Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, 11 July 2009

[milewalker]

Jul 11, 2009 17:05:46 GMT Dave said:

Hello everyone,

I've just been looking at the rainfall radar images and there is heavy rain moving steadily North Eastwards towards Leicestershire where this concert will soon be taking place. It seems to be dry there at the moment (broken cloud, dry, 21 degrees C 70F, light wind) with just an hour to go but continuous rain is likely to arrive some time during the concert itself.

With luck, the rain will stay away until the end of the concert, fingers crossed and good luck to the concert goers including Hayley!

Cheers, Dave

It would not have occurred to me that some skill in meteorology would become necessary for a site administrator

Jon

[Dave]

Jul 11, 2009 17:13:54 GMT milewalker said:

It would not have occurred to me that some skill in meteorology would become necessary for a site administrator
Jon

Hi Jon,

With the summer weather we often get over here and having had a good few soakings in the past, it's an essential skill!

Sadly though I couldn't go to this one.

Cheers, Dave

[Dave]

Oh dear... at 9:20pm at nearby East Midlands airport:

Light rain and drizzle, quite windy now (19 knots/over 20mph) 18 deg C/64F so hopefully it wasn't a late start and finish and hopefully it doesn't mess up the drive home too much.

Looking forward to the reports and I think most of the concert will have been dry.

Cheers, Dave

[darren24]

Appears to have been a nice day for this event, hopefully Hayley wasn't too tired after the event at Cranwell only the night before. I hope those that went really enjoyed the event, I wish I could have been there myself for this event also. Look forward to hearing about the show.

Darren

[martindn]

Right, just got back and dried out. Yes, we did get wet, but is was still a wonderful show. Hayley was in fine voice and the whole show was very enjoyable despite the rain that set in at round about the time of the interval.

I am in a bit of a quandarary really. We are off on holiday again tomorrow, so it will then be a week before I can post anything else about this show. So I quess I will give you a fairly detailed report now, although the potographic evidence, at least from me, will perhaps have to wait until after next weekend. However, I knw that Steve, Grant and Paddy at least took photos, and I'm sure you will see some of them in good time. So here goes..

[grant]

Jul 11, 2009 20:40:15 GMT Dave said:

and I think most of the concert will have been dry.

You wish!!

Report to follow!

Best wishes
Grant

[Joe]

Thanks for the reports, Martin and Grant. Sorry to hear about the rain but I trust it didn't dampen the evening!

Looking forward to the pics...and Martin enjoy your motorhome holiday!

Joe

[martindn]

Part 1 - Before the show

As I have already said, Sue and I interrupted our holiday to be at this one, and we also were accompanied by two of Sue's work colleagues, Soorty and Jude, who had never seen Hayley. We were about to show them why we rave about her. And Hayley on our home patch. I had hoped to personally welcome Hayley to Leicestershire, but didn't get the chance. In fact only two of the HWI contingent got close to Hayley, which I shall come to later.
Grant had suggested that we needed to arrive before 4pm. I think we just about made it, but our time was not helped by, after we had picked up Sooty, asking Sue if she had the tickets, as I hadn't. No, of course she didn't, so it was back home to retrieve them from our special ticket store. This took Sue a few minutes since the ticket store contains a lot of assorted tickets, and Sue needed to be sure she got the right ones.
But she did, so we picked up Jude and drove the eight miles or so to Beaumanor Hall without further incident. Once there we were directed to the car park, where there were not too many cars. Good, I had hoped for a position near the front, so that I could get some photos.
So once in the grounds, we made a beeline for the stage, where we found Grant and his party, and Graham already there, and SteveH and Paddy soon appeared too. The orchestra were playing their rehearsal/soundcheck, and Graham told us that Hayley had done her soundcheck earlier. A bit later George and Denise and their friends appeared. That I think was it for the HWI party. Graham told us that he has already met Hayley, but he was the only one who had. She had told him something about her movements that I won't repeat at this point, but it meant that Hayley would be leaving the concert early, and so we would not be able to meet her afterwards. He thought Hayley would try to sort something out, perhaps during the interval.

There were some free programmes available, with a donation requested, and I obtained one. It was at this point that we saw that Hayley was to perform 6 songs, all before the interval. Perhaps she would leave in the inerval, but since the finale was a "Last Nigth of the Proms" like extravaganza, with fireworks, we had hoped that Hayley would lead it. Perhaps she would leave at the interval or soon after.

There were also air and sea cadets wandering around selling Union Flags and English Flags for waving at the finale. I bought two for our party, although I expected to have my hands full of camera myself, so Sue and her friends could wave them at the appropriate time. But in the end someone else entirely ended up waving one of them, but I will come to that later.
Meanwhile, we had 3 hours before the show, during which time the grounds gradually filled up, and we ate our picnics. By the time the show was due to start the place was pretty full, but the sky was showing every sign of incoming rain. I didn't think we would escape for long, and I was unfortunately proven right.

[Andrew]

Hi Martin and Grant,

Many thanks for sharing your initial reports from Beaumanor Hall with us... I look forward to reading how the day's sequence of events continued to unfold...

Andrew

[martindn]

Part 2 - the first half

The concert started exactly on time, although I said to the others a few seconds before that it looked as if it would be late. It started with an announcement from the MC (whose name I forget), Then the Royal British Legion Leicestersire and Rutland Pipe Band, marched in from the rear, performing Amazing Grace. This was followed by several other performances by them including a pipe version of Pokarekare Ana, and Scotland the Brave. There was another piece whose name I have forgotten that involved some very fine drumming.
I enjoyed their performance. They must have been good, since even Sue, who nomally can't stand the bagpipes, said she enjoyed it.
Next it was the turn of the Heart of England Orchestra, conducted by Paul Hillam. This was also the time when the rain started. They seemed to be about to start with the theme from "The Big Country", then someone remembered that they had forgotten the National Anthem, so we all stood in the rain to sing it, then sat down again. The Orchestra then played "The Big Country", followed by "The Huntressess" from The Ballet Sylvia by Delibes.
Then it was time for the flypast. This was a Spitfire and a Hurricane, and after a short delay, these two historic aircraft duly appeared, flew over us and disapperared, never to be seen again! It was clear they were expected to return, and we hung around waiting for a minute or two before they finally gave up and continued with the programme. Which was Strauus's "Egypitian March", played by the orchestra. We were told later that the full display had been aborted because of the weather.
Now according the the programme, there was one more orchestral piece to come, the theme from "ET", and at this point one of the uniformed oraganisers came down the "aisle" and said to those on the stage (or attempted to whisper but I heard it distinctly) "Hayley's Ready". This seems to have been ignored by the MC and conductor at first
But then Hayley, with an escort of pipers, walked forward up the aisle, wearing her red "poppy" dress, Hayley was introduced. By then the rain had stopped, seemingly just for Hayley.
Hayley sang six songs:

Pokarekare Ana
Scarborough Fair
Ave Maria (Caccini)
Shenandoah
Prayer
Hine e Hine

Hayley just gets better and better. I have ever heard her voice soud so rich and full and magnificent. It was eitht months since I had heard her live, so I suppose you notice the difference after such a long time. One of our guests expressed surprise at Hayley's small stature. But all agreed, she was fabulous.
All too soon Hayley left the stage. But it was announced that Hayley would be back later. So she was going to be involved in the second half! Perhaps even lead the singing of the Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and Jesrusalem at the close of the show. I think at this point Steve revised his earlier announced plan to leave at the interval.
The the orchestra came back to perform ET, Jurassic Park adn Star Wars themes by John Williams. Then it was the interval, a full half hour.
She the

[grant]

Nice afternoon - pity about the evening!
Truth be known, I had been dreading today for most of the week as the weather forecast did not look at all favourable. It did, however, dawn bright but cloudy and mild so I remained optimistic.

Having collected first Teresa, Kate and Helen, then Elizabeth, we headed south for our short journey into Leicestershire. We passed evidence of rain but, by the time we arrived in Woodhouse, the sun was shining and it had turned very warm – it remained thus for much of the afternoon and early evening enabling us to enjoy the assembled company and our respective picnics.

Paddy had parked alongside moments after we arrived and Graham was already in charge of the HWI front row, which actually turned out to be the HWI front three rows by the time everyone had arrived and set up.

The park setting for the concert is quite small and compact and gradually filled up to what we guessed would be about 1500 people. Hayley had already completed her sound check by the time we arrived and, although she was expected out again, she never reappeared. It appears also that she may be leaving at the interval to return to London in order to catch an early flight to Taiwan which, though understandable, would be a great shame.

7pm gradually approached and the proceedings began with the Master of Ceremonies pointing out the ‘does’ and don’ts – a new one to me was the request not to put boiled kettles on the grass as it takes a year to grow back (not everyone knows that!) I have to say though, that the whole affair was very laid back and informal. No huge barriers, just a white picket fence, and no burley security, just a few very pleasant young cadets. All very civilised.

The musical entertainment began with the pipe band performing a selection of very well known pieces including Amazing Grace, which I felt was an opportunity lost to have Hayley perform it with them, and also Pokarekare Ana which I don’t think I’ve ever heard played by a pipe band before but it came across well.

Just as the orchestra were about to play their first set, the heavens opened and we were treated to a very heavy shower, which, thankfully, passed over before Hayley appeared. Some confusion followed as the orchestra clearly expected to play another piece, but the pipers were back to pipe Hayley to stage in her poppy red dress, a nice touch I thought, and as they had already begun to play, the orchestra had to concede.

Hayley was down in the programme to perform six songs but she actually sang seven, beginning with Pokarekare Ana, Scarborough Fair and Caccini’s Ave Maria which, I found out later, both Teresa and Elizabeth found quite moving. Hayley didn’t speak much other than to announce the songs although she did tell the MC that she was currently working on another album. Shenandoah, Danny Boy and Prayer followed and Hayley concluded with a stunning rendition of Hine. We thought that would be it for Hayley, but it appears she will be back after the interval, so plans are obviously flexible.

After another couple of rousing pieces from the band it was time for the interval and the opportunity to go queue for the loo! There’s a few spots of rain in the air again.

The band opened the second half, closely followed by more persistent rain which remained for the rest of the evening. I felt quite sorry for the Standard Bearers who had to brave the rain for the last post as we stood sombrely under our umbrella’s, but we soon cheered up when it was announced that Hayley was returning to the stage, which she did in her black and gold dress, but with a shawl draped over her shoulders and shielded by the umbrella carried by Dave who looked splendid in his dark suit.

To begin, Hayley gave us Jerusalem which, I feel, she sings with such passion. It’s a great hymn anyway and it’s hearing Hayley perform these patriotic anthems that makes this type of event so special for me. The MC (sorry, I forget his name) sang Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah. He had a great voice and I enjoyed his performance with Hayley stood close by.

Next, a special item which wasn’t in the programme and probably the reason why Hayley stayed for the second half. To commemorate the loss of eight service personnel in Afghanistan, Hayley would sing I Vow To Thee My Country in their honour. It hadn’t been rehearsed and was clearly a last minute thing as Hayley had the words should she need them. It all went perfectly and I don’t think there was a dry eye to be seen.

Hayley's contribution to the proceedings ended with Rule Britannia, during which martin’s wife Sue, rushed towards the stage with a flag for Hayley to wave (Huh! Wish I’d thought of that!) We even got an encore as everyone on stage felt the audience participation to be abysmal and we were instructed to do better! With that concluded, Dave collected Hayley and they disappeared behind the stage area to head back to London.

We were then treated to a magnificent firework display in time to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture followed by the unwelcome prospect of packing up our sodden belongings and heading home. I think everything had been dampened, except our spirits that is. Even the two youngsters in our party had endure the soaking without complaint. Despite the rain we had enjoyed the evening. Hayley had performed wonderfully as always, disappointing not to have got to say hello this time, but it would have been unfair to delay her and the rain would have put paid to any sensible chat anyway. There will be another time, hopefully without the rain.

Best wishes
Grant

[martindn]

Part 3 - the second Half

During the interval the rain restarted. And this time it didn't stop. It was in for the duration.
The second half started with some announcements, and then the orchestra launched into Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare fro the Common Man".. This was followed by Eric Coaths "Knightsbridge March".

Then, the various standard bearers came forward, whilst we all stood, and the British Legion March Pope's "Nightfall in Camp" (based on the last post) was played as the standards were lowered.
Then it was time for the finale. Hayley reappeared, walking up the aisle in her black and gold dress, sheltered by someone with an umbrella.
She took her place and sang "Jerusalem" whichreally sounded teriffic.
Next "Guide me O thou Great Redeemer" was sung by the MC. He has a fine voice. Hayley had actually walked over to the side of the stage to him as if it was supposed to be a duet, but Hayley did not seem to be singing. It may be that she was having trouble with her microphone.
At this point an uscheduled item was added. This was in memory of the eight sevicemen recently killed in Afghanistan. Hayley was to sing "I Vow to Thee My Country", and we weretold it was comptetely unrehearsed by anyone. This is the only time I have ever seen Hayley singing from a book, whether it had words ot music or both I don't knw. But she sang it well and movingly.

Hayley then invited us all to join in with the chorus of Rule Brittania, another fine performance. Hayley started to wave her arms to encourage everyone to wave their flags. At this point Sue ran forward and presented Hayley with one of the flags I had bought earlier, which she (Hayley) made good use of.

And then, Hayley's last involvement, Land of Hope and Glory, which were were all invited to join in with, sung bu Hayley and Paul Hillam, the conductor. Again Hayley was almost inaudible at first, As is traditional, we had to repeat the final verse. And then it was goodbye to Hayley, who we knew needed to disappear early.
The finale was spectaucular. Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture, accompanied by a spectacular firework display. A wonderful end to another fabulous evening. I have never ever been too a concert involving Hayley that was less than wonderful, and this was no exception.

It's a pity most of us didn't meet her, but never mind.

Thank you Hayley, for a wonderful evening. Oh, and you can keep the flag

Martin

[grant]

Hello everyone

Here are a few pics of the first half of the evening to keep you going. I only took my camera in the hope of getting a few pics of Kate and Helen with Hayley, so had it hidden in the bottom of my waterproofs bag. Didn't have my long lens either, but Steve will have plenty of close ups I promise you.

Hayley being piped to stage

"Pokarekare Ana"

Has she spotted me?

Best wishes
Grant

[martindn]

I only got a few photos too. But I was concentrating on something which might be even better, but you will have to wait until I get back from my holiday.

Meanwhile, just one photo of that smile to keep you going!



Enjoy!

And congratulations Hayley on you 10,000 votes on "Tweeter".

Now I'm off to bed!

Martin

[grant]

Nice one Martin!

Best wishes
Grant