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Post by grant on Oct 22, 2009 19:09:01 GMT
From Darkness into LightI have never liked getting up early but, if I was going to make the most of today, there had been little option but to set my alarm for 6am! Leaving home in the pitch black, I drove to Long Eaton to connect with a train service that would see me in London by 9.30am. It’s chilly but dry thank goodness. Something else I’m not used to is the rush hour in London and the Piccadilly line was heaving – I couldn’t see the platform let alone the approaching train!! As I walked towards Horse Guards Parade I spotted a solitary figure ahead of me whom I instantly recognised as Richard. Quite bright now and looking promising for the day. Gordon joined us around 11am and soon after we spotted Nicola from Bedlam who stopped for a quick hello before heading off, no doubt to find out where Hayley is. Not sure what time it was but I glanced around and spotted a familiar face emerging from Admiralty Arch. We made our way over and, as soon as she spotted us, Hayley waved, a beaming smile on her face. We managed to chat for a few minutes but Kathryn is aware that they are 10 minutes late for a meeting with the army and they quickly scurry off for their appointment. Shortly after, a taxi drove onto the parade ground and right up to the archway. There is much bustling of dignitaries as Dame Vera Lynn alights from the front seat and happily poses briefly for a few pictures. At 92 she looks amazing. It looks as though the main proceedings will kick off at 12.30pm so we kick our heels for a while and watch the Guardsmen being given their orders whilst various British Legion officials sort out the details of the launch. Whilst all this was happening, the band, in their smart red tunics and Busby’s marched in. As 12.30 approached, Dame Vera, Hayley, along with army and RBL top brass reappeared with Dame Vera and Hayley, along with Kathryn, settled in the small covered area housing the sound equipment at the rear of the stage until it was time for them to go up onto the stage itself. Up to now, we had stayed at the rear to make sure we saw as much of Hayley as possible and she did manage a quick grin in our direction as she passed. More later  Best wishes Grant
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Post by martindn on Oct 22, 2009 20:19:40 GMT
Glad you enjoyed the launch and met Hayley too, Richard!  Thanks for doing what you did today Dave. I was moved to tears by that video of Hayley with Dame Vera. And Hayley sounds so much like Dave Vera used to, and I'm old enough to remember. How does she do that with her voice? She must have practiced for hours! But the in the above photo I noticed how alike Hayley and Dame Vera LOOK. Taking acount of the little matter of 70 years age difference, they could almost be the same person!! Martin |
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Oct 22, 2009 21:22:55 GMT
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Post by grant on Oct 22, 2009 21:56:26 GMT
A Very Moving TributeWith them both now up on stage it was time to head around to the front to see what we had really come to see – two forces sweethearts together. The area in front of the stage had been set aside for press so, initially, we stayed outside the barrier although it seemed that many within were nothing to do with the press. As Hayley began to sing “We’ll Meet Again” I stepped over the chain to get a bit closer – nobody seemed to notice. Up to that point, I couldn’t see Dame Vera but then noticed that she was seated to one side. When Hayley began to move in her direction, I quickly moved to a position where I could see and photograph them both. Now I’m standing between two huge video cameras. Still, nobody seemed to notice. I have to say that of all Hayley’s performances, I have never been so moved as I was this afternoon. It wasn’t just their singing together, it was the tremendous love and respect that both seemed to have for each other and I felt privileged to witness it. I don’t know whether it was planned or spontaneous but when Hayley moved across to Dame Vera, took her hand, crouched down and sang to her, I knew that something very special was happening. It was almost too beautiful to imagine, yet it was happening right there. With a bit of encouragement, Dame Vera joined in and seemed very happy to do so. I feel immensely proud of Hayley; a huge honour has been bestowed upon her and she has responded in a way that only she seems able to do; not only with dignity and great respect but with her own brand of down to earth humility. No standing on ceremony; no fear, just a little girl paying homage to a great lady in the way she does best – by singing to her! The formal proceedings over, there was the opportunity for a photo call for the press although myself and several other photographers were mingling with them without challenge although there was plenty of room for everyone. The duration of the photo shoot seemed to be determined by how long Dame Vera could stand and Hayley appeared quite the ‘mother hen’ with frequent concerned glances in her direction. Eventually, the proceedings moved over to a different area where video interviews were being set up. This presented more photo opportunities for your truly and I made the most of the unrivalled photographic access to dear sweet Hayley. Even to the extent that, at one point, I went to talk ‘shop’ with Kathryn, only to see Hayley arrive to have her make up attended to, and ended up posing with several of the uniformed British Legion people. In the middle of this, Hayley looked up and directly at me and I got the most beautiful smile. Thank you Hayley, that rounded of a very special day perfectly! Ha! You'll have to wait for that one until tomorrow! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBest wishes Grant
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Oct 22, 2009 22:05:52 GMT
Thanks for the report and photos Grant! I loved the video. I also just realised that Hayley's outfit makes her actually look like a giant poppy. The red coat is the petals and her black fascinator is the black centre -- I wonder if that was intentional or she just liked that hat? But overall, she looks fantastic -- very elegant indeed. I also noticed the similarities between Hayley and Vera.  |
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Post by grant on Oct 22, 2009 22:15:25 GMT
Hi Jillian and thanks
I'm sure that Hayley's choice of outfit was intentional. We all thought she looked absolutely beautiful.
There will be lots more pictures tomorrow, which may show some more detail.
Best wishes
Grant
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Post by comet on Oct 22, 2009 22:25:22 GMT
Thanks folks for the coverage of this special event,
Looking forward to more pictures tomorrow Grant,
you went unchallenged Grant because you are a photographer going about the business of photography and the rest of us here on the forum are grateful for the wonderful pictures you bring us of your favourite subject.
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Post by grant on Oct 22, 2009 22:29:48 GMT
Hi Comet and thanks you went unchallenged Grant because you are a photographer going about the business of photography and the rest of us here on the forum are grateful for the wonderful pictures you bring us of your favourite subject. Except that most of 'em had passes and much bigger cameras than mine  Best wishes Grant |
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Oct 22, 2009 22:43:35 GMT
Passes are overrated -- hey, the boys from Chaser managed to get to the official hotel at the 2007 Apec Summit in Australia carrying these: :rollin  Trick is to just look like you belong there and everyone else will believe you! |
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Post by graemek on Oct 22, 2009 22:44:12 GMT
Thanks for the report and photos Grant! I loved the video. I also just realised that Hayley's outfit makes her actually look like a giant poppy. The red coat is the petals and her black fascinator is the black centre -- I wonder if that was intentional or she just liked that hat? But overall, she looks fantastic -- very elegant indeed. I also noticed the similarities between Hayley and Vera. Haha Jillian...as I've been going thru the posts I've been thinking "Jillian's going to love this...what's she going to think of that hat" Well, as one who merely gazes in wonder at what decorative devices women use I learnt yet another word..."fascinator." And it worked...I'm fascinated   Graeme |
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Oct 22, 2009 22:47:50 GMT
Hi Graeme, Ha, ha -- I know! I was hoping for a new outfit and I certainly got that! I think this is the most planned and well pieced together outfit I've seen on Hayley -- impressive seeing as she's been so busy recently. It's a big event, though and you can see that a lot of effort was went to. I just want to see the black dress without the coat -- it seems to have a 'tail' (lol no better word) on it which looks very interesting. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifAnd to further confuse you, I'm now undecided as to whether I should call it a fascinator or a cocktail hat... :rollin   |
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Post by grant on Oct 22, 2009 22:54:56 GMT
Yes Jillian, it did. It seemed to be a gathered piece of material placed centrally at the back and which seemed to be a few inches below the hem. Unfortunately Hayley kept her coat on but I'll see if I've got any pics. that show it up better. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by graemek on Oct 22, 2009 23:42:58 GMT
Hi All & now you're here Grant here's the mp3 of Hayley's song:www.mediafire.com/file/tjnjygmkz2w/We'll Meet Again - Hayley Westenra (with Dame Vera Lynn)2.mp3 Graeme PS ALL Above link is now OK...thanks to Grant for noticing it. Sorry for my carelessness. The download must have cut out short.I will delete the faulty file from mediafire . |
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Post by graemek on Oct 22, 2009 23:51:47 GMT
Hi Graeme, I just want to see the black dress without the coat -- it seems to have a 'tail' (lol no better word) on it which looks very interesting. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifAnd to further confuse you, I'm now undecided as to whether I should call it a fascinator or a cocktail hat...  Well, how about "fascinator panel" because it draws the eyes the same as the cocktail hat errr 'fascinator artifact' Oh how would I know ?? Graeme |
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on Oct 22, 2009 23:56:07 GMT
Hi all, First of all I enjoyed viewing the clip from GMTV. Corporal Brown was such an inspiration for me, and a reminder for all us to pay tribute to so many to whom we owe so much to. Didn't Hayley look pretty! Absolutely beaming when she spoke of her support for the Poppy Appeal! Thanks Dave for recording the telecast and uploading it on HWI's YouTube channel. Delightful to hear Hayley and Dame Vera Lynn singing together! Hayley looked very smart...complete with "fascinator' Cheers Grant for your photos and reports! Looking forward to more photos tomorrow and from our other members as well! So I say "well done" Hayley for your support for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal  Joe |
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