Memories of meeting Hayley

[roger]

Hi Keith,

Did I really say that? I didn't mean to; it was an accident!

Oh but what a night that was. "Tell us about it", I hear you all cry. Oh, alright then.....

It was in Northampton during the Pure tour in March 2004. There were about 50 people waiting outside the stage door in the cold but, because I was wearing my HWI sweatshirt, I was allowed to stand inside in the warm! I tried to ignore the forty-nine noses pressed up to the window trying to decide if I was somebody important! Well, it wouldn't hurt them to think so, would it?

While I was there, Katherine Jenkins walked through. She gave me a lovely smile and I have often regretted not talking to her but I was affraid of missing the opportunity of seeing Hayley while doing so. That didn't matter as I met Katherine a couple of times later in the tour.

A few minutes later, I saw Steve Abbott (Hayley's manager) walk past along the inner corridor. I called his name. He came scurrying out to me and asked if I would like to see Hayley. "Well I might as well, while I'm waiting!" I replied. He led me backstage and along the afore-mentioned corridor. He was then told that he was required elsewhere but, just before he disappeared he pointed to two men standing nearby. "He'll look after you", Steve said, pointing to one of them.

I was aware that two men were there but I hadn't taken much notice of them until one of them approached me. Then it hit me. No, HE didn't hit me; the realisation of who it was hit me. It was Gerald Westenra.

Although we hadn't met before, he seemed to know who I was when I mentioned my name and HWI. He led me to Hayley's dressing room.

I spent about half an hour there, mainly chatting to Hayley. I had recently come up with a crazy ambition that I never expected to fulfil but, suddenly, I knew it was about to happen. You see, not only did Hayley sign my programme but, within a few minutes, so did Sophie, Isaac, Jill and Gerald.

See, I got back on topic eventually. It just takes a while, that's all!

My apologies to those of you who read that in my review at the time but we all have a proudest moment in life. This was surely mine.

Roger

[Richard]

roger said:

My apologies to those of you who read that in my review at the time but we all have a proudest moment in life. This was surely mine.

Hello again everybody!

I've already mentioned this a couple of times elsewhere on the Forum, but I'm going to relive it again here because Roger has reminded me. My proudest moment occurred when I went to see Hayley for the second time, starring in her own concert at the London Palladium on 29th March 2004. I had already seen and met her once before at the Fairfield Hall in Croydon on 1st October 2003, when she appeared with Aled Jones.

I arrived very early at the London Palladium, and I waited near the stage door in Great Marlborough Street, hoping to grab a quick word with Hayley when she arrived. Just before 4pm I spotted a taxi full of people turn into Argyll Street, where the public entrance is, and I thought I recognised Hayley's sister Sophie sitting by the window. I shot round the corner at the speed of light, and sure enough there was Hayley getting out of the taxi, together with Sophie, Isaac, Jill and Gerald. Gerald was looking up the road trying to work out how to get in, while I managed to say hello to Hayley. She told me she was due to meet the press, and I told her they were waiting for her at the stage door. Hayley then asked me where it was, so rather than tell her, I escorted her round the corner to the stage door while the rest of the family followed. I was able to have a little chat with her on the way, and it was the nicest 40 yard walk I've ever had! I stayed behind after the concert to get Hayley's autograph, and she thanked me for my help. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

It was really a very minor incident, but Hayley remembered it the next time I saw her at Southend eight months later, and it's something I'll never forget. I'm sorry if I've made anybody jealous, but it's nice to relive little magic moments like that! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

See you soon,

Richard

[roger]

Hi Richard,

A minor incident it might have been but it's minor incidents like that which mean so much. May we all experience many more of them.

Roger

[emmettb]

And so say all of us............ i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

richnorri said:

Hayley then asked me where it was, so rather than tell her, I escorted her round the corner to the stage door while the rest of the family followed. I was able to have a little chat with her on the way, and it was the nicest 40 yard walk I've ever had! I stayed behind after the concert to get Hayley's autograph, and she thanked me for my help.

I think you saved the day there Richard, what would they have done without you.


Emmett

[Richard]

Hello again Roger and Emmett!

Roger, I think little moments like that mean a lot to Hayley as well.

Emmett, I modified your quote because you had some codes left over from the previous quote. I like to exercise my powers occasionally! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

See you soon,

Richard

[fusilier23]

Dunno what the best experience I had was, although the last one was certainly great, for, by luck of the draw and a bit of foreknowledge, I had Hayley all to myself, if only for a few minutes.

At the NJPAC with the Boston Pops, Hayley and Keith Lockhart were supposedly going to sign CDs afterward, but someone changed their minds in the middle of the concert. However, I knew where the real stage door was (there's a decoy door) and managed to get there in time to catch Gerald and Hayley. Hayley's jaw actually fell when she saw me, which I interpret to mean she was happy to see a friendly face after a tough tour and 2 concerts in one day. She gladly signed the programme for me, which I think is the only such signed programme from that evening, and we chatted a bit. But more than any trophy, more meaningful was the Christmas hug she gave me and the sincere concern she expressed when I told her of the illness of another fan named Alena (who has thankfully since recovered).

Also very meaningful was her signing a CD for Claire Halligan and expressing sincere sorrow for Claire's grandmother's passing, and her description of Holly Holyoake as a "lovely person" who she was glad to help.

Hayley has a great gift for making people happy, and she's so far used it to its fullest.

[HWI]

My magic moment is difficult to select.

the first time I ever met Hayley was at the Faenol Festival, 24th August 2003. it was not until after the concert that I managed to attract Gerald's attention and introduce myself. before I even managed to do that, he said "you must be Keith". Belinda had told them about me, so they were looking for me.

See my review of the festival for the full story but, the amazing thing was that Hayley left a reception, with more than 100 people waiting to speak to her (all of them VIP's) just to meet me. And she signed my CD inserts for me.

The next occasion was 7th October 2003 at Llandudno in North Wales. Again story abbreviated but can be seen in full by reading my review of the event. As I crossed the few yards between my car and theirs, Gerald spotted me. A big smile came to his face as he strode towards me with his hand out and he welcomed me by name. Hayley leaned out of the window of the car and called "hiya Keith" across the distance separating us. We chatted for a few minutes and then I got back into my car. I followed them to the exit and, as they turned out of the car park, Hayley had turned in the back seat of the car to wave to me - the biggest smile you could imagine playing on her face.

I could list more such things - all of them very special memories for me. But, I wouldn't want to bore you all.

Keith.

[roger]

admin said:

I could list more such things - all of them very special memories for me. But, I wouldn't want to bore you all.

Keith.

Oh go on Keith, tell us.

Roger

[HWI]

Do I really have to?









Oh! Alright, if you insist. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

The next occasion was at the Loose Lips TV studio 20th october 2003. This was my very first hug and kiss from Hayley. And then there were the group photos. This was also the very first time I had my photo taken with Hayley. We chatted for a good half hour (it was not all me, there was a group of fans there). This was also the occasion when there was something about Simon and Gerald's nose. But that's another story. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Then there was the Pure Tour in March last year. Llandudno was the first time I got to meet the whole family at once. Yes, Sophie and Isaac as well. And they all signed my programme. And Isaac drew a little smiley on it. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Then there was the Winter tour last November when, in St Davids hall, Cardiff, I asked Hayley if she would perform a duet with Holly - and she agreed. And, to cap that, she then invited Holly to appear with her in Llandudno - that was a fantastic thing to do.

Classicalive this year. When Jill was taking photos and asked ME to be in them as well.

There are more. But, when I think of them, they are just buzzing around in my head as thousands of little images. Things like Gerald actually phoning me at home. Decca emailing me and asking me to help promote Hayley on the web. Being introduced to Costa Pilavachi and finding out what a great guy he is and, on top of that, him asking me for my opinion on things - and listening to the answer.

So, when I think about my special memories of Hayley, all these things flash through my head as well. Mind you, there's plenty of room for them these days. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

And I owe them all to Belinda. For it was she who first talked me into introducing myself to them. And it was she who told them about me. Since then, I have been blessed with many such memories. Such beautiful memories that I don't mind saying that recalling them brings tears of sheer joy to my eyes.

Keith.

[gareth]

Interesting that this thread should be revived. The day it was started, it was when I celebrated my 50th birthday - and of course, the night before, I was at the Palladium - and actually talking to Hayley at midnight (and taking a few pictures) the moment I was turning 50.

I didn't get an autograph for myself at that time - but I did get Hayley to autographone of those mini-CD's (that some of you will know) for a very good friend of mine. One who was subsequently singing with Hayley in Cardiff and Llandudno. So - that sure is a highlight for me.

Gerrit

[roger]

One of my most treasured memories will always be of the first time I met Hayley. It was during the concert in aid of Amnesty International held in Trafalgar Square on 6th December 2003. Two months earlier I had never heard of her but, by now, she was already very special.

I decided it was worth going to London in the hope that I might get a distant glimpse of her through the crowds. Imagine my delight when I ended up standing just a few feet in front of her as she sang! She only performed two carols before leaving the stage and I suddenly lost interest in the rest of the concert and went to see if I could find her.

I will never forget the beautiful smile she gave me when I called her name. It made me feel I was the first person ever to want to meet her. Of course, I wasn't and I have learned since that she always greets everyone like that. We spoke for about ten minutes and she signed the insert from Pure which I took with me "just in case". Before we parted, I shook her hand and, on my way home, I felt I was floating on air. I couldn't believe I had actually met her and chatted with her like friends. I believed at the time that life could get no better than that. But I didn't know then that I was to meet her many more times during the next year.

Somehow I get the feeling this board could get busy!

To read my review of the Amnesty International concert, go to:
www.hayley-westenra-international.com/html-2003/reviews/20031208_ReviewRogerMansbridge.htm

Roger

[fusilier23]

(sigh) I've met her five times and I don't know which was the best, but the first time certainly exceeded all expectations. This was in the small venue of Joe's Pub in New York, and the night I met Alena, Steve MacDonald, Gary Scovil, and Natasha and Crystal. I'll freely admit I wanted to meet her, but after talking to Natasha I was more determined that SHE should meet Hayley, even if I was not to do so.

Hayley performed a suite of seven songs, mostly from her album "Pure," but including "Ave Maria" and "Mary, Did You Know?" I had learned the hard way not to expect more than the performance from artists, but near the end I found Gerald talking to Steve MacDonald, and quickly explained that there were two starstruck young girls who wanted to meet Hayley and could she spare a moment? Gerald said not to worry and that he'd bring her out. I do not think I have ever seen that many people bunch together into one small space to see someone, and took it upon myself to call out to those near me to please let Hayley breathe and not crush her. All the same, the people were all over her like white on rice when she entered.

She did not lose any of her composure though, saying hi to everyone, and arriving at last at me, with that wonderful smile of hers. She signed a full run of her CDs for me, plus two pictures of her and Holly Holyoake. She spoke very highly of both Holly and Claire Halligan with complete sincerity, and gladly turned her head and smiled when I asked her to pose for a picture. She also gladly accepted a pin of local wood carved in the shape of a songbird from me, in fact she seemed surprised, like she did not expect presents. I must admit, I kinda got caught up in the moment and kissed her on the cheek without asking first, but she was fine with that, in fact she dispensed many kisses that evening.

Natasha and Crystal both received autographs, and they gave Hayley a copy of their own CD. She was genuinely thankful for it and genuinely interested in their music. I got a good shot of all of them together.

Hayley gladly talked more to me after the crowd thinned out, about this and that, I remember her saying she'd gladly sing for one of the Narnia movies if asked.

Alena, Steve MacDonald, and I also caught her once more before she left, and here I made perhaps my one mistake of the evening, talking of clothes she said she'd lost a suitcase, and I asked her "another suitcase in another hall?" since that was one of her first recorded songs. That garnered a look that probably equated to a groan, but she quickly smiled again before we all had to say goodnight. I am sure Hayley has a sense of humor, but I guess groaners and bad puns aren't her thing.

Eh, it doesn't matter, she made a LOT of people happy that evening.

[Belinda]

Hi Everyone,
Hayleys mum and dad had heard i had footage of Hayley age 8 and Sophie age 5 at a Talent quest at Hornby Mall.
At Christmas in the Park in December i took along the videos ,I knew Hayleys mum or dad would be out front,so i kept an eye out for them,In a crowd of thousands.
I saw Hayleys Dad and gave the tapes to him.Then at the end Dec,I got a phone call from him,would i be home that afternoon.So he could bring back the tapes.
Later on that afternoon,Gerald knocked on the door,he had bought Isaac with him and behind him was Hayley.
Wow,i had not expected Hayley to come round, they gave me back my tapes and they said they were very grateful as they had not known of the existance of any footage from that talent quest,They then handed me a box of Roses Chocolates ,anyone who knows me knows i love chocolate so alas they did not survive. (The Chocolates) that is ,and a bottle of wine , i still have the wine and it is up with my Hayley collection.We talked about Hayleys trip she was leaving in the next few days to record Pure,the first time,and she said she was very excited ,about doing one of the songs as it was a bit poppy,Who Painted the Moon Black i think.It is a day i won't forget.

[Natasha]

Wow, Belinda! That does sound like a really amazing experience! lol.

[Belinda]

Hi Classicgrace,
Yes it was, i am very thankful that i was able to witness Hayley singing at all the talent quests round christchurch and see her at auditions and events round town when i took my daughter Kim along to them.
But know i miss that as Hayley Rarely sings in NZ,which is sad but understandable as she needs to be overseas to make it all worthwhile.