Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,689
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Post by Dave on Jul 22, 2008 1:24:41 GMT
...We didn’t have very long with Hayley stood on the grass verge at the entrance to an exclusive hotel but it was enough that once again she had stopped to say hello and, not only that, had made it very clear that she had done it because she wanted to and not because she felt she had to. Oh, and one last thing ….. Hayley and HWI.. 1 – Jobsworth.. 0Best wishes, Grant Thanks Grant for your report, I'm glad you and everyone enjoyed the show . And you saved the best for last... it always makes my day when i hear about a beaten "Jobsworth", despite his best efforts! Mind you, it certainly helps to defeat them when the star of the show is on your side... and what a star! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifCheers, Dave Edit:Wikipedia says "Jobsworth" is a British term, so I'll add a link for anyone who doesn't understand it. Jobsworth defined
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Post by starbuck on Jul 22, 2008 2:26:07 GMT
Thanks Dave from us US folks had no idea what the H*** he was talking about LOL
Monte
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Post by fusilier23 on Jul 22, 2008 3:08:40 GMT
Is it just me, or does anyone else find some of these Jobsworth comments just a little disturbing?
I'm certainly happy to say hello to Hayley when I can, but only in the context of an event. OK, I've also waited around twice to say hi after a concert where no signing was scheduled. Once I did so in the pouring rain that scared everyone but Tim off, so I don't come in with totally clean hands. But the minute anyone in authority tells you to leave, you need to leave. Given the nonsense Hayley went through in Germany with a stalker already, and the fact that this is the post-9/11, post-7/7 world where security is supposed to be taken seriously, I have to say I have a problem with fans not only openly defying security but following the perfomer to her hotel. Not only that but I have to question the judgment displayed by Hayley's staff here, stopping to say hi and thereby encouraging this kind of behavior.
I think Grant is lucky he walked away from that exit with his pride and his skull intact. Here in the US private security do not fool around. They don't ask you to leave, they tell you once, and if you don't, or you get defiant, they don't hesitate to use force, including a nightstick or (rarely) a firearm. Theaters are private property, so the Constitution means nothing. Not only that, but think how that looks, when fans get saucy with the people who are assigned to protect the object of their fandom.
The hotel thing is over the top. Once the performer leaves the venue she is "off duty" and her privacy should be respected. Yet this group "kept watch" (their words not mine) at the gates of Hayley's hotel, in effect saying by their actions they would not let her go until she said hello. Hayley, more gracious than she needed to be, got out of her car, seconds from heading up to bed, and chatted and mingled. She would have been well within her rights to bypass them and have the gates closed. I for one, had I been in management's place, would have gotten out, sent Hayley on her way, told the fans they were out of line and it was going to cost them, and then taken their information so I could issue "bar letters," forever banning them from future Hayley events.
Security is no joke, and it isn't fair for a few fans who take it too far to spoil it for the rest of us.
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Post by graemek on Jul 22, 2008 3:47:01 GMT
Hi Fusilier, Comments noted but at Gawsworth hall a similar scene was being enacted: dkeeno... I don't understand Mr Richards. There are signs saying no flash photography or video cameras, then he says no photography at all! He did the same thing last year and Hayley had to come on and say in the second half that she had no problems with photo's being taken, just not with a flash. (of course, there are still some in the audience that ignored her and used a flash, which doesn't help matters! )Hence i decided to ignore him and take piccies! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifMark I hardly think security is being threatened by taking a few pics of a perfectly willing Hayley. Neither would I be very enthused at having my head bashed in for it......or my memory stick being erased. Remember all these guests have paid for their tickets to enter the venue.....they've already proved that they're orderly !!!! Graeme
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Post by fusilier23 on Jul 22, 2008 4:01:05 GMT
With respect, Graeme, apples and oranges. I am not saying I have a major problem with taking pics during a concert, although if the theater management says don't do it, then you shouldn't do it, that may be the house's rule, not the artist's, and again, as a private entity, they are permitted to make and enforce their own rules. That ticket you purchase is a license that gives you the limited privilege to enter for an event, so long as you follow all the rules. Should you fail to do so, it is revocable.
If I was the theater manager and I clearly stated no photography of any kind at the outset, at the first infraction you would get a warning, at the second, you would be ejected and I'd have my men confiscate and later break your camera into pieces. You can sue if you like.
My point is not picture-taking, but the over the top behavior here that came dangerously close, in this writer's opinion, to the st-word.
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Joe
Administrator
Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,703
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Post by Joe on Jul 22, 2008 4:30:52 GMT
I'm so glad that many of you were able to attend this concert! Thanks for the reports so far, they are appreciated.
Joe
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Post by grant on Jul 22, 2008 7:53:10 GMT
Steven
I feel your post is as much 'over the top' as was the security mans dealing with us and you clearly have no understanding of the way Hayley interacts with her fans here in the UK! American security is one thing - nothing but bombastic bullies, over hear they are generally there to keep things in order and nothing more.
The person we encountered last night had every opportunity to ask us to leave, citing any number of legitimate reasons. The fact that he chose to lie from the start and when that didn't work get very heavy handed, meant that he immediately lost all credibility.
Incidentally, we were nowhere near the hotel, in fact I never even saw it! and I have no idea what gave you the idea Hayley was staying there. We assumed, as we usually do, that she would be returning to London and planned accordingly
I would add that, at the end of the day, it is Hayley's choice whether or not to stop. We did not form a human road block to prevent them passing, she could have driven on had she wanted to; she could have waved from the car and nothing more, yet she chose to stop and get out and, as I put in my report, did so enthusiastically.
This is the Hayley we know and love.
Grant
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Post by Mark on Jul 22, 2008 9:44:49 GMT
Hi everyone Thanks to Grant and Martin for your reports. Before I start on my review, I have quite a bit more to add on the 'security guy' incident, which may put a slightly different view on things Firstly, I am so pleased that you took some photo's of the venue Martin. What with having to entertain the family,, a pleasure though that was, well it was my mother-in laws birthday and taking longer than expected to eat our picnic, time sort of ran away with me and it was only in the car on the way home, I realised that apart from 3 shots (more on those later) I hadn't actually taken any other photo's. I'm looking forward to you posting those Martin. Secondly, I don't want 'the incident' at the end to in anyway detract from an absolutely breathtaking concert from Hayley. As usual, Grant has done a wonderful job of describing the concert itself - just as it was, thank-you Grant, I couldn't have done it better myself . Al Gurr on piano was his usual flamboyant self, accompanied by four very attractive young ladies, otherwise known as the Raven Quartet. They were simply awesome and a great addition to Hayley's performance. As Grant has commented, for songs such as Hine e Hine and A Thousand Winds, if you closed your eyes briefly, the full sound generated by the four strings and piano, sounded like a full orchestra. I was also amused by the fact that the cellist, just like violinist Fiona during a vigorous piece, ended up at the end of both the group's solo sets, with lots of broken bits hanging off her bow i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI also noticed that Hayley appeared to me anyway, to be more relaxed than ever on stage. The audience just didn't want the concert to end and my mother and father in-law, seeing Hayley for the first time and being on the front row, were 'impressed' and had a wonderful time. It was pretty much an HWI front row, with me and my party, George and his party and of course Grant, broken up by one person who was sitting in between Grant and myself !! Although not on the front row, Jim & Irene were sitting just behind us on row B, so a good HWI show of support. Hayley did her usual scanning of the audience after the first few songs and I was once again treated to the occasional brief eye contact from Hayley that comes with sitting on the front row - wow All too soon, the concert was over and our group gathered to decide what best to do. As Grant described, we decided to walk round to the entrance to the private driveway marked 'Artists Only' and wait. After a few minutes, a very forceful security guard quite firmly, in short, told us to leave or we would be removed. With that, we decided to walk back to our cars and as Grant says, plan C - to wait at the gate. However, due to a delay in leaving the car park as quickly as the others, I never made it to the gate, I was intercepted Part 2 to follow......... Mark.
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Post by george on Jul 22, 2008 10:10:08 GMT
Hi All
As Grant, Mark and Martin have reported, Hayley was in top form and we all had a wonderful time. It was great to hear Songbird and 1000 winds for the first time and also another fantastic encore of Sonny. The grounds to Kilworth House were stunning, probably the best setting we have ever seen Hayley! It is a shame that it was not possible to take any photos but as always we abide by the house rules! Abiding by the rules is what we also did at the end, although it would appear to certain individuals that we had committed some terrible crime to actually ask a question. Waiting by the gate in the hope of seeing Hayley is something we have all done previously. We were not aware that the car that passed included Hayley so nobody waved or stood in its way. The car stopped and Hayley came running over to us as we knew she would. I guess Denise and I will just have to be banned from all Hayley events from now on as suggested above for our terrible misdemeanor and lack of respect for jobsworth (sorry "authority")
George
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Post by Paddy on Jul 22, 2008 11:10:22 GMT
Eager Fans Unwittingly Aid Subversives Despite strict security … stake out at hotel gates … Star stopped to say ‘Hi!’ … kidnappers pounced from the darkness ... fans left dumbfounded …. whereabouts unknown …
So, spare a thought for Mr. Jobsworth: ‘Seems he tried his best to take responsibility for the safety of his charge. But what was he thinking, I wonder? That an attractive international star was the most unlikely target ever? That the unknown middle-aged gentlemen loitering after the event for the 21 year old star were unlikely to be a threat?
He had plenty of time to think and be more diplomatic … this time … Makes me wonder though: Is the above scenario far fetched? Is Hayley at risk in general?
No, I don’t believe our colleagues were out of order. But adjust the score a little.
Paddy
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Post by fusilier23 on Jul 22, 2008 11:22:50 GMT
Who's Jon? I've never gone by that name. And I hope you didn't say to the guard he lost all credibility, because If that had been me I would have tapped my pistol and said "This gives me all the credibility I need, and if you don't get moving right now, without saying another word, you will regret it, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
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Post by Mark on Jul 22, 2008 11:52:09 GMT
Hi everyone Thanks George for your report. It was good to meet you all again yesterday. OK, so here is part 2 of my report. As I mentioned, after the run-in with security and feeling generally a little upset from the treatment we had received, we made our way back to our cars. Grant and George were soon off heading for the gate. I was slightly delayed in leaving as we were saying goodbye to our guests and then the gentleman who was sitting between myself and Grant during the concert, came up for a chat. We discussed Hayley's concert schedule amongst other things and in the end I had to excuse myself, as we really needed to get going. However, that delay proved to be very valuable Once in the car and still feeling dejected, we drove carefully along the dark exit road. Hang on, whats this The rather threatening security guard, that just 10 minutes before hand was ready to escort us from the premises was flagging me down to stop I tentatively opened the car window - " excuse me sir "(really polite) says the security man, " were you with the group of people who were waiting to see Hayley earlier on ?" OMG, was I in trouble ? Fully expecting to be handcuffed and led away, I nervously answered "yes". "Are these people behind you with you sir ? " "Yes", I answered. "Are you related to Hayley or something sir ?" "ER no" I said but I am a member of HWI - and I explained. "Ah ha, Right Sir, if you would like to drive on down the artist only driveway, park up and I'll meet you down there" It was quite obvious at this point that fully expecting to see us, Hayley had put the security people straight and had sent them back out to find us to make amends. On the walk to see Hayley, the security man was full of apologies and explained that they had been briefed to expect trouble - he didn't say exactly what but he did comment on how open the whole site was, making security difficult. I must say that on the other side of the coin, I felt comforted that Hayley was so 'well looked after'. He also told us that he was actually the architect of the entire theatre complex. Anyway, suddenly, from the darkness came a "Hi Guys" it was of course Hayley. I introduced my guests and, yes Grant, Hayley did remember Sophie, she instantly commented on the fact that she had grown taller since last year. We had a lovely brief chat about the show, New Zealand, (as my parents in-law have been to NZ) and the lovely venue. Her first words however were "Hi Guys, I was really hoping that I was going to get to say hello" That says it all really. Noticing that I had my camera, Hayley asked if we wanted a photo.. Er, "yes please" i said. It was very dark and not ideal for photography, plus there wasn't a great deal of time as Hayley really needed to get going, but here are the results. I didn't really get a good shot of everyone at the same time, so I posted both photos.Sophie, Mother in-law Barbara, Hayley and my wife KarenAnd finally of course, Hayley & Me Before Hayley got into the car, I told Hayley that Grant, George and a few others were waiting by the gate hoping to see her. She confirmed that she would indeed stop to say "hello" and with that, she was on her way. After thanking the now friendly security man, we set off down the drive. Sure enough, as we reached the gate, Hayley had just jumped out of the car to see the others. Hayley waved to us as we drove slowly by into the night. Another very special and quite eventful concert had come to an end. Mark
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Post by graemek on Jul 22, 2008 11:57:55 GMT
Hi Steve, I still don't see why an audience that comes to hear a lovely singer should be handled like hardened criminals......it's completely inappropriate. They paid to hear Hayley in peace & safety, not to be terrorised. It would be a good thing if the guards that are hired are checked to make sure they're not misanthropic psychopaths.....they spoil the show....it is not necessary. Graeme PS I wrote this post before Mark's post above & I'm glad that there was a change in the guy's behaviour. Rather suddenly though wasn't it? Bravo Hayley !!!
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Post by Dean McCarten on Jul 22, 2008 12:05:53 GMT
Who's Jon? I've never gone by that name. And I hope you didn't say to the guard he lost all credibility, because If that had been me I would have tapped my pistol and said "This gives me all the credibility I need, and if you don't get moving right now, without saying another word, you will regret it, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?" Not to be funny but threating somebody with the use of lethal force should not be used lightly and only as a last resort. I understand that in the States carrying firearms may be needed when working protection details but also these personnel should be able to read situations and people. That being said it is not common in the UK for normal *law-abiding* persons to be carrying a sidearm or weapons (unless they are a member of the Armed Forces, security services or police) This is my view on this statement. Dean p.s I'm glad everybody had a good time & that Hayley said hello
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Post by Paddy on Jul 22, 2008 12:37:25 GMT
Hi Mark, Your story 'caps them all', as we sometimes say in Ireland. It's a relief to see that 'there was method in his madness' (the security man's) and to realise that Hayley was well looked after. Great photos. A very special privilege for yourself too: Alone .. in the dark .. with Hayley. Enough to incite even a Derby man to envy? See you. Liverpool? Paddy
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