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Post by mariaw81 on Sept 27, 2011 19:20:32 GMT
I was there that day too Margaret though I don't think we knew who each other were at the time  |
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Post by margaret on Sept 27, 2011 19:22:42 GMT
Oh dear, where was I ? Sorry, it got submitted before I was ready LOL!
Yes, it was at the Bradford Signing and it really was my dream come true. I had no one to go with and I knew if I wanted to see Gareth I would have to go alone. That was very scary for me as I am not very confident and don't like dealing with new situations on my own. But I had made up my mind, I was going and that was that.
So I caught the early morning bus and travelled up to Bradford even though I had just worked a ten hour night shift and was very tired. The sun was shining and I was excited but oh so nervous. When I arrived in Bradford I was struck by the friendly atmosphere and how helpful the people were. I found my way from the coach station and just by good fortune found the HMV shop straight away. There were a few people outside the door waiting for Gareth so I went to have a browse round the Shops until it was time. When I came back, the queue was right around the corner, so I was annoyed with myself for not waiting. However, when the Security people started to let us in, they stopped when they came to me and re-directed us down another aisle, so it happened that I was very near to the front where Greth would be singing. I could'nt believe it! Everyone was excited and the atmosphere was wonderful. I thought my legs were going to give way because I wa so tired and also so full of anticipation waiting for Gareth to appear. Then before I knew it, there was Gareth walking right in front of me to get to the microphone. He was smiling and waving to the crowd and had a bottle of water in his hand. He was so close as he passed me and I remember gazing at his beautiful face and being completely star struck. He was so gorgeous in the flesh. He looked tanned and very slim and I was just mesmorised by his lovely face. He sang three or four songs in the shop with his guitarist Pete and I was on cloud 9.
Then Security had us all line up for the Signing and I realised I would soon be standing face to face with Gareth. My mouth was so dry.When my turn came I could'nt speak. AllI could do was gaze at Gareth like an idiot. He asked me my name and he was jus,t so lovely and reassuring. Then the Security man took my pic with Gareth for me and I remember feeling his arm around my waist, the most wonderful feeling ever. I then waited outside until the Signing was over and saw his Mum and his family. His Mum was giving an interview to the newspaper reporter. I waited for Gareth to come out at the side of the Shop and watched him climb into a van with blacked out windows but before he did he posed for some pics with a group of girls . Then off he went. I remember seeing Anne there too but I did'nt know who she was then. Also I saw Elaine, Maria and Andrea that day, little realising that our paths would meet again at other Gareth events. I came home with wings on my feet, and could'nt stop smiling and I had Gareth's beautiful face imprinted forever in my mind. I will never forget that day.
Margaret
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Post by margaret on Sept 27, 2011 19:27:55 GMT
Yes Maria, I saw you there that day. It was amazing was'nt it?
Margaret
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Post by helpinghands on Sept 27, 2011 20:22:04 GMT
I loved reading everyone's reports of their first time meeting Gareth and I agree there is something really special about the very first time. Mine was at the Signing for the promotion of Changes at Brafford HMV Store. I Tell us more please Margaret, we would love you to share it with us. |
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Post by carol on Sept 27, 2011 21:24:10 GMT
Thank you both for your lovely stories Carol and Maria, what lovely memories we have, every time I see Gareth the magic is still there, something that makes me think WOW and I MELT every time I see him  Your story was lovely too June, and I totally agree with all you have said. Gareth has an aura about him that never fails to captivate me, and meeting him is so very special every time. xx |
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Post by carol on Sept 27, 2011 21:31:34 GMT
I loved reading everyone's reports of their first time meeting Gareth and I agree there is something really special about the very first time. Mine was at the Signing for the promotion of Changes at Brafford HMV Store. I Tell us more please Margaret, we would love you to share it with us. Hi H, don't mind me telling you, Margaret posted her report just after she said where it was. love carol x |
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Post by helpinghands on Sept 27, 2011 22:04:47 GMT
Tell us more please Margaret, we would love you to share it with us. Hi H, don't mind me telling you, Margaret posted her report just after she said where it was. love carol x carol I am so glad you did, don't know how I missed it! Margaret I can sense your emotions so strongly, and the impact Gareth had on you that day. A very enjoyable read, thank you. love H xx |
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Post by blondelaine on Sept 28, 2011 9:33:31 GMT
The first time meeting Gareth is very special, and mine was a long time ago now on the 24th July 2004 at Bradford City ground for the Testimonial Match for Wayne Jacobs. It was a very long day as the friend I went with drove there all the way from near Southend picking me up at Waltham Abbey, took us about 4 hrs to get there.We were both very excited but also nervous not quite believing that we were going to actually be in the same room as Gareth never mind meet him.
When we got there we met 2 other Gareth fans standing outside with flowers and a banner for Gareth this turrned out to be Ann and Annette, unfortunately they didn't have tickets for the Banquet and were devastated as they only knew of the football match. I felt so sorry for them and promised I would do my best to get them in if anyone failed to turn up
When we were lead into the room we were shown to our seats near the door. We were sitting with Liz and Sarah who we met for the first time and two girls from ggates who I dont remember their names now. Then their was two spare seats, that I enquired about for
Ann and Annette but was told they were on their way but had rung up as they were stuck in traffic. They didnt show at all in the end, such a shame as Ann and Annette could have taken their place.
The food came but we were so nervous we didnt feel a bit like eating and even had a cigarette after to calm our nerves then mints so Gareth wouldnt smell them.
Then after the meal I think we went out to watch the first half of the football, before going back into the room.
The room was full and then the speaker came in and gave us all a long lecture on what would happen if anyone left their seats when Gareth entered the room.Saying they would be immediately removed also Gareth would be removed if anyone left their seats.
Then Gareth appeared and my heart felt like it would burst, he passed all the tables and came straight to ours, so didnt even have a chance to get used to him being there before he was right in front of us. I babbled on about coming all the way from Hertfordshire to see him and coming originally from Keighley then his eyes met mine and he said really you come from Keighley. He was so lovely and put me immediately at ease but can't remember what else I said to him and then got my first ever pic with Gareth but can't put it up here as its not digital or on my computer. We all got pics with him and poor Liz's camera battery was flat so I took a pic of her with Gareth.
He went on then to the other tables and our eyes followed him everywhere.But after the first few tables the mood relaxed and people were kissing Gareth and leaving their seats so we did the same and I even dared to ask him if I could kiss him and he said yes of course, then Linda my friend also gave him a kiss. I just couldn't take my eyes off him. I spoke to Wendy and said how lovely he was and I always remember her answer she said "he is lovely on the inside too not just on the outside" which is so true.
All Gareths family were there and also his sisters and Suzanne so it was our first time of meeting them too. His sisters were only young then and Suzanne was keeping them amused so sweet.
I spoke for quite some time with his Dad who said he would talk to me all night but didn't do photo's. I found him so nice and friendly.
Gareth was supposed to be going back out to watch the second half of the football but being the star that he is, said not to worry as he wouldn't leave untill he had met everyone in the room.
When it was all over we went home on cloud nine it all seemed like a dream come true. and it was days before I came back down to earth.
Forgot to say poor Gareth never did see the second half of the football
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Post by GPG MY IDOL on Sept 28, 2011 12:10:20 GMT
Thank you for your lovely stories Margaret and Elaine. Margaret I was at HMV that day to I think we all were but no one knew who anyone was :lol:
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Post by margaret on Sept 28, 2011 17:54:19 GMT
June, I think I also saw you at the Sheffield Mayfest in the pouring rain!! Do you remember that awful weather? Funny to think how friendly we have all become with each other as a result of our love for Gareth.
Margaret
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Post by blondelaine on Sept 28, 2011 20:28:50 GMT
Thank you for your lovely stories Margaret and Elaine. Margaret I was at HMV that day to I think we all were but no one knew who anyone was :lol: It is strange isn't it June, that was the day I met you but didn't know Margaret then.Remember how upset we were at missing Gareth leave as we believed the security that told us he had arleady gone when he was still there, so we went off to grab something to eat and a coffee in the precint. |
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Post by blondelaine on Sept 28, 2011 20:33:39 GMT
Oh dear, where was I ? Sorry, it got submitted before I was ready LOL! Yes, it was at the Bradford Signing and it really was my dream come true. I had no one to go with and I knew if I wanted to see Gareth I would have to go alone. That was very scary for me as I am not very confident and don't like dealing with new situations on my own. But I had made up my mind, I was going and that was that. So I caught the early morning bus and travelled up to Bradford even though I had just worked a ten hour night shift and was very tired. The sun was shining and I was excited but oh so nervous. When I arrived in Bradford I was struck by the friendly atmosphere and how helpful the people were. I found my way from the coach station and just by good fortune found the HMV shop straight away. There were a few people outside the door waiting for Gareth so I went to have a browse round the Shops until it was time. When I came back, the queue was right around the corner, so I was annoyed with myself for not waiting. However, when the Security people started to let us in, they stopped when they came to me and re-directed us down another aisle, so it happened that I was very near to the front where Greth would be singing. I could'nt believe it! Everyone was excited and the atmosphere was wonderful. I thought my legs were going to give way because I wa so tired and also so full of anticipation waiting for Gareth to appear. Then before I knew it, there was Gareth walking right in front of me to get to the microphone. He was smiling and waving to the crowd and had a bottle of water in his hand. He was so close as he passed me and I remember gazing at his beautiful face and being completely star struck. He was so gorgeous in the flesh. He looked tanned and very slim and I was just mesmorised by his lovely face. He sang three or four songs in the shop with his guitarist Pete and I was on cloud 9. Then Security had us all line up for the Signing and I realised I would soon be standing face to face with Gareth. My mouth was so dry.When my turn came I could'nt speak. AllI could do was gaze at Gareth like an idiot. He asked me my name and he was jus,t so lovely and reassuring. Then the Security man took my pic with Gareth for me and I remember feeling his arm around my waist, the most wonderful feeling ever. I then waited outside until the Signing was over and saw his Mum and his family. His Mum was giving an interview to the newspaper reporter. I waited for Gareth to come out at the side of the Shop and watched him climb into a van with blacked out windows but before he did he posed for some pics with a group of girls . Then off he went. I remember seeing Anne there too but I did'nt know who she was then. Also I saw Elaine, Maria and Andrea that day, little realising that our paths would meet again at other Gareth events. I came home with wings on my feet, and could'nt stop smiling and I had Gareth's beautiful face imprinted forever in my mind. I will never forget that day. Margaret Loved your story Margaret, I also went on my own that day all the way from Hertfordshire but used it as an escuse to visit my sister and also went alone to the Leeds signing the next day. Don't know what possesed me to travel all that way by myself by coach, well I do GARETH |
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Post by mariaw81 on Sept 28, 2011 20:55:19 GMT
Awww beautiful stories Margaret and Elaine  Elaine I always remember that football thing had not long since just happened when I first joined the OS and was the first story I ever read of people meeting Gareth and was so jealous of everyone at the time thinking how on earth does anyone get lucky enough to do so and thought I would have no chance,how things have changed lol. |
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Post by carol on Sept 28, 2011 21:08:56 GMT
Everyone has their own unique experience of meeting Gareth for the first time, and they are all heartwarming to read. Elaine I remember you telling me about the Football, but it was lovely to read it again.
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Post by margaret on Sept 29, 2011 16:38:20 GMT
I am enjoying this thread. It's lovely to read people's experiences of meeting Gareth for the firest time and we can re-live it the excitement through reading other 's stories.
I remember Elaine, I saw you with another person (probably your sister) walking round the shops in Bradford. You stood out to me as I thought how elegant you looked in your knee high boots . Then I saw you again at the Signing. Our friendship must have been meant to be!
Margaret
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