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Post by grant on Dec 24, 2014 23:59:44 GMT
Here is Hayley's Facebook message from today There is an awful lot of information in Hayley's Christmas message. Exciting times! Merry Christmas everyone Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 24, 2014 23:50:32 GMT
The "things you have done for her" sound great, but it's more like the things I have tried, not that any of those things has actually been successful. So, it sounds really nice, but when you think about it, I've actually accomplished very little. Keeping her forum going via twitter is one thing, I guess, since twitter is where we actually see the responses to our tweets/retweets. The official forum doesn't tell us how many people have viewed a thread, or anything like that. Also, keeping Hayley's name prominent on the Josh forum is another thing. I've gone months without getting a response from someone other than Taylor, but finally someone popped up and asked if Hayley had a Christmas album or not. Taylor gave her a far more detailed response than she probably expected. I told her she should just start with Winter Magic. Hayley's discography can be a bit daunting to the new fan. It's the thought that counts Libby. The important thing is you have "tried" and who knows what seeds may have been sown for future reference It's all any of us can do and I'm sure Hayley will see it that way too. Best wishes Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 24, 2014 10:44:53 GMT
Oh Libby I did enjoy reading about your first meeting with Hayley, I'm so glad it happened. Your photos are great too. But I can't take all the credit. Yes, I admit I sent Bill a PM letting him know that we had spoken to Hayley in Cork (not just me either, Comet spoke to her about you too) but it was quite evident that she already knew and, knowing Hayley, would do her best to see you. The fact she sent you a direct message on Twitter was a measure of her determination. I guess at the time she would not have know whether or not a meet and greet in the theatre would be possible. Sometimes theatre management won't allow it; sometimes it's not practical because of lack of space as was the case in Cork and I'm wondering know if "saying Hi! in the foyer" was something Hayley arranged because she hadn't had a reply to her DM. It is a fact though, Hayley has a way of making you feel special. I noticed it the very first time I met her way back and she's still the same today. In your case, we know Hayley follows the forum and would have known about the level of your support and the things you have done for her. She's always been very loyal to her fans, it makes her a very special person too. Have a great Christmas. Best wishes Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 23, 2014 18:33:05 GMT
Hello Juliette Many thanks for your report and pictures - that is a great little camera you have. I WILL get round to watching your videos but for now Christmas is getting in the way HaHa! It was lovely spending time with you in Cork and particularly the journey from England. Travelling is so much more pleasurable when it is shared. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your family and I hope to see you again soon. Lots of Love Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 21, 2014 14:39:23 GMT
Hello Libby
That was a truly wonderful report and I agree, probably one of the best ever to grace these threads. I can understand why though - you perhaps thought it would never happen so, now it has, it has clearly left you with one of the most memorable experiences of your life. I Understand that too. Reading how you felt seeing Hayley in the flesh for the first time brought back memories of my first time - seeing her walk up onto the stage in a lovely red dress - I clearly remember thinking that's Hayley, that's REALLY Hayley NOT a picture, NOT on a TV or computer monitor. It is a very special experience and I can't wait to read about your first meeting. I hear it went quite well!
Best wishes Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 21, 2014 14:29:15 GMT
Hi Libby So Christmas came early for you this year? . So glad you had a great time and next time you will certainly know what to expect. Keep up the detailed reports (you're giving Grant a run for his money!) Martin I think Libby's entitled to, don't you??
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Post by grant on Dec 20, 2014 17:30:25 GMT
Saw Hayley in Madison Thursday evening. I've see Hayley many times in the U S , the U K, and Ireland. I first saw her live in Nashville Tenn. in 2007. Since then I've traveled to Europe many times over the years and followed her to many cities in the U K and Ireland both North and South. I saw her with the Celtic Woman group on PBS and when she did her solo I immediately recognized that she was something special. She sounded better every year. I saw her in Dublin this March and she was fabulous. However in Madison she was indescribable. I think she is close to reaching the zenith of her talent. Every nuance of her amazing ability was absolute perfection. Her delivery awed me. The strength of her voice was amazing. She put every sinew of her body into her being into her flawless delivery. All of this coupled with her flawless beauty makes her the best I have ever had the pleasure see. I look forward to seeing her in 2015 where ever she may be. I think marriage has completed her and caused her ability to reach new heights. Larry You liked her performance then Larry?
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Post by grant on Dec 18, 2014 19:03:15 GMT
The hotel has a computer room, which I'm taking full advantage of right now. Very small, but I've been alone the whole time (except for a cleaning guy). Nice and quiet. It sounds like photography may be allowed, so unless I'm told otherwise when I get in, I will make some attempt to get a photo or 2. My flash is off, don't worry! But I might try to do it in between songs, so I can absorb every second of her performance. Though if she talks, I might miss something from that distraction. Don't count on a video, though; Hayley might catch me! I'm excited to see her and Tim live tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was wonderful to meet you all last night. I enjoyed your conversation very much. I hope to meet everyone else tonight, too. Larry, come out of hiding, why don't you? LOL Sounds like you've settled right in Libby. As you haven't mentioned your journey, I guess it must have been uneventful and that you are now a seasoned traveller! Don't worry about photographs, I know we are all saying we want to see some, but this is too important an evening for you to waste a moment of it just enjoy and tell us all about it when yo come back down to earth. believe me, that might take a while! Have a great time and pass on my best wishes to everyone. Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 18, 2014 18:57:39 GMT
Susan and I had dinner with Libby (Kimberly) and Pete last night. We talked about Hayley, family, Hayley, travel, Hayley, jobs, then we talked about Hayley some more. We had such a good time, I forgot to take a picture. We will try to get a group together tonight for dinner before the concert. All Hayliens welcome. BillR Sounds very similar to our conversation in Cork last weekend! Have a great time tonight Cheers Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 17, 2014 13:28:23 GMT
Here's another one taken during our Sunday morning post breakfast perambulations
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Post by grant on Dec 17, 2014 12:32:05 GMT
Another shot from the pub after the concert. From left to right - Thomas, Tristan, Comet, Juliette, Martin and Gordon. Good to spend time with you all.
By the way, I think I look much better on this one HaHa!
Cheers Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 17, 2014 10:39:01 GMT
Oh, Grant, you look fine, as does everyone else. I'll probably despise how I look if I have any photos taken, too. But your report of meeting Hayley in Cork has me a bit discouraged. I'm not sure any of us will know where to go to meet her, except Larry, who hasn't said much of anything about the concert. We know he's at a table, and I think I'd recognize him if I saw him, but he won't know us, and I'd probably be too shy to say anything. Thank you Libby, sweet of you to say so. Now don't go worrying about meeting Hayley. Concentrate on getting there and enjoying the concert. I'm sure you'll be able to meet others from the forum once you're in the theatre if not before, then it will be easier in a group to find Hayley afterwards. There's usually somebody with her who may be able to help. Would probably be a good idea to take a Christmas card for Hayley then you have a reason to ask how to get it to her Best wishes Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 17, 2014 0:27:16 GMT
Saturday night in Cork.... with HWI Martin D Good grief! I look like I've seen a ghost! Oh! and next time, remember to remind me to breathe in!!
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Post by grant on Dec 16, 2014 23:58:16 GMT
Hello, all. I'm new and think I might be a HWI member now - though I'm not sure whether I need to get that tartan tie that's been mentioned first. Is there some initiation rite? I was fortunate enough to be sitting beside Thomas on Sunday, and he kindly invited me to join the group in meeting Hayley afterwards, which was a wonderful surprise for me - vielen Dank Thomas! Thank you also Grant (sorry, was it Grant? Almost forgot my own name in the excitement) for introducing me to her. You all seem to be a very nice friendly group, like Hayley herself. When I realized there was an autograph opportunity I was cursing myself for not having my programme with me (I had bought one at the Saturday concert and then left it at home), but fortunately I had one of her CDs that I had been playing on Friday still in my coat pocket. So I went home a very happy HW fan! Not sure that I'll have much time for these forums, especially over the next couple of weeks, but I just wanted to say thanks for being so welcoming. Though I don't travel much, I hope I meet you again at a future concert. Hello Michael Good to see you have found your way here and have already made your first post. You most certainly are now a member of HWI but you don't need a tie, in fact I don't think it's possible to get one now. All you need is a love of Hayley's music and to support her whenever you can. We were all very lucky to get to see Hayley on Sunday night with so much going on. It happens that way sometimes and you were especially lucky to have chosen the seat you did and to get to know Thomas during the concert. We don't abandon our friends at times like that. I was also very happy to introduce you to Hayley, our relationship with her is precious and we pride ourselves in not only supporting Hayley but encouraging others to do likewise. There is much to see on the forum - some great pictures, videos and concert reports. If you need any help finding your way around, just ask and someone will guide you. I hope you get to see Hayley in concert again before too long. From what you have said it will probably be somewhere in Ireland so you will no doubt find a bunch of us there also. Best wishes Grant
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Post by grant on Dec 16, 2014 20:35:18 GMT
The Concerts and a Big Surprise!Sunday evening began pretty much as a reprise of Saturday with the usual suspects guarding the main entrance doors of Cork City Hall from a little after 6pm until the doors opened at around 7.15. Tickets checked, we made our way towards the stage to take charge of the front row. Me happy to be in the same seat I had last night with Martin in Juliette’s seat next to me. With seats secured and the auditorium filling fast, we are able to relax and look forward to another very special evening of music and song. It’s at about this time that the lady we were speaking to in the interval last night approached our group with some very important information. “I have spoken to Hayley” she began, “and Hayley is happy to meet with you after the concert”. WOW! I think I was the only one actually standing at that moment, so most of the group didn’t pick up what she had said. She asked how many of us there would be and told me where we were to assemble after the concert saying that we would then be taken up to see Hayley. I thanked her very much and passed on what I had learned to the others downstairs before taking the exciting news up to those sat in the balcony. This was going to be one of those rare occurrences where it would be just Hayley and out little group of Hayliens with no queuing at the stage door with everyone else as is often the case. Although at this point in time non of us knew exactly what form it would take; where it would be or how long it would last, it didn’t matter, we now knew we would definitely see Hayley after the concert. And now the second concert is about to begin; the concert hall is full to bursting again with much laughing and chatter until the musicians of CYO begin to filter into the auditorium and take their places just as they had done the night before, to even more enthusiastic applause. Once again they played skilfully and enthusiastically, clearly taking their music very seriously. Once again HWI got a mention and a round of applause although the MC was unaware that we were now even more diverse having been joined by Joyce and Peter from the Netherlands but Joyce soon put that right! Hayley now makes her first entrance of the evening to once again open her first set with “May It Be”. I haven’t heard Hayley sing this particular favourite of mine since her last Buxton concert in August 2010 and I’m wracking my brains to remember if I have ever heard the “Fellowship Of The Ring” instrumental ending live before but that was superb too and quite a moving experience for me. Hayley makes reference to “Hushabye” next saying that her intention had been to make a cool lullaby album but wasn’t sure she had succeeded. Of course, I assured he she had, which she acknowledged. “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” sung originally by the Mamas and the Papas was the song she chose for this occasion. “Over The Rainbow” gave Hayley the opportunity to tell us that it reminded her of Christmas as they always watched The Wizard Of Oz at that time with her grandmother who originated in Ireland – more applause. Hayley concluded her first set with “Who Painted The Moon Black”, “You Raise Me Up” and “My Heart belongs To You” and it’s interval Time. Once again we are entertained by the CYO playing to the story of The Snowman after the interval and then it’s time for Hayley to make her second appearance to sing another six songs. Hayley acknowledges that “Summer Fly” is one her personal favourites with the tricky backing being performed superbly by a few chosen members of the orchestra. Now it’s time for the Christmassy songs with “Peace Shall Come” being my personal favourite of the night. The power in Hayley's voice has been evident throughout the weekend but never more so than with this number. Hayley belts it out with such passion and the fact that the lyrics were written by her makes it a very special song for me. “Silent Night” is the other Christmas song and I’m beginning to feel very Christmassy myself! Like me, Hayley's favourite musical is Les Misérables and, also like me, “I Dreamed A Dream” her favourite song, although I remember her singing it when she was very young. “Wuthering Heights” came next with Hayley keen to let us all know that she had recently seen Kate Bush live. Although she added that Kate didn’t sing it. I was about to say “You sing it for her” but Hayley beat me to it! The classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water” now belongs to Hayley in my opinion. The acapella opening is stunning. I watched the concentration on Hayley's face as she began. First, a single note from Tim, a pause. Hayley is holding the microphone close to her chest, ready. What is she thinking in those few moments? She slowly lifts the microphone to her lips, another brief pause and then that delicious sound that is our Hayley. I am mesmerised. The audience is too. Hayley finishes the song and smiles to rapturous applause and another well deserved standing ovation. I am applauding so hard I feel that my arms may soon drop off. Hayley returns to take another bow and leaves the stage again. Still the applause continues. It appears that stamping ones feet is also used to show ones appreciation and, on the halls sprung floor, it certainly makes a bold statement. It was at this time that I discovered that I am physically incapable of applauding and stamping my feet at the same time! Not to worry, Hayley has returned for her encores and quiet returns for a while. To finish the evening Hayley sang “Amazing Grace” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” bringing to an end two evenings of fabulous music and song. Noticeably, Hayley remains on stage to applaud the young musicians as each group takes their bow before taking her final bow with the conductor and leaving the stage for the last time For us however, the evening is not over and we assemble at the agreed place waiting to be taken to see Hayley. We are soon taken up to a broad balcony above the foyer to wait for her to appear. There is another reception tonight and Hayley will come to see us on her way there. Tim appears first telling us that Hayley won’t be long and stops to chat for a while. Soon Hayley herself appears to be greeted by a round of applause which she acknowledges with a little curtsey and a smile. Hayley seems happy and pleased to see us. Bless her heart though, the first thing she asked was did she miss anyone on the Saturday because she had to leave in a hurry. That gave me the opportunity to tell her that Juliette had not been able to stay for the Sunday concert because of work, but had made me promise to tell Hayley how much she had enjoyed the Saturday concert. From the look on her face it was clear that she was genuinely disappointed herself that she had missed her. But that’s Hayley isn’t it? We didn’t get very long as she was expected at the reception, but we did get our programmes and a few other bits and bobs signed as well as handing over Christmas cards and wishing her a very happy Christmas. We also learned that she would be flying to Madison via Chicago from Dublin the following morning. With management clearly keen to get Hayley to the reception, we thanked her for her time and thanked the hall manager (think that’s who he was) with a hand shake and Hayley departed. We did have a few more minutes with Tomas the conductor and his enthusiasm for the orchestra was very plain to see. He also has a huge respect for Hayley and left us in no doubt that everyone had enjoyed working with her. One final bit of information I gathered in case anyone is wondering, City Hall can seat 1068 people, all of which were sold for the Saturday concert with about 30 unsold for Sunday. That's it folks - sorry, no pictures this time Best wishes Grant
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