the festive season.
Sophie has recovered from a virus that left her in Blenheim hospital for a night while bad weather in London could have hampered Hayley's travel plans.
Gerald Westenra spent Christmas Eve rounding up relatives. He drove to Timaru to pick up Jill's mother, Shirley Ireland, and picked up his internationally acclaimed songstress daughter, Hayley, from the airport.
Hayley arrived with her boyfriend, but said she was not ready to reveal his identity.
"People will find out all in good time," she said.
"It's been really lovely being home. The sunshine is so welcome.
"I was very worried we wouldn't make it here because of the snow in London. I thought they might close Heathrow Airport."
She said she had been looking forward to spending time with family for a long time and was making the most of it.
"I just want to wish all readers a wonderful Christmas and of course a happy new year."
Hayley will return to London at the end of January, when she plans an international tour and to record a new album.
Jill Westenra said the family joined in the carol service in Christ Church Cathedral on Christmas Eve.
She got up for Christmas Day at the usual time of 5.30am but hoped the children would all have a well-deserved sleep-in before pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast. "It's just a nice everyone-in-the-kitchen sort of thing," she said.
"Lunch is pretty traditional. I did a turkey one year but I won't be doing that again – two chickens will just have to do."
And Warm Christmas Greetings from Marianne & I to the Westenras too.
The loveliest, sweetest flower that bloomed in paradise, and the first that died, has rarely blossomed since on mortal soil. It is so frail, so delicate, a thing, it is gone if it but look upon itself; and she who ventures to esteem it hers proves by that single thought she has it not. Humility - Fry
She never stops working does she, even when she is supposed to be on holiday!
Martin D
Hi Martindn, I guess it depends what you call work. Hayley is probably finding helping in the kitchen rather relaxing and being with other family members too. A bit like some people find working in the garden.........relaxing Talking of stamina after a long flight from the UK to NZ.
Quote:
Jill Westenra said the family joined in the carol service in Christ Church Cathedral on Christmas Eve.
She got up for Christmas Day at the usual time of 5.30am but hoped the children would all have a well-deserved sleep-in before pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast. "It's just a nice everyone-in-the-kitchen sort of thing," she said.
Our Hayley sure has some stamina to cope with that,it's a whole lot more than I could do
I'm surprised no one has commented on this statement from the "The Press NZ" article
Quote:
Hayley will return to London at the end of January, when she plans an international tour and to record a new album.
We already knew when she would be coming back to the UK and that she would be recording a new album, but an international tour?? That's new!
Best wishes Grant
Not really a surprise, the two go together. A new album, hopefully with a wider appeal than the Winter release, will surely demand an international promotional tour. We can't (unfortunately) expect to have all Hayley's performances on our UK doorsteps.
Joined: Nov 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 768 Location: Barcelona
Re: Happy Christmas Everyone « Reply #37 on Dec 27, 2009, 1:59pm »
True... and I guess there are really few chances to finally get an album released in Spain when none of the previous was... and so, no concert in Spain... Shame, shame... I have to start work harder to promote her here... (actually, already started, hopefully I'll have news soon).
A new album, hopefully with a wider appeal than the Winter release, will surely demand an international promotional tour. We can't (unfortunately) expect to have all Hayley's performances on our UK doorsteps.
Which order, though? They say the tour first, but it would make more sense for the album to come out first. And didn't Hayley say that she'd start on the album once she got back to the UK?
Roger, it is not unfortunate that Hayley's performances are not all in the UK, and is silly to say so. In fact, it would be extremely unfortunate, not only for the rest of the world, but Hayley herself, if she only performed in the UK. Japan and Taiwan certainly deserve to see her, too. And I think the rest of the world has been deprived enough by now.
Joined: Dec 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 6,548 Location: Hampshire UK
Re: Happy Christmas Everyone « Reply #39 on Dec 28, 2009, 1:44am »
Hello everyone,
As this thread is in the Off Topic board and the last few posts have been off topic anyway, please continue any further discussion about The Press article (stuff.co.nz) in a more appropriate board and thread.
Roger, it is not unfortunate that Hayley's performances are not all in the UK, and is silly to say so. In fact, it would be extremely unfortunate, not only for the rest of the world, but Hayley herself, if she only performed in the UK. Japan and Taiwan certainly deserve to see her, too. And I think the rest of the world has been deprived enough by now.
Libby, I'm sorry if I didn't make it sufficiently clear, but my 'unfortunate' comment was put in brackets because it was meant to be light-hearted! I am fortunate enough to have enjoyed a number of Hayley concerts over the years and I know just what people around the world are missing.
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