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Post by stevemacdonald on May 12, 2008 15:49:21 GMT
... Remember Katherine's visit to Iraq in 2005? Her chopper was targeted by a RPG and the risk was obviously much higher than we could anticipate. Exactly! Who really knows how big a trophy Hayley would be to anyone hell-bent on delivering a PR disaster? The more publicity surrounding this beforehand, the worse the situation will likely be. Will her presence put others at risk -- as was the case with Prince Harry once it was leaked? Too bad she didn't just go in without fanfare, get out, and then we learn all about her secret trip after the fact. Think about how much safer that would be for all.
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Post by grant on May 12, 2008 17:50:47 GMT
Hello everyone Too bad she didn't just go in without fanfare, get out, and then we learn all about her secret trip after the fact. Think about how much safer that would be for all. I certainly agree with that sentiment! Maybe she'll have the last laugh and tell us that she has already been and come back. My personal feelings are that we should get this out of our system and try to forget it by burying the thread somewhere. Anyway, for completeness, here is the Daily Mail article complete with photo. Best wishes Grant
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Post by gra7890 on May 12, 2008 21:15:52 GMT
Hi, Are there any New Zealand troops in Afghanistan, or will this be Hayley with the UK forces ?
Graham
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Post by martindn on May 12, 2008 22:11:00 GMT
Well, I saw that article too, and I share the concerns expressed here. Such expeditions are never 100% safe, but then neither is crossing the road, riding a motorbike without suitable clothing and headgear (how did she get away with that) or travelling all over the world. I'm sure Hayley knows all about the scary experience that Katherine had, but is still prepared to go. That is a brave thing to do, and a decision that I'm sure Hayley will have made with her eyes open. It is a decision that Hayley herself will have made, and I think we should respect that. Although we might not know exactly when she will be out there, I think we should salute her bravery, and make sure that she goes with our support and our prayers.
Martin
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Post by gerrit on May 12, 2008 23:12:48 GMT
Hi all,
Today I returned to Holland from the UK after attending the Classical Brits on Thursday. i was very pleased to note that Hayley recognised me, despite the fact we hadn't met for about 2 years. (Last time I met Hayley was in Finland at an Il Divo concert.)
Anyway, the Daily Mail has become my favourite newspaper to read when I am in England (not quite as heavy as the Guardian and similar high quality newspapers, and not as superficial and gossip-mongering as tabloids like The Sun - uggghh). A good mix of informative news and nice (puzzle) entertainment to spend an odd hour or so whilst visiting the UK.
And I have a copy of today's article which I can scan if people are interested. It includes a picture of Hayley.
By the way, I was quite amazed at reading that Hayley was following in Dame Vera Lynn's footsteps to become the next Forces sweetheart without any reference to Katherine whatsoever. Katherine has been portrayed widely as the new Forces Sweetheart for quite a few years now, and in my few with a good deal more justification than the current reference to Hayley as the new Forces Sweetheart.
Personally I do not think it is going to do Hayley any good if she is going to be termed the British forces sweetheart. Katherine is far too well established as such. Hayley should (as New-Zealander) be more seen in the role of supporting New Zealand forces, rather than being a representative of the UK army ....
I think it would be much more natural for Hayley to take a leading role in ANZAC April 25 celebrations (ANZAC = Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) , than to play a role in the history of UK forces events. Otherwise I might as well ask: "Hayley, are you going to perform for the Dutch soldiers in Afghanistan?" (After all, Hayley also has Dutch roots!)
Anyway, if you want a scan of the article, let me know and I'll publish it in the next few days.
Gerrit
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Post by grant on May 12, 2008 23:34:55 GMT
Anyway, if you want a scan of the article, let me know and I'll publish it in the next few days. Hi Gerrit Sorry I didn't get to meet you at the Brits! and thanks for your offer to scan the article, but I have already done so HEREIncidentally, I think it was the writer who described Hayley as "Dame Vera Lynn's successor as forces sweetheart", Hayley just said she was following "in the footsteps of Vera Lynn". I'm sure Hayley is well aware of Katherine's position in that respect. They are, after all, friends. Best wishes Grant
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,689
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Post by Dave on May 13, 2008 0:51:44 GMT
Hi all, Today I returned to Holland from the UK after attending the Classical Brits on Thursday. i was very pleased to note that Hayley recognised me, despite the fact we hadn't met for about 2 years. (Last time I met Hayley was in Finland at an Il Divo concert.) Anyway, the Daily Mail has become my favourite newspaper to read when I am in England (not quite as heavy as the Guardian and similar high quality newspapers, and not as superficial and gossip-mongering as tabloids like The Sun - uggghh). A good mix of informative news and nice (puzzle) entertainment to spend an odd hour or so whilst visiting the UK. And I have a copy of today's article which I can scan if people are interested. It includes a picture of Hayley. By the way, I was quite amazed at reading that Hayley was following in Dame Vera Lynn's footsteps to become the next Forces sweetheart without any reference to Katherine whatsoever. Katherine has been portrayed widely as the new Forces Sweetheart for quite a few years now, and in my few with a good deal more justification than the current reference to Hayley as the new Forces Sweetheart. Personally I do not think it is going to do Hayley any good if she is going to be termed the British forces sweetheart. Katherine is far too well established as such. Hayley should (as New-Zealander) be more seen in the role of supporting New Zealand forces, rather than being a representative of the UK army .... I think it would be much more natural for Hayley to take a leading role in ANZAC April 25 celebrations (ANZAC = Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) , than to play a role in the history of UK forces events. Otherwise I might as well ask: "Hayley, are you going to perform for the Dutch soldiers in Afghanistan?" (After all, Hayley also has Dutch roots!) Anyway, if you want a scan of the article, let me know and I'll publish it in the next few days. Gerrit Hi Gerrit, thanks for your kind offer to scan the article but as Grant says, it looks like he beat you to it! I think Grant is right when he points out that all Hayley is quoted as saying is "following in the footsteps of Vera Lynn" - which is of course correct (in the article scanned by Grant). It was good to see you again at the Classical Brits! Cheers, Dave
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Post by Ross on May 13, 2008 6:55:58 GMT
Hi, Are there any New Zealand troops in Afghanistan, or will this be Hayley with the UK forces ? Graham Yes there is a NZ army presence in Afghanistan disposing of live ammo and helping villages rebuild etc. In fact this is where Corporal Willie won his VC a couple of years ago.I hope Haley gets to sing for them. The last contingent left NZ on ANZAC day recently.
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Post by Dori on May 13, 2008 7:18:59 GMT
Hi all,
I've just read this now, and to be honest, I'm a little worried about Hayley going to Afghanastan. I think it's quite a dangerous country - even though I am certain she will be in the best possible hands - but I think that it's still a place for potential danger.
I hope all will go well for her when she goes; if she hasn't already been, that is. :2fun:
Dori
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Post by tonyw on May 13, 2008 9:40:33 GMT
Hi
I wish The Daily Mail would use a different photo of Hayley. This is the same one they used in an article on 27th July 2007!
It was good to meet Thomas and Elizabeth at The Classical Brits as well as those I have seen before.
Cheers
Tony
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Post by martindn on May 13, 2008 20:42:07 GMT
I should have pointed out that Katherine's experience of her helicopter being attacked by a missile took place in Iraq, not Afghanistan. I understand that Afghanistan is rather safer than Iraq, but is still a war zone.
Martin
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Post by thomas on May 13, 2008 20:57:56 GMT
Hi!
It's interesting to hear Hayley is going to Afghanistan. We can be concerned about it but I'm also sure Hayley knows the risks and in the end it's her decision. Many celebrities have gone to war zones to support the troops and everyone, as far as I remember it correctly, returned safely home until now. Although nobody can give a guarantee for a safe return.
I wish you all the best, Hayley!
Thomas
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Post by stephanier on May 13, 2008 20:59:48 GMT
I think it is great that a young person like Hayley wants to go and support the troops!!!
will be praying that she stays safe!
Stef R
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Post by I-H-F on May 13, 2008 22:13:06 GMT
Hmmm, I'm not so sure about this.
The troops in Afghanistan knew the risks before they went there. I don't know why anyone would risk their own life going out there to sing for them. Yes, they are away for months at a time, but I have no sympathy for them. Thats what they chose to do.
On the other hand...who's to say that Afghanistan is a warzone? The media portray images that they WANT us to see to try and 'justify' that the troops are doing a worthwhile exercise out there. In my opinion though, they shouldn't even be there - its not their country. As for Prince Harry, who's to say he was even in Afghanistan?
I didn't know Katherine Jenkins was in danger in Iraq, and after hearing that I'm surprised Hayley would risk it either.
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Post by petertong on May 14, 2008 17:04:52 GMT
I admire Hayley a lot for putting the troops first.
If you know Hayley's paternal Westenra side family history (and I've researched this quite extensively) then you'll know that a ton of her family have served in the armed services including that cousin of hers Frederick Alan Westenra whose memorial she found (they never found his body unfortunately).
Hayley's grand father's brother died fighting in WW2 and is buried in a solitary cemetery near the Egypt/Libyan border.
Quite a few of her serving relatives had exemplary records of service... DF Westenra comes to mind...
I think what she is doing is well within her family tradition of serving... the Westenra's have been serving England and NZ for ages... must run in their blood!
PS: one of her distant cousins recently served at as JTAC in Afghanistan btw...
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