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Post by Raymond on Aug 18, 2007 15:44:15 GMT
It is great to hear that Hayley finally gets her new home.  Looking forward to other parts of the report.  Raymond |
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Post by Karsten on Aug 18, 2007 15:46:25 GMT
Hi Grant, again an excellent report. I'm really looking forward to Part 3. Hoping that teatime in the UK will soon be over  , thanks for the first two parts Karsten |
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Post by Mark on Aug 18, 2007 17:26:58 GMT
Hi everyone Many thanks Grant for your supurb report - telling it just as it was, it seems like only yesterday i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifFor my Part 2 I'll just fill in around the edges a little. As Grant mentioned, when the doors opened our main concern was to grab our front row seats. We were not the only top ticket holders with this in mind and I think the minster staff were slightly put out when we flew past the champagne and nibbles tables, jumping the barrier like a hurdle, in order to put a jacket or bag on our selected seats i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifAfter bumping into Fiona with a quick Hello, Ian walked by, spotted us and we shook hands - he was looking for his music  Grant has described the concert in detail so I won't go over it again, except to say that for me Hayley's performance was the best I have ever seen. Although I've heard (all but one of) these songs performed live before a good number of times, for some reason last night, I was quite emotional  Particularly when Hayley sang Pokarakara Ana , May It Be and of course, Sonny. I think it had alot to do with the fantasitc accoustics and the setting but, more than anything, the pure perfection of Hayleys voice - wow. My front row seat meant that I had a perfect view of Ian playing the piano and on a number of occaisions at the end of a song as the audience burst into applause, I noticed Ian slowly nodding his head, in such a way as if to say - yes, that was fantastic. Infact, more than once he caught my eye, as if saying to me - wasnt that just supurb. As Grant mentioned, in the interval, we mingled with the other top ticket holders and amongst them was the vicar and his wife. The vicars wife in particular was very interested in HWI and was asking us questions. They were both very impressed with Hayley, commenting on what a lovely young lady she was to talk with. I real first for me was to hear Hayley sing Mummers Dance. I have never heard her sing that live before. Once the last song was sung, the audience applause seemed to be never ending - but very loud and insistant that Hayley return to perform an encore. Eventually, she came back to stage and as Grant says started to announce what she was going to sing. She had only said a few words when Grant & I looked at eachother saying together , quietly - "Sonny". Of course, Hayley spotted us and pointing down at us said "those guys know what I'm going to sing". Wow, that was a moment I won't forget in a hurry. To be acknowledged like that infront of 750 guests - I can only say, it was a good feeling Once the applause from the encore had died away, the rest of the audience started to file out of the building, whilst the select few (Grant & myself included) were shown into the choir area. Soon afterwards a steward appeared with a table and chair. I feel that it wont be long now before part 3............. Mark |
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Post by grant on Aug 18, 2007 17:46:50 GMT
Hi Mark and thanks for your report and pictures. The pictures particularly made me wish that I was back there waiting for it to happen all over again! Please don't think you have to "fill in" I'm sure everyone (particularly Stephany  ) would be quite happy to read about it in a different style. Then they could compare to see if we contradict each other!  That way, even I have a different view point. As it is I have to re-read mine to see whether I had a good time!  My part 3 will follow in a little while - might even throw in a couple of pictures. Back soon. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by comet on Aug 18, 2007 17:47:16 GMT
This is not funny !
Where are the pictures ?
comet
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Post by Stephany on Aug 18, 2007 18:15:24 GMT
Please don't think you have to "fill in" I'm sure everyone (particularly Stephany ) would be quite happy to read about it in a different style. Then they could compare to see if we contradict each other! Definitely, Grant. I thoroughly enjoy reading your reports - more, more, more!! But first, dinner and then, rugby (France-England). I look forward to reading part 3 after all this! Thank you Mark for your part 2. I feel very honoured for you and Grant - being recognized by the audience AND Hayley must be an incredible feeling. Stephany |
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Post by grant on Aug 18, 2007 18:43:40 GMT
Part 3 – The “Afters” BitWe had originally been told that Hayley would meet us at the side of the North Transept where the reception had been, but somewhere along the way that had been changed and we would now be in the magnificent Fifteenth Century Minster Choir with its ornate carved choir stalls and stone arches. I will post a picture of this area later although the flash on my camera was not really powerful enough to do it justice. As we made our way through, I managed to ‘rescue’ Fiona’s play list from the stage as a souvenir. Initially, it was quite a site to behold with the majority of guests now just sitting on the front rows facing each other, whilst the photographers poised themselves by the entrance from the choir vestry in the hope that that would be the way Hayley would use to join us. She did. Wearing the same two tops, jeans and boots that she had been wearing when Mark and I saw her earlier. I thought this a nice touch as just lately she has remained in her performance gown or changed into another dress. Not that I have a problem with that, but it seemed that she wanted this to be informal and to meet people as herself and not the artist they had just seen perform. From then, the evening took on the usual format of everyone standing in line, waiting for their turn, although it was clear that Hayley felt far more relaxed and less rushed which was fine for the photographers who happily snapped away at the giggles, smiles and chuckles that is our Hayley. There was also an opportunity to chat to Fiona (I did make a point of ensuring that she didn’t mind me having her play list) and Ian; to ‘Bill the Lurker’ (come on Bill! Get yourself signed up) and to Ray. It was with Ray that I encountered a rather embarrassing moment when I noticed him hurriedly move out of one particular shot. “Don’t worry” I offered “I try to keep out of shot now” he replied “since someone said that I looked like a miserable security guard!” Well, what could I do? I had to own up and I think he knew all along that it was me that wrote it. I know I apologised last night and I didn’t mean anything by it, although Ray didn’t seem too bothered and laughed it off. He really is a totally OK guy (and if you read this Ray, I mean that sincerely!) Just goes to show though, be careful what you write in your posts guys, ‘cos it may just come back to bite you! Hayley was obviously enjoying herself, tirelessly standing up for one picture after another, then sitting down signing CD’s signing posters, then throwing an engaging smile to one of us photographers. It was at one of these, close to the end of the session, that Hayley did her finger waggling bit and announced she had the keys to her new flat. Once I’d regained my composure, I requested that she ‘rewind’ back to the moment for some posed pictures which she seemed quite happy to do, then suggesting that she ought to actually have some keys. Great! I think it was Bill who offered her his, but they were a big bunch and they wouldn’t have looked right. So out came my room keys from the B&B which looked OK, and here’s the proof! That pretty much wound things up. I’d taken a couple of picture for people using their pocket cameras which I had a lot more success with than in recent times as Hayley would no doubt confirm if asked! Time now for our personal moments with Hayley. Bill has brought her two CD’s he has made of Bob Dylan, one track of which was his version of “The Water Is Wide” Now that I would like to hear! She seemed very appreciative of his thoughtfulness. Mark had some photographs to be signed. Me? I had homework for her! Only kidding, though I had thought to take a copy of the Email I sent Steve A. about my up coming talk about Hayley and I included a copy of the groups programme. I also had a photograph signed for the group which I shall present after my talk. Oooh, almost forgot! "Hayley there's one more thing in my little bag of goodies! Wonder what it could be? Not exactly what you might guess, but similar, have a look So our time with Hayley sadly drew to a close, Hayley asking where we all had to go to tonight. I am surprised that it is almost 11 o’clock, we must have collectively had almost an hour with Hayley, although the concert itself didn’t finish until 9.50. We shook hands with our special girl and made our way out into the night to go our separate ways. Bill to the railway station for his car, Mark and I to different ends of town and our overnight accommodation. Thanks for your company guys. It’s been quite a night all in all and Hayley’s got her new home. That’s the best news I could have had today!
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Post by Karsten on Aug 18, 2007 18:47:57 GMT
Hi Grant, to second comet "...in a little while..." was a cliffhanger overstraining my nerves. Thanks for the third part and your photos. Many thanks to Mark for his first two parts, too. Hope that the third will follow soon. Karsten |
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Post by Stephany on Aug 18, 2007 18:55:10 GMT
What a fantastic reading between dinner and the rugby match, thank you Grant! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI particularly love your picture of Hayley with the B&B keys - she is clearly delighted to have her own place! I'm very happy for her. Ray, the security guard................PRICELESS!! Stephany |
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Post by grant on Aug 18, 2007 19:08:45 GMT
This is not funny ! Where are the pictures ? comet Hi Comet, I understand your frustration but please consider the following. 0755 Got Up 0810 Breakfast 0850 Discover cheque book doesn't contain any cheques! 0900 Return from cashpoint and pay for accommodation. 0910 Walk to station for 0937 train home 1233 Unlock front door, pick up mail and milk 1234 Turn on computer, go and make coffee 1240 Deal with 6 urgent Emails 1300 Put together important post about Hayley's new home 1323 Post above post! 1325 Commence writing concert report in Word and post Parts 1 and 2 1625 Break off to cook and eat my tea - no time for lunch! 1645 Opened mail and unpacked 1800 Woke up and switched computer back on! 1805 Commenced writing part 3 of my concert review 1930 Manipulate image in Photoshop and upload to Photobuckets. 1943 Post part 3 of review WITH pictures! 2000 Quick look at other images from Friday night - there are 64! There will be more pictures, probably tomorrow after church, but from the above you will see that I have been quite busy keeping HWI informed today. Hope that answers your question!! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Karsten on Aug 18, 2007 19:37:46 GMT
Hi Grant, I hope your Sunday will be calmer. Again many thanks for your great work. All the best Karsten I real first for me was to hear Hayley sing Mummers Dance. I have never heard her sing that live before. Hi Mark, I must confess that I heard Mummers Dance in Shrewsbury for the first time at all. It's a very nice song, but sadly to say only on a few CD versions, so I'm on the way to look for an occasion getting one of these. Karsten |
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Post by Stephany on Aug 18, 2007 20:02:18 GMT
Hi Grant, Please get some rest - I feel tired just by reading your program! 'The Mummers Dance' is one of my favourite songs. I remember well the video Tim recorded in New York. I would love to hear it live someday! Best wishes, Stephany PS : half-time of the rugby match, France 12-3 England i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
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Post by roger on Aug 18, 2007 20:16:31 GMT
Hi Grant and Mark, Thanks very much for the reports so far. It sounds like an amazing event but then they always are. Alright, don't rub it in!  Roger |
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Post by Mark on Aug 18, 2007 20:48:45 GMT
Hi everyone Thanks Grant for l the last part of your report. Here is my Part ThreeOnce the 50 or so of us were all assembled in the choir area , most sitting down in two long rows, it wasn't long before Hayley's voice could be heard down the corridor. Suddenly, she was standing in front of us and for a moment seemed to be slightly stunned by the array of camera flashs going off as she stepped in through a very ornate archway. Before doing anything else, Hayley looked directly an me and than at Grant asking " Hi ,how are you " to which I'm sure replied "ok thanks Hayley". She then sat down at the table provided for her and casually said "right, whos first then ?. I managed to take a few photos, the light wasn't very good, particularly for my little camera. I'm sure Grant will have some good pics to post shortly. While Hayley was greeting the other guests, I had a chat firstly with Ray, who confirmed that Hayley and party were driving back to London that evening. Ray said that Hayley had some personal things she had to attend to today and it made sense therefore to drive straight back after the concert. I also chatted with Ian, who is attempting to grow a beard . He said he wasn't at all sure about it, and I got the impression that it won't be long before he shaves it off. I seem to remember Fiona saying something about a bet between Hayley & Ian i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif Both Ian & Fiona agreed that the accoustics were fantastic, with Fiona saying that the sound was so fantastic, she could have played the slow songs all evening While I was talking to Fiona, Grant just happened to be pointing his camera our way and suddenly Fiona and I were in a suitable pose. I guess you may see that photo with Grants next post. Ian was also very impressed with the very shiney and expensive looking Steinway piano. As Grant says we all had our time with Hayley, although I was last in line and she was very short of time by then. Never the less, she shook each of our hands in turn, as always I feel, pleased to have our support. During the evening we met Bill. He is a regular visitor to HWI but has not yet become a member. We mentioned this to Hayley, as Bill said that if Hayley told him to join he would. Well of course Hayley did tell him to join - so come on Bill, I know you'll be reading this After saying goodnight to Hayley, Fiona, Ian, Ray, Bill and the vicar & his wife, Grant & I went our separate ways. Here are a few photos of Hayley signing , the best I could do given the circumstances.....    Thats it for now folks. I'm sure I'll think of a few other things to post tomorrow. Best regards Mark |
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Post by Stephany on Aug 18, 2007 20:57:15 GMT
Wonderful report and pictures, Mark. I see that you all were very impressed by the venue. Did they mention by any chance anything about a possible return to Beverley Minster?  Alright, don't rub it in! Roger Awhh France 22-9 England. Sorry folks!  Stephany |
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Particularly when Hayley sang Pokarakara Ana , May It Be and of course, Sonny. I think it had alot to do with the fantasitc accoustics and the setting but, more than anything, the pure perfection of Hayleys voice - wow. 
