ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, LONDON - 8 Sept 2009

[Jillian]

I saw a few tweets on Twitter which said that Hayley sang beautifully. There was another from a lady called Kerenza Peacock who said that she played solo violin with Hayley. So there's some clues. lol i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

It's times like these that I really notice the time difference between here an the UK (even more so for Dori as she's 2 hours more ahead of me!). It's not that long after the concert, but because we're a day ahead it feels like ages! :rollin

[nicola]

The show finished at 10.15pm. Rather later than to what we are used to, I imagine.

It was a FANTASTIC night. Hayley sang eight songs (Prayer, Scarborough Fair, Songbird, Danny Boy, Pokarekare Ana, Never Saw Blue, Shenondoah, Ave Maria). But it was all just so wonderful because of the diversity of the show. There were two brass bands, a choir, and a different brass group they came on individually at different times.

Definite highlight were the Mnozil Brass, that had me in tears of laughter. I can't find a video that gives them justice on just how funny they are, hopefully someone will come along and supply a funnier performance, but for now, check them out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBLm747tyn0

And it was fantastic meeting everyone again!

Met Hayley at the stage door going in. Grant got some pictures, but there was no photography allowed in the hall.

Will do a proper write up soon.

[Jillian]

Thanks very much Nicola! It sounds like a great night! Can't wait to hear all the details! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[Martin]

Hi All
Just out of bed so not much time to spare as I have to get to work.

Needless to say that last night was stupendous, brilliant, and highly entertaining and I'm not just talking about Hayley (who honestly looked stunning last night) - I am also talking about the Austrian/German Mnozil Brass!

Last night was the most entertaining evening I have spent for a very long time.

More later.

Martin

[Jillian]

Wow, there certainly have been glowing reviews of this concert -- probably more so than usual! Looking forward to more reports.

Thanks for the update, Martin. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[martindn]

Glad you all enjoyed it. Pity about the photographs, Martin's comment makes me want to see one (or more). Oh Well! I look forward to a full report later!

Martin

[nicola]

I think people took photos after the event as well. I know Dean has, at least. Paddy and Martin have general meet up photos.

Our group consisted of Mark, Martin, Dean, Grant, Paddy, Richard and me.

[Martin]

Hi All
I’m going to leave the detailed concert reports to the likes of Grant and Nicola, and the pre/post concert photos to all those members having cameras on the night, in particular maestros Steve & Grant.

But what a highly enjoyable evening. Hayley was, as always, on top form having got over her upset tummy problem. Tim Evans dependably provided the piano accompaniment with lovely Karenza Peacock on violin. I am sure that Hayley was pleased to see the entire centre front row occupied by HWI’ers. We certainly made enough noise when clapping at the end of each song!

Sitting in the front row barely six feet from Hayley (and with a low stage thrown in) we were treated to magnificent singing from Hayley and wonderful performances from the bands and choirs. And, in an unexpected way Hayley (who I am sure would concur) was almost upstaged by Mnozill Brass who are not only highly talented musicians but also very humourous and very, very “whacky”. Their rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” got a standing ovation and they also accompanied Hayley on “Ava Maria” but in a more subdued manner!

The Twyford Senior “Gospel” Choir was also very impressive, especially when you consider the overall young ages of the members.

At the end of the concert we had to wait an unusual length of time for Hayley to appear at the Stage Door with Dave but later explained that there had been a small post concert reception with sponsors etc., I think Jillian will adore the “new” dress that Hayley was wearing at the time.

Now over to the others……

Martin

Ps also good to meet up with Jim and George again.

[Jillian]

Oooh a new dress!! Ha, ha -- you know me so well, Martin!

I'm glad Hayley's feeling better -- I had to tend to my sister yesterday who was quite sick with a similar sort of thing and it's unpleasant to say the least.

[Richard]

Hello folks!

I'm also holding fire for the moment, but I will say it was a fantastic concert.

Richard

[grant]

Hello everyone

Been home about half an hour and will be preparing my report after tea, suffice to say it was a great evening with a very relaxed and on-form Hayley.

I did get some pictures of Hayley arriving and after the concert but, as has already been mentioned, photography during the performance was not allowed and, in fact, would not have been practical with all of HWI in the centre of the first two rows and only a few feet from Hayley.

Hayley wore four dresses, two for her performance and she also left in a different dress to the one she arrived in. I think Martin may not have recognised this last dress, as I didn't, but I do believe we have seen it before.

Now that will keep you guessing!

Best wishes
Grant

[Mark]

Hi everyone

Thanks to Nicola, Martin, Richard and Grant for your comments so far. I whole heartedly agree that it was an extremely entertaining concert - such a variety of artists and yes, I also thought that Hayley was on top form. The acoustics in the RFH are superb and the clarity of Hayley's already so pure voice really shone through. She sang each song with such feeling, despite the fact that I have heard this selection of songs many times live, I was gripped in my seat by her performance. Of course, Never saw Blue' was the highlight for me, I will never tire of hearing Hayley sing that particular song!

The day was bright, sunny and very warm. Unfortunately, I missed my intended train and had to take a later one, so just missed seeing Hayley, very briefly at the stage door when she arrived. However, Paddy, Grant, Richard, Nicola and Dean were there as the welcoming party. It was great to meet Dean & Nicola for the first time.

Although I did take my camera, I didn't actually get any photos of Hayley Well, I missed her when she arrived and I decided to leave it to the'professionals' at the stage door when Hayley left after the show. However, I did capture a few shots of the area around the RFH - it was such a lovely day:


The Royal Festival Hall














You may recognise these HWIers!




Dean Nicola Martin (just in case you don't i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif)


What glorious weather!

Anyway, after a trek through the London streets following our leader - Richard, we eventually found some where to eat and passed away several hours over a few drinks with some food thrown in! Arriving back at the venue, we met up with SteveH and Jim and then later, George & Denise arrived making our party complete.

Yes, we did have fantastic seats just a few feet from Hayley when she was performing and I have no doubt that she knew we were there i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

As Martin has mentioned, we had to wait a good while for Hayley to come out after the show but as by then, it was just a small group of 7 HWIers to see her, despite not having much time, Hayley was very relaxed and looked absolutely stunning!! I managed to have a few words with her, many photos were taken (although not by me i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif) and we said goodnight.

Unfortunately, it was now so late that I had to resort to the very last train back home, which didn't leave the station until midnight - so it was just before 2am when I finally climbed into bed - exhausted, but happy!!

Looking forward to the photo's Grant & Steve.

Best wishes
Mark

[sharon]

Great pictures! Been there in november 2004, the weather was by then not as great as it was now ofcourse...
Such a beautiful city!

Sharon

[grant]

Hello everyone

Thanks everyone for the early reports and for your pictures Mark.

The Dilemma
Now on the day of a Hayley concert, I like to be up and on my way as soon as possible as I can’t concentrate on much else! However, I’m staying in a Travelodge and theoretically cannot check in until 3pm so I could set off to London as late as 11am if I wanted.

Another point to consider, is that Hayley may arrive earlier than usual so the chances of seeing her as she arrives are reduced. Oh! What to do?! Well my impatience got the better of me as luck would have it and as soon as I was ready I headed for the station; arriving at my destination a little after noon. Now Travelodge have a policy of charging a tenner for early check in, well, just this once – it is Hayley we’re talking about here!

I quickly unpacked, showered and changed and headed back up to Central London. As Martin had predicted last week, it has turned into a beautiful sunny day and quite hot too. I soon found myself at the Southbank Centre and searching for the RFH stage door, or ‘Artist’s entrance’ as it is referred to here. No surprise to find that Richard is already ‘in attendance’ and he doesn’t think that Hayley has arrived – great news!!

We found a nice bit of shade under some trees where we could watch the road and the artist’s entrance and keep an eye out for “you know who”. Nicola and Dean found us after a while and we remained at four until the special moment that heralds Hayley’s arrival, on this occasion, looking stunning in a red, flower pattern mini-dress and she is accompanied by Dave.

Both seemed pleased to see us, and with only the four of us from HWI, the 8/10 minutes we spent chatting was very relaxed with Hayley seeming in no particular hurry to go inside. I don’t like taking pictures when we’re such a small group – it seems rude somehow, but I did take a few as things were winding down.

As I said, Hayley was very relaxed and we chatted about “Treasure” being back at No.1; about Hayley’s mouse which now seems to have moved house as there are no recent signs of it’s presence. Mind you, he may have had to move as a giggling Hayley said she thought she might have given him too much cheese! We also talked about her association with the Dame Vera Lynn School, and her Vice Presidency which she naturally seemed very excited about. Hayley revealed that she had actually been to see Dame Vera and had had tea with her and her daughter.

Shortly after Hayley and Dave disappeared inside, Paddy arrived and a bit later, Mark. Time to consider a place to eat, but having explored the local opportunities, decided nothing suited every one, despite Hayley having recommended “Ping Pong” – a Chinese restaurant that I quite fancied. Looks like the HWI faithful Wetherspoon’s will be getting our custom again this evening as we headed for the nearest establishment just off Trafalgar Square.

Now here’s the thing. Had I not decided to take that early train, I would certainly not have made it back to central London in time to see Hayley arrive at the RFH. Interestingly, therefore, I can put a ‘monetary’ value on those few minutes with Hayley - £11.80 in fact (bus fare to town + early check in) That’s about £1.18 per minute.

Of course, we all know that any meeting with Hayley is utterly priceless!!

More later.

[grant]

Hello everyone

Part 2 - The Concert and Beyond
Refreshed and somewhat merry (well, at least one of our group was!) we made our way back to the RFH where we were joined by SteveH, Jim, and a little later by George, Denise and Wendy. The RFH is a vast building with what appears to be a dance floor just across from the bar. I was also very impressed with the auditorium which was very welcoming and comfortable. Our seats were perfect – right in front of where Hayley would be standing and only a few feet away from the low stage. We settled back in our seats to wait.

I’ve said before that I’ve begun to appreciate a wider range of music through Hayley’s involvement in these gala type concerts, well, this certainly turned out to be a concert with a difference! I think Nicola may give a better insight into the musical talent on offer which was, to say the least, very varied, so I will concentrate on my own specific thoughts.

I particularly enjoyed the way that Jumoké Fashola MC’d the proceedings with a mix of humour, factual stories and introductions. The Twyford Gospel Choir too were excellent. Crowned Songs of Praise Senior School Choir 2009, they had a great sound and clearly enjoyed, understood and believed what they were singing about. I do think they could have chosen more stirring songs though and would have loved to have heard their version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain”.

Perhaps the most unexpected performance came from Mnozil Brass – If, at the beginning, you were expecting a traditional brass band like I was, you would be in for a huge surprise. The group, from Austria comprises 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and a tuba, but that ain’t the half of it! They had us in hysterics with their antics and my particular favourite was “Magic Moments”. Nicola has already directed you towards a YouTube video – do have a look see for yourselves, you won’t be disappointed.

I’m finding it more and more difficult to find something different to say about Hayley, as she’s been on such fantastic form since she recovered from last winter’s chest infection. Tonight was to be no exception. For her first set, I was very pleased to see Hayley wearing the dress that we first saw at the Itunes Festival which she matched with her black platform shoes. For her second, Hayley wore the familiar black and gold gown with her silver slippers.

I would have found it very hard to pick a favourite from her performance tonight had I been pressed to. All the songs were very familiar ones which we have heard many times before, but that never matters to me because I always feel that Hayley’s best performance is the one that I’ve just heard. Another thing is that if I know the song, I don’t have to concentrate on it and often find myself so mesmerised by Hayley’s performance, the song is almost incidental.

After a final offering from the choir of “Hallelujah” with Hayley and the other performers clapping along, we left the auditorium to re-assemble down at the artist’s entrance to wait for Hayley. Initially, it was mostly followers of Mnozil down there, but by the time Hayley appeared there was just our merry little band.

Tonight, Hayley is wearing her fourth different dress of the evening, this one, a red number we have seen before but not live, probably being considered more appropriate for the end of show reception with sponsors.

We only had a few minutes with Hayley this time as it is close to 11pm and I think Dave was anxious to make sure their car had appeared, which it hadn’t by the time we said our own good byes and headed home. I did take a few photo’s but, as is often the case, Hayley is very animated and consequently difficult to keep in the viewfinder! But, she is such a treasure and once again made a special evening extra special for us all.

Some pictures tomorrow, hopefully!

Best wishes
Grant