Well, it used to be stables but you wouldn't know
it now. The venue is owned by John Dankworth and Cleo Laine and has
recently been fully refurbished. It is now one of the nicest concert
venues I have ever been to.
It is small and intimate and quite luxurious. Paul
and I had seats in the centre of the third row. Unlike the previous
concerts in this tour, Ian played a grand piano, as opposed to an
electric one. Far better. Fiona was as brilliant as ever. The sound
system and the acoustics were perfect and Hayley, well, what can
I say? She sounded better than ever. Oddly, she seemed slightly concerned
about her performance when we spoke to her afterwards. Steve had
already explained that the natural echo effect of a church helps
the singer but tonight she had to quickly adjust to the soft furnishings
of a concert venue which absorb some of the sound. If she had any
difficulty in making that adjustment, it was not evident to me.
Hayley's programme was exactly the same as I saw
in Tewkesbury and Banbury last week although Fiona's set varied slightly.
For me, this was one of the best performances that Hayley has ever
given - and I've been to 29 of them.
When the concert was over, Paul and I were joined
by Peter who we have met at numerous events and who I hope will soon
become a member of this forum. So all three of us made our way to
the forum where Hayley would be holding a signing session. Whilst
we waited out turn, we chatted at some length to Ian, Fiona and Steve.
Eventually, Hayley signed a few items for us and I got a couple of
photos which I hope to show you tomorrow.
Some of you will remember we held a collection for
Hayley's 18th birthday back in April. She told us tonight that she
often wears the bracelet but only on special occasions. I should
think so too! She asked me to thank everyone again and, yes Barrie,
your name WAS mentioned! (It was Barrie who presented her with the
gift at Olympia.)
Shortly before we left the venue, Jill approached
us. I had been trying to see her all evening but so, it seems, had
everyone else! It is always a pleasure to meet any of Hayley's family
and Jill was so friendly towards us, as always. That seems to be
a Westenra trait that is so much appreciated by everyone.
Thank you Hayley, Jill, Fiona, Ian and Steve for
yet another superb evening. And my grateful thanks to Paul for the
lift!
Roger Mansbridge
22nd
November 2005 |