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Post by postscript on Nov 18, 2008 13:32:11 GMT
Aah so Brid and Den were intending to rejoin us?
I meant to say earlier on when Denis posted that I was delighted to hear of you again and to wish you both well.
Hopefully you can make the new date.
Peter S.
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Post by grant on Nov 18, 2008 13:42:41 GMT
My day began well with the arrival of a huge box full of postal tubes just before I set off for my train to Manchester! It remained a damp and dismal day but I am in high spirits as I checked into my Travelodge just over the river in Salford. I washed and changed quickly and headed for the Bridgewater Hall where I had arranged to meet Dean ‘round the back’ near the stage door. Dean was easy to spot as he was all on his own and armed with a large tube. Who else could it be but a Hayley fan? We stood alone in the damp getting to know each other and waiting for the tour bus to arrive. When it did, around 4pm, we thought we’d been double-sixed as Dave drove past and entered by a different entrance. Luckily, the lone security chap guided him to a parking spot right where we were standing. We had already been advised by security that when they arrived they would want to get Hayley inside as quickly as possible, so we were really only expecting a quick “Hi!” and a wave. At first it seemed she perhaps wouldn’t even see us, but she did and her face lit up as she came up to say hello. The first thing on my mind was to congratulate her on her “Classical Performer Of The Year” award, which she acknowledged in typical modest fashion. We only kept her for maybe two minutes and it was me who actually said to her that she should get inside into the warm and she agreed. Parting from us with a “Good to see you again” which was nice. Less than two hours later, I walked back into the hall to be told “Very sorry, the concert is cancelled!” What? I was only talking to her a couple of hours ago, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. As you now all know, her voice had let her down at the sound check and there was no alternative but to cancel. I don’t think ‘disappointment’ that yet another concert had been cancelled, hit me at all. All I could think about was poor Hayley, well ‘poor everyone’ actually, particularly the sound guys who had everything set and ready to go upon Hayley's arrival. As I walked round towards the stage door, I met up with Dean again and we went to see if they had already left, but the tour bus is still in it’s place. I knew in my heart that Hayley would not want to see or speak to anyone and maybe no one else would, but all I could think of was that I had to tell someone that we understood and that Hayley's health was most important in the long run and that whatever happened they all had our support, our best wishes and our love. In the end it was Andy who put on a brave face and came over for a brief chat and to tell us that all Hayley's engagements for the week had been cancelled. I asked Dave how Hayley was but all he would say was that she was very upset. Making sure everyone could hear, I passed on love and best wishes from everyone at HWI, for which even the Raven girls managed a smile, and I felt just a tiny bit better. Hayley had still not appeared at this point, so I said to Dave that we would go and leave them in peace, but by now, several others had joined us hoping to get things signed before Hayley left and I found myself taking charge and in my best ‘official’ voice, advised that Hayley was too upset to see anyone and just wanted to go home. At more or less the same time, I saw Hayley emerge from the stage door and climb into the other side of the bus. She had her hood up and didn’t look over in our direction. I think I’m actually glad she didn’t, because I don’t know what I would have done or said if she had. In truth, all I really wanted to do was give her a cuddle and if I’d done that I would probably have burst into tears. Grant  Hayley, we do understand. You did what many others would not have done and made the effort. It probably doesn't mean much to you at the moment but it will. We are so proud of you and you should know that our love and our prayers suround you at this time.
With fondest love
Grant |
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Post by Dean McCarten on Nov 18, 2008 14:33:49 GMT
In truth, all I really wanted to do was give her a cuddle and if I’d done that I would probably have burst into tears. I was exactly the same on this one, but I hope that Hayley gets to read all these kind words from her fans at some point |
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Post by roger on Nov 18, 2008 14:39:08 GMT
In truth, all I really wanted to do was give her a cuddle and if I’d done that I would probably have burst into tears. I was exactly the same on this one... So was I and I wasn't even there. Hayley, we all send you an e-cuddle!  Roger |
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,339
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Post by Martin on Nov 18, 2008 15:26:19 GMT
Hayley, we all send you an e-cuddle! Roger I'll second that (or should that now be a group e-cuddle?). Let's hope that Hayley's laptop has the virus filter enabled. Don't want her to catch another cold.  Martin |
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Post by timj on Nov 18, 2008 15:39:33 GMT
Hayley, get well! SLEEP IN, STAY WARM, REST UP!! Here's an E-Cuddle....O...O... or two, (they look like hugs to me.).....TimJ
Sorry all you ticket holders, February will make it better!...
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Post by Gene on Nov 18, 2008 18:19:42 GMT
I hope Hayley's illness is very short-lived......she deserves the best of health always.
Hayley, drink your tea, sip your soup, keep warm and when it's all over, have a glass of red wine.....
Cheers to all, Gene
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Post by martindn on Nov 18, 2008 19:30:16 GMT
Hi Grant,
What a heartrending report, not the concert report I had hoped you would be writing for sure!
When I read Roger's announcement last night by first reaction was disbelief. Then when I realised that it was true, concern for Hayley and what must have been a very harrowing time for her.
Gene, I think she has had this infection for the best part of a month now, it is about time she got rid of it. We all pray that with plenty of rest and proper medical care, she will soon be back to the happy healthy exuberant and tuneful Hayley we know and love. But Hayley, don't try to rush it. Even if you don't perform again this year, that would be preferable to you coming back too soon and having another distressing incident like last night!
God Bless
Martin
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Post by drew on Nov 18, 2008 19:33:27 GMT
For all the Mancunians that missed out on Monday night this is one that they might have seen: Pokarekare AnaNo sooner than I had finished uploading this I received a comment from a US viewer:
"Wow! Perfect intonation"Get well soon Hayley. Dave, can you embed the High Quality switch?Fixed it. |
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Bill
Junior Member 
Posts: 66
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Post by Bill on Nov 18, 2008 21:30:50 GMT
Grant, It's usually your pictures which capture a Hayley concert at its best. This time, it's your words. I knew in my heart that Hayley would not want to see or speak to anyone and maybe no one else would, but all I could think of was that I had to tell someone that we understood and that Hayley's health was most important in the long run and that whatever happened they all had our support, our best wishes and our love. At more or less the same time, I saw Hayley emerge from the stage door and climb into the other side of the bus. She had her hood up and didn’t look over in our direction. I think I’m actually glad she didn’t, because I don’t know what I would have done or said if she had. In truth, all I really wanted to do was give her a cuddle and if I’d done that I would probably have burst into tears. Grant Hayley, we do understand. You did what many others would not have done and made the effort. It probably doesn't mean much to you at the moment but it will. We are so proud of you and you should know that our love and our prayers suround you at this time.
With fondest love
GrantHayley is angelic on stage and beautifully human off it. For those of us who have met her, she's always been joyous, giving, carefree and uplifting. To have seen her otherwise would have been too upsetting. Regards Bill PS: Apologies for being a bit girly. |
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Post by gra7890 on Nov 18, 2008 22:52:07 GMT
PS: Apologies for being a bit girly. Hi Bill, No need to apoligise I think we all feel the same ! Best Wishes, Graham |
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Post by martindn on Nov 18, 2008 23:15:05 GMT
Grant, To have seen her otherwise would have been too upsetting. No need to be there! I got upset just reading about it! Grant, you did a wonderful job describing it. I'm sure it was painful for you too seeing Hayley so distressed. I guess, like me, you are past the age where you care about maintaining an image. Martin |
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Post by grant on Nov 18, 2008 23:42:59 GMT
Hi Bill and thank you It's usually your pictures which capture a Hayley concert at its best. This time, it's your words. Your comment means a lot to me and I hope to the rest of us who are holding Hayley in our hearts and prayers at this time. Those of us who know Hayley (and many who thankfully 'feel' they know her because of this forum) will understand what everyone of us is feeling at the moment, and when have we ever been afraid to express our true feelings here amongst friends? Martin, it was a very difficult situation to be there almost at the moment the concert was cancelled. At that time it was just Dean and I representing HWI and it was inconcievable to my mind that we should just walk away without a word. HWI is, and always has been, there for Hayley and last night it was down to us to show that come what may, we stand by the girl we love and those that work with her. I think we did that with honour and the greatest respect and I sincerely believe it was appreciated. Very best wishes Grant |
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denis
Junior Member
Posts: 94
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Post by denis on Nov 19, 2008 16:37:14 GMT
Yes Peter thanks for your best wishes and trust you are well.
Not so much been away. More in the background.
We have been waiting patiently for Hayley to return to Manchester.
We are so looking forward to Feb 21st..
Again get well soon Hayley.
Brid and Den.
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Post by Dean McCarten on Nov 19, 2008 16:53:31 GMT
Yes Peter thanks for your best wishes and trust you are well. Not so much been away. More in the background. We have been waiting patiently for Hayley to return to Manchester. We are so looking forward to Feb 21st.. Again get well soon Hayley. Brid and Den. Hi Den, I am sorry Grant & I missed you both on Monday, I hope we will get to meet you in Feb Dean |
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