Shrewsbury Abbey - 3rd & 4th August 2007

[grant]

Shrewsbury 3rd August

Part 1

A fairly relaxed start for me for my fifteenth outing to see my precious Hayley. It’s 80 miles to Shrewsbury so about one and three quarter hours driving at a nice steady pace through the Staffordshire and Shropshire countryside. Found the Abbey easily and the adjacent car park, though I missed the entrance the first time and ended up in ASDA!

Having not been to Shrewsbury for ages and never to the Abbey, I’m surprised that is quite small, but beautiful inside and I guess it’s going to be quite cosy tonight. It is still not quite 1pm so I am again surprised to see Karsten appear out of the gloom and we are soon acquainted.

There is very little happening at the Abbey and we’ve learnt that there is a wedding at 2pm so no point hanging around as the early guests are starting to arrive and the organist is practicing the “Trumpet Voluntary”. The decision is taken to wander up to the station to meet Gordon who is intending to arrive at about 2.30pm. Crossing the English Bridge, we decide to walk up by the river where there is evidence of the recent flooding. Although Shrewsbury itself didn’t flood, the river did breach its banks and there is much evidence of this on the pathway.

Armed with cups of coffee we watch several trains from Birmingham arrive and depart. The time for Gordon’s train comes and goes but it is nowhere to be seen, neither for that matter, is Gordon! Puzzled, we return via the road, only to find the Abbey securely locked! When one of the stewards appears we enquire of the reason and as we suspected, it is because of the anticipated arrival of Hayley and co.

Now there is a small private car park right next to the Abbey and it doesn’t require brain surgery to realise that we are already in a good position to await the arrival of the ‘Hayleymobile’ and also, for that matter, for Gordon who, despite the fact that it is now past 3.30pm is still conspicuous by his absence!

Gordon put in an appearance at 3.40pm, his intended train having been cancelled! He is soon brought up to date with the afternoons events and seemed quite pleased that we had gone to the station to meet him, even though we didn’t if you get my drift!

As 4pm approaches we are now eagerly looking out for some evidence of Hayley’s arrival and are soon rewarded with the appearance of a black Chrysler people carrier which I recognise from Gawsworth. As it turns into the car park the occupants are waving through the heavily tinted windows.

Ray is driving and acknowledges our presence with a “Hi! How are you?” as he goes in search of a way in. We hang back as no other movement from the vehicle is apparent. Eventually doors begin to open; Mischa is first out, then Ian; “Hi Ian, good run up? “OK, not bad. You?” Hayley is next out, on our side. We have moved a little closer and the cameras are out. Hayley waves, “Hi” – “Hi Hayley, how are you?” “Good thanks!” and so it goes.

Everyone is out of the car now. We don’t intrude but the photo opportunities keep coming. A lady from the Abbey comes out. Hayley recognises her from the previous time and they hug “Hi, so nice to see you again” Hayley waves to us as they head inside. WOW!! That was special! Somewhere in amongst all that Gordon even managed to introduce Karsten to Hayley. Now we are on our own again. Time for food and a nice looking restaurant just across the road.

Don’t go away! More to come.

Grant

[mariannek]

Hi Grant,
I think we are the first to read your Shrewsbury Abbey Adventure Part 1 !!
You are amazing !!
Now I am eagerly and (im)patiently waiting for the Grand Article of the Spectacular !!
Can't wait for your special photos !!

Love, Marianne

[grant]

Part 2

We fell very lucky with the restaurant – not cheap- but the food is excellent. I chose lamb and mint sausages with shallot gravy and chips (I passed on the bubble and squeak mash!) George, if you’re reading this it’s highly recommended for tomorrow.

Although it is only just past 5.30pm, the three of us are now ‘the queue’ for the concert. The steward from earlier pokes his head round the door and apologises that he can’t let us in yet and adds “By the way, you’re queuing at the wrong door!” We hastily move the queue to the correct location. Others soon begin to join, including a certain individual that some of us met (unfortunately!) at Stoke!!

Although we had been told the doors would be opening at 6.30pm, it was about twenty to seven when we were actually let in and we are soon settled on the front row, about six feet from where Hayley will be standing. The time seems to pass very slowly as the Abbey begins to fill up, until at last, 7.30 arrives and the vicar appears with the usual notices!

We learn that the Abbey was built in the 10th Century and has served as many things over the years including being used as a hospital and, quite surprisingly, as the meeting place for one of the first Parliaments! He related this creative use of the building to God’s creativity which led nicely into his introducing Hayley and making quite a thing of her performing twice on the previous occasion and twice this weekend. Fiona, Ian and Mischa were welcomed onto stage to fine tune their instruments.

I was actually quite surprised that Hayley didn’t get a further mention but she didn’t and just strode gracefully out wearing the blue dress that I have an awful job describing! The one she wore at Gawsworth last year and, I believe, the one she wore for the Dali Lama recently. Hayley went straight into Caccini’s “Ave Maria”. I have to say here that, although there was a slight echo at times, the sound was superb and, right from the start, Hayley seemed to have found yet more richness and depth in her voice.

After “Ave Maria” Hayley chatted about how delighted she was to be back in Shrewsbury saying “I don’t know what’s already been said but I was here”….. pause, Looking enquiringly at her ‘front row HWI lexicon’ “Two years ago?” “Yes” thumbs up “two years ago” pointing at us, giggling, “they know!” Next thing I know she’s talking about ‘Shrewsbury biscuits’ Uhh? Well folks that’s what they’re called in New Zealand – we know ‘em as “Jammy Dodgers” You learn something every day with HWI! There was also mention of rugby, France and the “All Blacks”

For her final song in this first set “The Water Is Wide”, Hayley made a point of dedicating the song to the many thousands of recent flood victims, saying she couldn’t imagine the sense of loss those people were going through. I had to chuckle at the choice of song, but I think we all knew what she was feeling and hoping to get across.

Fiona’s turn next and, once again, this girl just seems to get better and better. She opened with one I didn’t know about New Brighton beach, close to her home in New Zealand, entitled “Magic Sands”, which she followed with two current favourites “Cinema Paradiso” and “Memories of Martin and Mary”, all of which were very well received and much appreciated by tonight’s audience.

Time for Hayley to reappear and, after another round of applause for Fiona, she got us going again with “One Fine Day”. On my notes, I just wrote “WOW!!” It was, I’m going to say ‘amazing’ ‘cos at this time of the morning, maybe at anytime, I can’t think of a word that explains how Hayley singing this NOW makes me feel. “Pokarekare Ana” and “Hine” will always be favourites because that’s how I came to know Hayley. Other than that I think “Prayer” has been my favourite until now.

Tonight that changed. Hayley’s voice is just getting better and better. Hardly seems possible does it? I guess “One Fine Day” just brings out the best in her. Maybe it’s the way she feels about it but it was certainly the highlight for me tonight!! “Prayer” and “Danny Boy” brought us to the interval.

Fiona opened the second half with “Torvello Swing” (does that sound right? Can’t read my own writing!) then another one we didn’t know “The Zoo Keeper” another one about New Zealand and to close her set – “Hava Nagila” which really got us all clapping in time to the music as she wound it up faster and faster – all without shoes!

Now Hayley returns to stage wearing that stunning green gown. OK, I know I predicted the new red one but hey, Hayley does know that this is may all time favourite dress in the whole world! “Pokarekare Ana” opened Hayley’s second half, then “Shenandoah” and the new joke “It’s got 100 verses but hey! I’m only going to sing 99!” giggling, she qualified it with “I’m only going to sing my favourite three – don’t think I’ve got the energy – don’t want to be here all night!”

“Summer Fly” next and this is now sounding really polished and one that I heard several people say “Hope she sings ….” “Let Me Lie” “Santa Lucia” and “In Trutina” headed tonight’s concert towards its close as Hayley began to introduce her final song. This has become her regular closing song as she began to talk about New Zealand.

I, and I guess several others, anticipated the question and before Hayley asked “Has anyone here been to New Zealand?” our hands were up “Gosh!” exclaimed Hayley with a giggle “I haven’t asked the question yet!” Likewise, when she began to refer to “Lord of the Rings” hands were up before the question was asked. I guess we were just that sort of audience and I don’t think Hayley minded being teased!

I guess I had been, for the most part wrapped up in my own Hayleyworld” during the concert, but as Hayley sang “May It Be”, I thought to look across to Karsten. It was, after all, his first Hayley concert. He was leaning on the rail in front of our pew, watching Hayley with a look of utmost contentment on his face. In a word – totally “Hayleywowed” as we all were.

Only Ian returned with Hayley for the encore “Sonny!” I thought, but no, “Amazing Grace” the applause died down too quickly for a second one and another concert had come and gone.

More to come folks!

[grant]

Part 3

We knew Hayley would be signing and be available for photographs so we waited patiently. By now there are familiar faces, particularly from previous concerts at Telford. When Hayley reappeared she had changed into yet another dress. This time, the slinky black number (Caite’s description) that she had worn at Cardiff. Hayley is her usual happy, chatty self meeting the maybe 100 or so people who have taken the opportunity to stay and say hello.

Photo opportunities are pretty good, but the low light is playing havoc with our auto focus (Grrr!). By 10pm, most of the queue is gone and it’s mostly just Gordon, Karsten and I plus staff left to share special time with Hayley. As always she is very happy to see us. Here I will let Gordon tell you about his ‘telling off’ and its delightful outcome!

Tonight, I don’t have chocolate and I told Hayley so. She was standing at the time and pretended that she would push past me and leave telling the others “Let’s go, he’s not brought us any chocolate!” I quickly pointed out that chocolate would be arriving but not for me! Phew!! I’m forgiven. What I have brought for Hayley are a few 12x8 prints taken at Telford, which I thought she might like to give to her Mum when she comes in September. We had quite a laugh as one of them she didn’t remember and I had to remind her about.

I was also a bit nervous about asking her for a favour. I explained to her that a group at my church have asked me to talk to them about her; about getting to know her and about what she means to me. From the day I was first asked, it had crossed my mind that what would make my talk special would be a note from Hayley herself; as a sort of welcome. I didn’t know whether or not it would be something she would be willing to do. Well, I shouldn’t have worried, she seemed more than happy to do it and I suggested I Email Steve Abbott with the details so she knows what is needed.

Hayley, you never cease to amaze me, with everything going off in your life you still manage to find time to do these little favours for us. I just hope you realise just how much we love you and how much these little gestures are appreciated.

By now time is pressing on and staff want to close up. Hayley has obviously filed away the fact that she has a ‘newbie’ to welcome. Karsten has stayed pretty much in the background until now, happy to snap away with his camera. Hayley, bless her, now beckons him to ‘the presence’ to have his moment of glory. In the nick of time to, as the staff now really want us gone.

We thank Hayley for a magnificent evening, I manage a last question about a certain property and keys. Hayley doesn’t want to talk about that. It hasn’t happened yet, maybe she doesn’t want to tempt fate. I asked her to promise that the moment “it” happens, she post something to let everyone know. I told her that “We are holding you in our prayers” I sensed I’d said the right thing. I had her attention “Thank you so much – really appreciated”

As we leave, Hayley is waving. It’s almost as if she doesn’t want us to go. “See you in Beverley – just Mark and I” From Hayley “Oh! OK See you in Beverley”. Gordon and Karsten walked me back to my car wishing me a safe journey home. It’s 1020pm, the CD player is already on. “Crystal” for the first part of my journey, then “Treasure”.

A few minutes from home, as the clock in my car showed midnight, Hayley sang “Abide With Me”

Perfect!!

I love you Hayley. God bless and sleep tight

Grant

[Joe]

Hello Grant !

Many thanks for that lovely review in three parts! Sounded like a special evening for Karsten. Looking forward to the posts from him and from George.

If anyone is going up to Shrewsbury for tonight's performance...enjoy !

Thanks again Grant...you do us proud!

Joe

[Stephany]

Hi Grant,

I think you already know it but I will say it anyway : your report is excellent! As usual

grant said:

There was also mention of rugby, France and the “All Blacks”

I suppose she didn't mention being part of the Rugby World Cup 2007 CD?

Thanks again for your fabulous report, Grant.
Karsten and Gordon, we are waiting for yours!

Stephany

[george]

Thank you, Grant for your wonderful report. Sounds like another super night and I am really looking forward to tonight even more now.
Don't wait up folks! I am staying over. Will be home after lunch tomorrow.

George

[Dori]

Wow, that was fantastic Grant, thank you so much - by reading it, I almost felt as though i was there!!! Can't WAIT to see the photos!!!

Dori

[Richard]

Thanks for the magnificent report, Grant!

Now I'm looking forward to seeing your photographs, and I can't wait to hear what Gordon's been up to! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best Wishes,

Richard

[drew]

Thank you so much Grant. That is three more pages for Hayley's biography. I guess that you will need a new notebook for Christmas.

I hope that you will share Hayley's note with us if it is not too personal.

Sleep well and dream.

[Stephany]

Hi George,

Enjoy the concert - I'm sure you will have a smashing time at the Abbey.
Celtic Woman two weeks ago and now Hayley...what a thrill that must be!
Christmas in Summer indeed

Stephany

[Martin]

Thanks for the great report Grant. 11 out of 10 this time!

Even though we weren't with you last night in body we were in spirit.

Best wishes
Martin

[grant]

Hi everyone!

Thank you for your kind comments - you really are a pleasure to write for. I'm sure you realise by now that, whatever time of night I get in, I have to write it all down before hitting the sack, so there's no one but myself to blame for the late hour.

It was ten to four this morning! It just gets later. By the time I finished writing, I was feeling quite emotional. It really did seem just that bit extra special last night.

Well, as you already know by now - no sound check pictures, instead, we were privileged to get a few minutes as the 'gang' arrived, expertly chauffered by Ray.

Hayley being greeted by a bank of cameras



The natural look



Mischa and Fiona look on



Something interesting going on up the street?



Hope you like! More soon.

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hello again!

Just to keep you going, a few general shots of the gang waiting to go into the Abbey for the sound check.





The lady in the white top came out to let them in. Hayley recognised her from 2005 and greeted her very warmly. She is just about to give her a big hug.



My favourites from this session still to come. Back soon!

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hello again!

Here are the last few from the afternoon, my particular favourites. I hope you like them.

Hayley recognises the lady from the Abbey. And what about those earings!?



Our Hayley



I just couldn't resist this enlargement. A beautiful, serene Hayley.



A final wave for the camera then off to do the sound check.



Still working through the pictures from the post concert signing/photo session. Will try to get a few up tonight.

Best wishes
Grant