Hi everyone
Thanks so much to everyone who has posted a report and for the fantastic photo's so far. I thought I would add my own report now that I have a little more time (forgot to take my camera this time though
).
The day of the concert dawned and as usual before a Hayley concert, I couldn't concentrate on anything during the morning. I decided to eat a cooked lunch before setting out, more for something to keep me occupied than anything. Anyway, at 2.30pm, it was finally time to set off. I was meeting Martin on the way down and I collected him at the arranged time – so far so good. The M40 and M25 were both free flowing and it was a pleasant journey, that is until we arrived in Croydon itself and following the AA Route-planner to the letter, promptly got lost. However, we found the venue car-park eventually and as we walked in through the foyer of Fairfield Halls, it was hard to miss the HWI gathering.
After introductions all round, we had a bite to eat in the cafe/restaurant, where the choice was sufficient to cater for everyone's taste, in particular for Stephany, who thoroughly enjoyed roast lamb with all the trimmings (mint sauce) for the first time – Hope it was New Zealand lamb Stephany.
i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif Having eaten, it was decided that we should congregate at the front of the foyer to wait for those members who were yet to join us. This is when Caitlin suggested we make use of the wide staircase behind us to take a group photo (thanks Grant for reporting that it may have been my idea, but I have to come clean
). At which point Jill appeared and very kindly offered to take the photo for us, so that everyone could be in it. Thanks Jill.
It was a real pleasure to meet Jill at last. I really did have the feeling that we had met before and I can't explain why. Perhaps its because I have seen her many times on the DVD Live In NZ and in other interviews etc. Anyway, Jill was just as I thought she would be, as I discovered later when I had a chat with her.
The content of the concert has already been reported fully, so I won't go over it again in detail. However, finding a seat almost in the centre of the front row was for me just a perfect spot. I thought Hayley seemed very confident on stage when introducing “this next song” and was relaxed and obviously enjoying herself. The show was something a little different once again and was very enjoyable. As I played the flute myself in my younger days, it was an extra treat for me that Lucy Noble was performing – she made me wish that I hadn't given up. I can still play, but I am without doubt somewhat rusty these days !
After the show as Grant mentioned, we all headed for the stage door where we had a “chilly” wait for Hayley. The cold didn't really make any difference though, as spirits of our not so little group were high. Just after Hayley appeared, I joined the queue with my copy of “In Her Own Voice” at the ready. Suddenly, Hayley's attention was fully focused on me (anyone who has met Hayley will know exactly what I mean) and for the next few moments, I was made to feel like I was the only person there. She asked how I was and I asked how she was and I mentioned about Southampton next week and how I was looking forward to seeing her again. At the mention of this, Hayley suddenly seemed very thoughtful and said “ah, Southampton, I will be arriving back from Brunei on the morning of the concert”. I didn't ask her why she was in Brunei but I did manage to say that I hoped it wouldn't be too much for her.
For some reason, I hadn't given much thought this time to what I wanted to say/ask her and I almost felt a little awkward like our first few meetings 2 years ago – I think I was truly “Westenwowed” . Anyway, Hayley then asked me who's name she should write in my book, to which I replied “me this time please Hayley” It suddenly occurred to me at that point that although Hayley knows me, I had to my knowledge never heard her actually call me by name – in the past I had always simply said “to Mark” when she was signing. I was just about to say something like can you remember, when she looked up at me and said confidently “Mark” - I must have somehow confirmed she was correct and she suddenly said “YES”, accompanied by a sharp movement of her arm, as if to say - nailed it. I think this reaction was due to the fact that she had just got another HWI members name wrong. Hayley, apart from the very occasional slip, you have an incredible memory and thanks once again for having the time and patience to make each one of your fans feel special in someway.
I found Jill absolutely charming and just as “grounded” as Hayley. She seemed genuinely surprised that we were all wanting to chat with her and have our photo's taken with her. I mentioned earlier that I had the feeling that I had met her before – perhaps because she is so like Hayley in many ways. Anyway, if you should read this Jill, it was a real pleasure to meet you at last and maybe I will see you again in Southampton next week.
I also noticed Ray, Hayley's road manager and driver sitting on his own behind where Hayley was signing and I went across to have a chat with him. I was interested in why Ray had been helping out on stage during the concert, as he doesn't normally. He explained that due to the fact that Hayley had wanted to mix Blake & Lucy in amongst her own performance, quite a few changes of microphones etc had to take place on stage and his aim was to help things go as smoothly as possible. He also told me that not long ago, he spent 3 weeks driving Katherine Jenkins around !. Ray seems like a really nice guy and I find it comforting to know that Hayley is so well looked after when she is performing at so many different venues, particularly those a long way from London when often no-one from Bedlam management is able to be present.
I finally said my farewell's to Hayley, Jill and my other HWI friends and Martin & I set off from the car-park, convinced we'd get lost again. We didn't though and after dropping Martin off, I finally made it home at around 1.15am. As usual, I couldn't get to sleep straight away, the whole evening was replaying in my mind. I have also realised that I didn't actually say hello to everyone, in particular, Larry & Mary. Still, I'm sure we'll meet again at another concert sometime soon.
Although I may not have managed to say this on the night Hayley, thanks once again for a fantastic evening and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Southampton next week.
Best wishes
Mark
PS - Someone somewhere took a photo of Jill and myself - I think it may have been Dave or Steve - or possibly both
I expect it will appear sooner or later. I think I was the first to have a pic taken with Jill, as Dave (I think it was) asked Jill if he could take a photo of her. I got the impression that Jill didn't feel quite right about being on her own in a shot, so I volunteered myself
.
).
). At which point Jill appeared and very kindly offered to take the photo for us, so that everyone could be in it. Thanks Jill. 
I expect it will appear sooner or later. I think I was the first to have a pic taken with Jill, as Dave (I think it was) asked Jill if he could take a photo of her. I got the impression that Jill didn't feel quite right about being on her own in a shot, so I volunteered myself 
