flotsam
New Member 
What you never know won't hurt you, unless... you try
Posts: 32
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Post by flotsam on Aug 2, 2009 12:35:44 GMT
It was a fantastic setting and the concert fantastic, just a shame about the no photos and of course not meeting Hayley. I am seriously looking at St Albans in October, now I have a few miles of driving myself to a show (and not having to arrange lifts and so on). That's if it's not already sold out. It was great meeting Karsten and Tom (phototeach) as well, the lady in the blue is not going to forget you guys in a hurry!  Flotsam (always floating for days after a concert) P.S - If anyone wants me to write a little blog about the day I am happy to - won't be as good as Karsten's though. |
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Post by amptique on Aug 2, 2009 16:19:25 GMT
It was a fantastic setting and the concert fantastic, just a shame about the no photos and of course not meeting Hayley. I am seriously looking at St Albans in October, now I have a few miles of driving myself to a show (and not having to arrange lifts and so on). That's if it's not already sold out. It was great meeting Karsten and Tom (phototeach) as well, the lady in the blue is not going to forget you guys in a hurry! Flotsam (always floating for days after a concert) P.S - If anyone wants me to write a little blog about the day I am happy to - won't be as good as Karsten's though. Flotsam, It would be great to hear your account of the days events. I do enjoy all of them. Bill |
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Post by Karsten on Aug 2, 2009 20:15:11 GMT
Hi all, Just back from Heathrow. I want to clarify that we were obviously at least a little misleaded when it was told to us by Gawsworth Hall that no photography would be allowed on Hayley's request. It seems that (only) the current owner of Gawsworth Hall has a problem with the photography. Well, good to know. As already mentioned in the Hampton thread Hayley there very kindly announced that she herself has no problem with photos (if the disturbance is minimal avoiding flash etc.) For those who thought perhaps I might have only forgotten my camera  , here are Tim and Kevin during the sound check.  Hi, Flotsam, it was very nice to meet you, too. Don't hesitate with the writing. Cheers, Karsten P.S.: I beg your pardon re my fault in the song list - Hayley sang of course 'Never Saw Blue' and not 'Never Say Goodbye'. Sorry, I shouldn't write reports immediately after a nightly car tour though the dark forests of Cheshire. |
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Post by Andy on Aug 2, 2009 23:08:57 GMT
It was another fantastic performance from Hayley, Raven were excellent as well. The three of us had a lovely time. It was also nice to meet up with our three fellow 'HWI'ers'!
Vicki put her foot down and said we couldn't wait for Hayley after the concert as the weather was so awful, so you can imagine how disappointed Beth and I felt! Anyway as Hayley was walking from the stage at the end of the night, she saw us and gave us a big smile and a wave. That made up for not being able to see her off from Gawsworth!!! Good old Hayley! Beth was thrilled to bits!
As ever, we still haven't come down to earth yet! Roll on the next time.............
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Post by Richard on Aug 3, 2009 8:56:34 GMT
I beg your pardon re my fault in the song list - Hayley sang of course 'Never Saw Blue' and not 'Never Say Goodbye'. Thanks for the clarification, Karsten!  I've corrected the title in your earlier post. Best Wishes, Richard  |
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flotsam
New Member
What you never know won't hurt you, unless... you try
Posts: 32
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Post by flotsam on Aug 5, 2009 17:36:08 GMT
Flotsam, It would be great to hear your account of the days events. I do enjoy all of them. Bill You asked for it  As Gawsworth Hall was a relatively short 35 miles away I knew I had to make it to this one, only my second-ever Hayley Concert. I decided to put my faith in the sat nav and ignored all road signs directing me to the hall. As it turns out this was a mistake as the route seemed to involve miles of single track country lanes, fun for a little bit, but having to squeeze past cars coming the other way gets a little tiresome. When I finally arrived it was just after midday and there were two/three other cars already in the car park, one of which contained a German and an American. Obviously I couldn't tell that by just looking at them but we shook hands and I began to take a look at all Tom's photos. Not long after convincing Timothy Richards (owner of the hall) to give us the tickets before the magical 2 O’clock when everything kicked off, we decided to start the queue. We chatted whilst Tom doubled up as a doorman, closing the gate after each of the trucks and cars entered the hall, until bang on 2 O'clock when Richards led us inside. I can't say I've ever been led in anywhere by order of a brush but that's what he used and marched us towards the grandstand, but not all the way. He moved away and this opened the flood gates with one person actually running past us to get the best seats. Karsten still beat him to it despite carrying a bag containing a heavy laptop and camera. After securing our seats (with the rather unsecure placing of a cushion on the seat) I followed my fellow HWI'ers around to the back car park towards the cast and crew area. The first arrival I recognised was Rachel from the Raven Quartet, driven in by her boyfriend who Tom had a little chat to since he had met him at Swansea. I then began trying to get my head around some of the 'photo-talk' that was going on. My knowledge of photography is limited to 'point and click' and I don't know a great deal about cameras, mine is your bog standard entry level one. Karsten and Tom's had massive lenses and it was a shame there was no photography allowed as the setting was great. This was especially the case in the second half of the performance when it was dark and then the trees and bushes at both sides of the stages lit up with lots of little lights that I had not noticed during the daytime. We were effectively 'moved on' by a lady in a blue top called Babs I think, but still managed to catch the van with the rest of the cast and crew, getting a wave from Hayley in the process. Sadly for me, this was as near to meeting her as we got. I purchased a copy of ‘in her own voice' as I'd not read it and there was no programme available, apart from the Gawsworth Hall's own one. Apparently a year or two ago Hayley had toured the Hall so we contemplated going on the tour but as she had arrived about an hour late, we decided that she probably wouldn't have a wander about the house - next year I might go and have a camera at the ready - don't think there were any signs saying no photography in the house! We were again moved on but this time so was everyone else, for the sound check and we met another HWI'er and family, Andy complete with HWI jacket (I want one). The concert came, after Richards gave some road safety tips and made his request for no photos. The rain began with Hayley pointing out it was like added effects they put on in the studio. The inclement weather and the 'mouse' on the stage didn't detract from the quality of the performance that was again flawless. I convinced myself that she was looking right at me in parts, a thought I probably shared with most of the men in the audience! Afterwards Hayley's manager Dave, told us that Hayley had a scratch in her throat on the last song and, since it was raining, he wanted to get her home and keep her inside and warm and dry. Completely understandable but disappointing for me as I didn't have to rush off for a lift so I could have hung about but it wasn't to be. All in all a great day, with nice people and fantastic music. I'll do it again if she is here next year, even without the photo abilities, due to the proximity. Although next time I might resort to an old fashioned map as I don't fancy another foray into a field! Next up for me St Albans if I can get myself organised. Chris |
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Post by grant on Aug 5, 2009 17:52:04 GMT
Hi Chris Many thanks for your interesting and informative review. I was there for the first and second of Hayley's concerts at Gawsworth and nothing much seems to have changed - except that for the first, on a scorching afternoon, we were led in by Timothy holding up an open umbrella!  It is a pity that you didn't get to say hello to Hayley; it's usually possible as they leave and, under normal circumstances, whoever is driving will stop to give Hayley time to have a few minutes with anyone waiting. On my last visit, I waited longer than usual as Hayley delayed her departure to enquire about a lady who had been taken ill towards the end of the concert. Everyone else had left with just one solitary light left on and under which I was standing. Hayley was very surprised to find me still there but still stopped for a few words. I'm sure you will have better luck next time. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by amptique on Aug 5, 2009 18:20:46 GMT
Hi Chris, Thanks for sharing your experience at the event. I enjoy reading each and every one of these accounts. My intention is to attend a concert (or 2,or 3,or 4,etc) someday but it is a bit of a drive from Kansas - with or without a GPS.  In the mean time, I will survive with the reviews that the concert-goers so graciously provide. Thanks you so much. Bill |
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flotsam
New Member
What you never know won't hurt you, unless... you try
Posts: 32
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Post by flotsam on Aug 6, 2009 19:58:53 GMT
Glad you liked
Yes Grant I'm sure the more I go to the more chance I will have. Maybe I'll flog some stuff on ebay for a St Albans ticket!
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, here are Tim and Kevin during the sound check.
