Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,335
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Post by Martin on Feb 1, 2007 20:57:59 GMT
That's a very good point, Roger. Ask Hayley to sign something and she will immediately ask a question, that gets the conversation going! You will be totally disarmed and relaxed. Peter S. I entirely agree but always try to avoid my particular situation at Gawsworth last year. Hayley had just arrived after a long, tiring and hot journey by car on the M6. Without thinking and giving her time and space to relax and gather her senses, I took the opportunity to ask her to sign my Odyssey cd. For that split second as she saw me approach her, cd and pen in hand, her face indicated that this was neither the time nor place but then, in an even shorter timeframe she instantly recovered her composure, turned on that wonderful smile and obliged. Afterwards I felt awful and kicked myself for being over exuberant and inconsiderate in the situation. The proverbial bull in a china shop! Martin
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Post by roger on Feb 1, 2007 22:01:37 GMT
Hi Martin,
Thank you for relating that. It is perfectly understandable that you grabbed what you momentarily perceived as an opportunity at the time.
It is quite important that we should not disturb Hayley in any way before a concert. As Martin says, it is a busy time for her, she has a lot to think about, and she needs to conserve her voice. In the early days, a small group of us were gathered near the entrance to a venue when she arrived. We chatted briefly with her. She then explained that she shouldn't be talking at all! So, everyone who sees Hayley arriving, by all means give her a wave and she is sure to wave back but please don't deliberately keep her from entering the building and preparing for her performance.
Thanks, Roger
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Russ
Junior Member
Hayley You're The Best-est!!!!!!! HWI Rules!!!!!!!!
Posts: 72
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Post by Russ on Feb 1, 2007 23:02:16 GMT
Wow, she sure is the consummate professional! Note to self: Don't bug Hayley before a performance!
Russ
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Post by postscript on Feb 2, 2007 10:13:34 GMT
I can't remember, Martin, if you were with us under the tree afterwards or whether you were one of the people who had to leave early but of course that would have been the 'proper time and place'. We knew, since the window of the car was being wound down as it approached that she would be looking out for us and if she could she would stop and she did.
I think it is great you chose to share that embarrassing moment since it is a reminder to us all not to presume upon her generosity of spirit. Most particularly that every artiste around the time of their performance needs space: before-hand to relax from the journey and mentally and emotionally prepare the mind, voice and body for the performance, soaking in the atmosphere, gaining a feel for the auditorium and likely disposition of the audience etc; afterwards, to wind down from the emotional high of performance success and to fulfill the basic (doubtlessly well in excess of ''basic' I suspect with Hayley) hospitality to her hosts or sponsors.
She is very good at letting on that 'sorry, guys, can't stop on this one'--yet will spend a little time. This is why, at Harrogate's 'Christmas Presence', I did not even attempt to see her in 'our usual' way. The 'our usual' being really the near London lot of HWIers with delightful exceptions, such as Andrew flying down from Scotland, Grant training down from Sheffield, Thomas/Lothar flying in from Germany etc. and other periodic and ever-changing similar long-distance additions.
I had guessed she would be tight for time (and this was after the show) and everyone there seemed new to her. Those are the people we 'old stagers' give precedence to anyway and I recognised I had gained many superb past personal opportunities with her that it would be totally unfair to trade further upon her. I just called out out, 'got my card?' across the heads in front of me. 'Yes, thank you'. Then, as I turned to go, she called back, craning her neck round the heads in front of her, 'So it's Christchurch?' ''Hope so', 'Great!' and she beamed, her hands momentarily free from signing as she showed both of them, palms half-clenched, thumbs pointing skywards.
It was but a fleeting moment yet rich and wonderful and enough, for someone who has actually walked beside her down the street to her hotel, when there were so many new people meeting her for the first time that night.
I think we have to watch ourselves, to ensure it is we who make her give herself space! With the new CD imminent and performances being lined up for 2007, thanks for that timely reminder, Martin.
Peter S.
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,335
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Post by Martin on Feb 2, 2007 12:57:00 GMT
Thanks Peter for your most interesting comments. What both you and Roger are reiterating (and what is only common sense) is that we (that is Forum members) need to consciously follow a code of conduct, albeit unwritten, in these situations. ps I don't recall ever standing under any tree with you - but how sweet!! Best Wishes Martin
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Post by grant on Feb 2, 2007 13:29:00 GMT
Hi Martin
I'm sure at the time of the Gawsworth concert we didn't know you, though several of us saw someone (whom we assume now was you) having something signed on the lawn behind the stage.
We had been waiting for Hayley at the top of the drive and got a gorgeous reception with shouted Hi's! and frantic waving from everyone as they drove past.
We didn't know then that the drive up had taken 5 hours and they were very late or whether or not we would be able to follow the car and say hi! or wish her luck - we weren't but did manage a few words at the sound check (until my noisy analogue camera alerted security and we were sent to the back of class after that!!
At the end of the concert we had intended to "go find our Hayley" but were again stopped by security and so headed for the gate where there car would have to pass through and that was most successful.
There are two things we all learn from this, we DO have to respect Hayley before a concert and often we don't even manage a wave or a "Hi!" When we do, like Gawsworth, it's from a safety zone where she can show her delight at seeing us there but get on with the job in hand.
We DO have to be resourceful and believe that Hayley will generally be aware that some of us are there and that she will do her best to spend a few minutes with us if she is able.
Hayley has a remarkable memory and perhaps, when you know her a little better, a gentle apology would be most appreciated. In the meantime, don't fret about it, Hayley will understand.
Grant
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Post by mj on Feb 4, 2007 0:39:19 GMT
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Post by Stephany on Jun 25, 2007 9:55:42 GMT
Hi all, I only just spotted this thread - possibly the forum's best topic! I thoroughly enjoyed reading each post and the author's emotion is always easily noticeable! It really interested me to know some of your memories of meeting Hayley. I particularly liked Roger's "button" story. It made me laugh i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBut I believe no one will ever surpass Belinda's!! My first Hayley concert is coming soon (67 days to go according to Richard ) although I'm not sure I will be able to meet her afterwards.....and even if a meeting happens, I don't know if I will be able to babble a single word. Roger, Richard, Mark, Chris, Caite, Joyce - and Martin & Peter if you can come - you are warned! Stephany
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Post by postscript on Jun 25, 2007 13:56:08 GMT
Don't worry Stephany, we are all initially tongue-tied with Hayley (not 'by' her), it is because we rate her so highly and it takes a few meetings to 'calm down' with her and treat her naturally.
Peter S.
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Post by Gene on Jun 25, 2007 14:29:20 GMT
Hi all, I only just spotted this thread - possibly the forum's best topic! I thoroughly enjoyed reading each post and the author's emotion is always easily noticeable! It really interested me to know some of your memories of meeting Hayley. I particularly liked Roger's "button" story. It made me laugh i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBut I believe no one will ever surpass Belinda's!! My first Hayley concert is coming soon (67 days to go according to Richard ) although I'm not sure I will be able to meet her afterwards.....and even if a meeting happens, I don't know if I will be able to babble a single word. Roger, Richard, Mark, Chris, Caite, Joyce - and Martin & Peter if you can come - you are warned! Stephany Hey Stephany, Been there, done that! During my one and only meeting with Hayley, I was so nervous that instead of asking HER to sign my picture of Hayley, I SIGNED IT INSTEAD with my name and handed it to her! She took the picture, looked at it and said "Thanks, but what do I do with this, now that you've scribbled your name on my face"? I instantly realized what my nerves had caused me to do. I attempted to save face by telling her that some day I would be famous and that my autograph would indeed, be worth much money...."more money than yours, Hayley", I yelled! I recall waking up outside, on the street shortly thereafter. Had a few lumps on my head and a missing tooth! Inside my pocket was the picture that I had signed, torn up in a million pieces! My tooth was also in the pocket. Sure wish that I had known that Hayley had two bodyguards with her that night! Hayley, I promise...I'll get it right the next time!!! Regards, Gene
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Post by grant on Jun 25, 2007 15:00:56 GMT
Although I’ve posted on this thread before, I can’t believe that I’ve never actually recounted my experience of meeting Hayley, although I guess some of them appear in various reviews. So, here goes …..
I hadn’t realised either that my initially discovering Hayley was very similar to Peter’s, in that I heard this amazing voice on my car radio but never seemed to catch any details. When I eventually did I tried to find out more via the internet (which I hardly ever used in those days!) and discovered her ‘official’ site. I remember that it was just before “Odyssey” was released in Australia because I bought my copy from HMV in Sydney!
Being on ‘dial-up’ at that time, my internet usage remained low, but I did periodically check out Hayley’s official site until one day, her UNICEF concert at St James’ Piccadilly was advertised. Up to then I had been happy just to have Hayley’s CD’s. NOW I was in a complete dither! I had the opportunity to go and see her perform and I didn’t know what to do! It was like some mystical force was drawing me towards this beautiful young woman, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I felt my life was about to change.
Well, I eventually plucked up courage to book for the concert and decided I would have to spend the night in London as getting back home afterwards was not an option. The day of the concert arrived and I caught a late morning train down, full of excited anticipation. What really dawned on me, however, was that I wasn’t JUST going to a concert, it was now clear in my mind that I was going with the intention of meeting her. I hadn’t comprehended that before, nor have I ever felt that way about any other ‘celebrity’ before or since.
I got to the church early in the hope of seeing her arrive but it was not to be and I had to content myself with looking forward to Hayley’s performance. I clearly remember, as if it were yesterday, Hayley, purposefully striding out onto the stage as only she can. At that moment, just being in the same building as her was enough to keep me happy.
At the interval, I knew CD’s would be on sale and I had questions to ask. As a novice at that time, I was surprised to recognise Hayley’s dad selling posters and, after I’d purchased one, I asked him if there was any chance of meeting Hayley after the concert and he told me that he thought there would be. I could only hope and returned to my seat for the second half of the concert, hardly able to concentrate!
More in Part 2
Best wishes Grant
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Post by Stephany on Jun 25, 2007 15:12:18 GMT
Hi Grant, Awhhh you are so good at building the suspense. I look forward to reading the next part!! I can clearly see that you are still very moved by your first meeting with Hayley. What a special & unique moment it must have been!
Take care, Stephany
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Post by grant on Jun 25, 2007 18:31:29 GMT
Part 2
After the concert I waited patiently with a small group of similar minded people (that’s when I met Keith and discovered HWI) then Gerald appeared to tell us that Hayley would be out in about 15 minutes. Next thing I knew she was walking, beaming that beautiful smile, right into the midst of our little group. There was no table, so she circulated amongst us and eventually my turn came and she was standing right in front of me. She said “Hi!” and I replied “Hi Hayley!”
At last I had spoken to her and it meant so much. I gave her the CD to sign but I can’t remember what other words we exchanged. What I do remember was suddenly realising that I was not talking to an international singing star; I was talking to a teenage girl from New Zealand wearing jeans, a black sweater and boots who was just being herself.
Whilst waiting, however, I had noticed a chap with Paul Little’s book which, at that time I hadn’t known existed, but even at just before 10 o’clock at night, I managed to get a copy at the bookshop next door and returned for Hayley to sign it. I think she was a little surprised to see me return, but when I explained that I’d just been to buy it, she grinned and simply said “cool!” as she signed it.
A few weeks later, I was at Tewkesbury and there was a huge number of people waiting to meet her. I did have a DVD signed for my friend but our meeting was very brief and I contented myself with talking to her mum and to Steve Abbott whom I had just met for the first time.
My third concert in under 12 weeks was shortly before Christmas at Beverley Minster and I had my second front row seat! Beverley was, however, to be one of my most memorable meetings with Hayley to date! For the first time I had something for her, a Christmas card and a gift; a donation for her ‘Bikes For Ghana’ UNICEF project and I joined the queue with everyone else.
When I eventually arrived at the table behind which Hayley was sat, she looked up and smiled at me. I felt quite nervous because I didn’t have the comfort of just handing her something to sign and waiting for her to say something. I HAD to speak first and I said something like “This is getting to be a habit with me” (third concert in under 12 weeks). Hayley giggled and bowled me over with “I know!!” To have been recognised was the most amazing feeling and she was so appreciative of her card and gift and we chatted for a good few minutes. No one behind seemed to mind; I think they were enjoying sharing the moment as much as I was. It took a long time to come down to earth after that I can tell you.
It’s hard to believe that after a meeting like that things can get better, but with Hayley they do seem to. I had to wait until July last year for my next meeting with her, at Toast New Zealand. When Hayley appeared, there were few who noticed her, one who did, I was soon to discover, was our very own Thomas. I stood back, waiting my turn, but Hayley had spotted me and held out her hand in a greeting of recognition, which I gladly took. That was also the first occasion that I was to have my photograph taken with her. Again, I was blown away by the natural way she put her arm around me and let me hold her. The three of us chatting for several minutes before she was whisked away to perform in some of the VIP tents.
There have been many more meetings since then; more photographs at Canterbury, thanks to George and also at Telford thanks to Steve Abbott. There was the small welcoming committee at Gawsworth; introducing Teresa to her at Sheffield; the way she will suddenly look up from a signing session with a beautiful smile and a “Hi!” with a quick pose; all her thoughtful little ways that makes everyone feel so very special.
Most recently, Hayley’s wonderful gesture to me when she sang “Abide With Me” a capella at Telford. Had she remembered and planned that all along? Or was it spontaneous her having noticed me in my second row isle seat? It doesn’t matter, what matters is that for whatever reason she cared enough about one (or maybe more) of her fans to follow up on that very special request.
We all know that we are lucky to have this special time with Hayley and we know that it won’t always happen; we’re also very much aware that Hayley will make it happen whenever it is in her power to do so.
And just in case you're wondering about my early comment, the answer is a most definite yes. My life has changed. Hayley is the most amazing person and to be able to get to know her in some small way as we are able to do is a monumentous and mind blowing privilege. And yes, I can just imagine Hayley's response .... "Gosh, I'm just a girl!"
What sums it up for me is something that was said by one of the BBC officials at Cardiff upon seeing the way Hayley reacted to our arrival and the time we spent with her subsequently. She said “I can see that you (the HWI group) are as important to her as she is to you”
I think I’ll leave it there.
Best wishes Grant
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Post by postscript on Jun 26, 2007 13:32:47 GMT
An absolutely wonderful story, Grant. How fascinating that neither of us has ever stood at a stage door before for anyone but we both decided we had to for Hayley!
Peter S.
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Post by Gene on Jun 26, 2007 23:03:22 GMT
Grant, I enjoyed reading your well-written, heartwarming story. Many thanks. Best, Gene
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