England For The Hollie Daze  an article by Christine Wilson

CHELTENHAM

The time had finally arrived, after all the waiting, cancelling, reorganising our trip, fear of flying during the war.  It was Thursday, 20th March 2003, and tonight was my first Hollies concert in the UK.

Mike and I arrived in Heathrow from Australia two days ago, and trained straight to Cheltenham.  It had been good to have those two days, so we could get the site-seeing out of the way, and today I could take a good look at the Town Hall to check out all the doors, possible entries and exits for the band members.

Mike still had a bit of jetlag, having not travelled as often as I have, so he went back to the hotel to rest.  This was my moment to look for the back door of the Hall, which I did, and already at 1.45 pm there were stage crew coming and going.  I asked what time would the band be arriving for rehearsal.  "Between 4.00 and 4.30 ma'am," one replied.

I was about to return to the hotel, when there was a call on my mobile.  It was my friend Carol who had just arrived with her friend Ria.  I told her my whereabouts so she could fetch me and go for a quick drink at her hotel, before I went back to get ready.  It was quite an effort to get a prepaid plan for my mobile as soon as I touched down in England, as my phone is an old model, but it sure has been handy since.

I got changed into my evening dress, a long ruby-red velvet dress for ruby anniversary.  I told Mike I was going to try to meet the band members, and would be back for dinner before going to the show.  I waved to the landlady of the hotel as I left - she probably wondered why I was in evening dress so early.

As I approached the back of the hall, I saw a figure approaching the door.  One of the crew I guessed, so I ran up to him - "Excuse me!  Excuse me, do you know when the band will be arrive---Bobby!" (Bobby without his hat).

I had to get autographs for six friends, not all of them Aussies, so I had to explain to Bobby that there were six pages to sign, with a name at the top.  The last one was my friend Renee, and Bobby began to sing "Just Walk away Renee."  I told him Renee would love to know he was singing that for her.

I'm cross with myself, I meant to ask him if he knew that Graham Nash was holidaying in England - what a thrill it would be to meet my old favourite Hollie.  Graham was meant to meet with my friend Brian, but Brian had taken ill and could not come to England.  Bobby was too busy asking me about Australia, and complimenting my dress.

I then realised I didn't have his autograph for myself.  In Melbourne 2001 I got most autographs, but not Bobby's.  I pulled from my bag, the old book "The Hollies tell you how to run a Beat Group."  I thought this would be an appropriate item to sign.  Bobby did so, and put "not" between the "how" and the "To."

Bobby then had to take his gear into the hall, and appeared again, as Ray was arriving.  I said, "Ray's here, but I'd better give him time to get out of his car."
"No," said Bobby, "let's go over."  He wanted to present me.  Ray said I did look vaguely familiar.  I had met him in Melbourne.  After getting his autographs - yes autographs plural, I felt like a messenger girl for my friends - I told him how I had felt so sad to hear about another hero of mine, Mark Knopfler, being involved in a motorbike accident.  He remembers his own so well.

Next came Alan.  Same routine with him.  Little Georgiana had been sick, but he assured me she was on the mend.  I had been giving the band members pens with "Adelaide" written on them, and I also had a koala for Georgiana.

Next was Tony - unfortunately not much luck with him.  When I tried to get the autographs, after two, he stormed off, saying, "That's fine, I'm not doing any more."  Admittedly I was a bit upset.

But my spirits lifted when Ian arrived.  I got the autographs ok from him. He was so nice, I gave him a kiss.

I missed Carl, who was still to come, as I had to get back to fetch Mike, and as it turned out, it took me longer to get back.  I had to walk a different route, because in the main mall in Cheltenham was a peace protest.

NOW THE SHOW

Mike and I had eaten, and he walked me to the Town Hall, where I met up with Carol and Ria.  Helen MacDonald also appeared, so I had the pleasure of meeting an important person, the lady who runs Carl's website.

After a drink we took our seats.  I was in the front row, so would be able to get a good look and photo's.  The show began with a recorded medley of the songs, before the band emerged one by one, and started the show with "Long Cool Woman."

This song has previously been performed towards the end of the show, and in reviews of previous shows for this tour, people have commented on this, and found it a little strange.  I guess because I had read these reviews, I knew what to expect, so wasn't worried.  Who cares, as long as I see the Hollies.  I noticed whilst the band were performing hit after hit, both Ian and Alan raised eyebrows at me - I was recognised!

I also acknowledged more singing from Tony. As I'd read in other messages, he now does lead in "Too Young to be Married," but another example where I noticed his singing was the middle part of "Yes I Will." This middle was originally sung by Graham, and of course Alan plays the part in the band that Graham played, so usually sings those parts. But in this song, the middle was sung by Tony. Lovely to hear more of his singing.

I also witnessed things that I had only before read about, things that we didn't have in the Melbourne show two years ago. Ian walking through the audience with his miner light on his head. He does this during "We're Through," piano-accordion in hand. Quite funny, I was busy watching Carl sing, then suddenly there's no Ian onstage. Then here comes this light shining from a side entrance, and Ian's walking down the front and the aisles. Then he disappears, I'm looking for him, then seeing what direction the person next to me is looking. Haha, so amusing. Meanwhile Carl races to the keyboard, makes a few adjustments to it then plays and sings. Ian finally makes his way back to the stage, and sings the last verse.

Other new items to me were watching "Tiger Feet" and more Move songs. We didn't have "Tiger Feet" in Melbourne so I was so curious to see it sung Hollies-style. In Melbourne we had "Blackberry Way" and "Flowers in the Rain" but tonight instead of the latter the band sang "Fire Brigade" and "I can Hear the Grass Grow." In "Fire Brigade" red sirens come on for authenticity.

"Sandy" is a song the band have added into this tour, but haven't performed for some time.  At the beginning Carl said, "This song is dedicated to Chris."  I assumed it was dedicated to Chris Bowen, because Chris has been sick, but at interval Helen told me the dedication was for me.

"Did you hear them do your song? " she asked.
(My song?  There was no "Magic Woman Touch", alas.)
"You mean Sandy?  Was Chris me?  I thought it was Chris Bowen. "
"No, it was you.  Chris from Australia.  You didn't realise your own dedication?" My god, what a thrill!!

The second act began with my first exposure to the new song "How do I survive." An upbeat fast-paced song about fear of love breaking up. Yes, I was impressed by it, and the more I listen to it the more I think it could be a single. Before the band burst into this song, recorded Spanish music was played, and until I listened to my CD, I thought this was part of the song. It would fit in.

"Blackberry Way" was dedicated to me. This time I definitely heard, "Chris, a lady from Australia." He held out his arm to me, was able to because I was in front row. I half-stood and held my arm out back. With this song I know he likes everyone to sing. He held the microphone out, right from the stand! There was full participation from the audience, and he said we sounded like a congregation.

"Stop Stop Stop." Now this song I so wanted to dance to. A few years ago I went to a beginner's Belly Dancing workshop, and learned basic belly-dancing steps, and sometimes dance the steps to this song in the kitchen. I wanted to try it here. Now I had heard in some concerts people got up to dance to this song, but in others they didn't. When asking Carol in interval should I get up and dance, she said do what you like.

When Tony began his banjo, I was at the edge of my seat ready to get up. I looked around, and others got up as the song began, so I did and I belly-danced. Amongst the crowd of other dancers, I found a spot in front of the stage between Carl and Alan and there I danced. At the end Alan bowed to me.

The band played the well-loved ballad "Air That I Breathe," before people got up again to dance to "Tiger Feet." Now that was a most enjoyable performance by the band! Now when I hear the original, I close my eyes and see the Hollies with Ray singing, when it is really Mud with Les singing. I was worried about not being able to do the Tiger Feet dance, but others were just doing general dancing, so I could - and actually started to practice some Tiger Feet steps. I'm learning.

Towards the end when "He Ain't Heavy" started, Carol rushed to my seat and grabbed my hand, to the line in front of the stage of people holding hands and swaying, as they do for this song. And as always, the show ends with the a cappella "It's in Every One of Us." Hearing those harmonies close up, I am truly feeling part of the atmosphere and mesmerised.

Now the show had finished, and I, with other fans, walked round to the stage entrance to meet the band. I had been told Tony usually left immediately, and that he did, his car had gone. But we did see the other band members. I made a point of talking to Carl because I had missed him during the day, but the others I had seen, so I waved to them and let the other fans have a chance to talk to them. Carl said he loved my dancing to "Stop Stop Stop" and wanted me to dance tomorrow night at the Birmingham concert. "Oooh, I'll have to see, " I stammered, a little nervously.

Then Carol walked me part of the way back to my hotel, where I had to pack for the next day, without waking up Mike. Later at 3.00 am, I had been asleep, and he woke up, nudged me and asked how was the concert. Wonderful of course.

I was so excited even the next day, my first English Hollies concert, that I really felt part of! This concert I have written most of, because it was the first, where I first saw a lot of new things - well new to me anyway.

BIRMINGHAM

Next day, next town, next concert. Our trip was in full swing. While our landlord was driving us to the station I received calls on my mobile from two penpals. Spev rang me to ask about the concert, and I found two text messages from Peej. Once she had rung during the concert, and realised that was why the phone was switched off.

Mike and I trained to Birmingham and checked into our hotel. We then bused into the city to find the venue for tonight, and found there was a bus stop just by the plaza before the Symphony Hall, so it worked out perfectly. This was the concert Mike was coming to, so I did hope this one particularly would go off successfully, and he too would enjoy.

Symphony Hall is a much bigger venue than the Cheltenham Town Hall, and I realised it would be very difficult to find the backstage entrance, so unlikely I would meet the band members afterwards tonight. Knowing this was the very reason why I made the point of meeting them in Cheltenham.

Mike and I bused back to the hotel to get ready for the concert. I rang Helen, to ask what time approximately she would be at the Hall. I could hear Carl's voice in the background. He was asking if I would dance to "Stop Stop Stop" tonight.

"I don't know," I said. "I saw a bit of the aisles in the Hall today, and they looked a bit narrow, and we're towards the back."

"Oh, but he wants you to," said Helen. A request?

Mike grumbled when I told him to get out of his jeans and put on his pants and jacket. Yes, we Aussies must look the part. I wondered if he would mutter, "I'm already doing you a favour by coming to this concert," but he did change.We had dinner in a cafe in the Rep Theatre, next door to the Symphony Hall, then wandered into the Hall, where we said hello to other fans that I had met. Then it was time to go in, so we took our places. As we were towards the back, I had brought along binoculars.

Finally the show began. Now Birmingham is Carl's hometown, and I think all could see how excited he was, how special this night was for him. He made an acknowledgment to old school pals, who were in the audience.

I found, as I did with subsequent shows, the song list was almost identical. But I guess that would be expected because the band is catering for the locals in each town. I did notice something in this gig, that was the same in subsequent gigs - Carl's little joke in the last song of the first act, Blowin' in the Wind. The writer Bob Dylan he refers to as Birmingham Bob, and funnily enough the other concerts I was attending were in towns starting with B. Buxton Bob, Bradford Bob, Bournemouth Bob.

Another important factor, that had also been present in Cheltenham. "Soldier Song" - before singing this, Carl acknowledged the soldiers in Iraq. The war had just started; in fact it began the day after Mike and I arrived in England. When the band had performed this song in Melbourne, I recall suddenly changing from jigging to a beat song to sitting solemnly and listening intently to the emotional lyrics of this moving song. There was certainly more meaning to it now, thinking of those in the Middle East. I liked the salutes in the first verse by Carl and Ray.

During "We're Through," Ian walked down the aisles again, and waved to people in the audience. Being a big theatre I wondered if he would go upstairs, but he didn't this time - maybe a bit too big to get around completely.

Mike and I had a bit of an annoyance. There were people talking next to me and in front of us. The couple beside me would sometimes talk through songs - and loudly to be heard above them. And the people in front of us were pointing to and talking about bits of the theatre - how much attention were they paying to the show? Makes me wonder why they came.

I hoped maybe those people would settle down in the second act. But those in front started their chatter immediately when the second act started - and during the new song too. I was about to tap their shoulders to tell them to keep quiet, when Mike tapped my hand and said, "Why don't you just go and stand in the aisle, seeing you'll want to dance later anyway."

So I did, and it turned out beneficial. It meant I could dance to other songs before "Stop Stop Stop" began. And I was standing not far from the doorway so I wasn't in anyone's way. I was able to do a bit of Carribean dance to "Carrie Anne". Carl loves doing the Carribean dance himself.

As before, during "Blackberry Way," Carl held the microphone out to the audience to sing. I thought I heard a few solo's - people with the microphone right up to them - and was told later one was the husband of Marie, a fan I've met on the Carl Wayne site.

I mentioned "Carrie Anne" - I know when the band plays that, "Stop Stop Stop" isn't far away. I was feeling a bit nervous - was I meant to actually go down to the front? As Tony picked up his banjo I knew it was time. I hesitantly wandered down, and wondered if I should continue down the front because nobody else had stood up - I thought they would as soon as they heard Tony twiddling the tune on his banjo.

Too late! Carl spotted me and said, "Ah, here she is!" Oh god, that meant I was to go right to the front, which I did. My first thought was "What's Mike going to think?" Carl continued, "Have you seen what this girl can do? This is Chris, our friend from Australia. Would you like to see her dance?"

"Yeah!!" shouted the crowd. I noticed people watching me and clapping. I felt like a celebrity. As with subsequent concerts I found I would be in my position ready to dance, and Tony would stop and start with his banjo. But finally the song started properly, and other people did get up to dance and clap.

After this song, more people were coming into the aisles to dance, or standing up in their seats. So as not to get caught up in the growing crowd, I wandered back to my position in the back of the aisle - I'd had my moment of glory. Now getting towards the end of the show, the audience was becoming more excited, more singing, dancing, clapping. In this big hall, there was finally the atmosphere. I didn't notice much holding hands and swaying during "He Ain't Heavy". I stood and swayed on my spot. I also found I had plenty of room to dance to "Tiger Feet," which gave me practice to do all the dance, except the wriggling of the shoulders. I have little round shoulders, I'll never be able to do that.

As always, the show finished with Alan, Ray, Carl and Tony singing "It's in Every One of Us", and Bobby giving his thank you/farewell speech. Most of the Hall were standing, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mike standing. Ah good, I've got him into the Hollies. (The chatterboxes were still sitting and yakking).

As I realised I wouldn't be able to find the stage entrance in this big place, we made sure we got to see Carol and her husband and Ria, before catching our bus. I knew they would be rushed because they were due to catch a plane for the German concerts. We managed to see them then bussed back to the hotel. "Well, what did you think?" I asked Mike.

"It was really good," he said, "they are very good, professional musicians." Impressed all round.

One friend that I missed at the concert was Linda. Fortunately she and her mother were staying a few days in Birmingham, so the following morning I rang her at her hotel, and arranged to have coffee.

Another visit to the Symphony Hall. The four of us had coffee in the Hall's cafeteria, which was a most pleasant morning. Linda had managed to find the stage entrance, and had the privilege of meeting not just Carl, but some of his old schoolfriends who had come to say hello. She wasn't sure which other concerts she would manage to get to, but would definitely be in Bournemouth for the convention.

After saying goodbye to Linda and her mother, Mike and I visited the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and walked round the main Mall. Yesterday from a stall in the Mall, he had bought me a mauve corduroy cap, which I would two weeks later wear to the convention.

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IN BETWEEN THE CONCERTS

The following week we spent just doing our own site-seeing in various towns around England, as the Hollies had gone to perform their German gigs. It was quite funny in our next destination, Nottingham, when my cousin Sharon was picking us up at our hotel to take us out. I said to her, "You're the first person we've met up with who isn't involved with the Hollies."

I did meet other Hollies fans. In fact we visited Rob Haywood himself, and his wife and son, on our second day in Nottingham. While Lesley was downstairs, Mike and I spent most of the time with Rob in his office looking at old Hollies photo's and on his computer sites containing reviews of various past concerts. His office and the upstairs hallway were wall-to-wall with Hollies posters and other memorabilia. It was a true Hollies Mecca.

There was even an old '70's hat in a cupboard that had belonged to Bobby. I tried it on, and had my photo taken with it, posing to be a drummer. Apparently the skin in the photo isn't from Bobby's old drumkit. It is from an old banjo of Tony's.

It was also a chance for me to buy some extra programs and CD's for friends overseas. I said to Rob that I may look greedy if I tried buying a whole lot at a concert. I also bought a black Hollies polo top - and Mike bought one too!

The other Hollies fan we met up with was Spev, my friend and penpal in Preston. Unfortunately we were late meeting up with her because we didn't realise how long the bus from the hotel would take to get to the city centre.

We had been worried about arriving late in Preston, because we were travelling all the way from Tunbridge Wells, where we had stayed with friends. Not just a long journey, but there was also a train strike, so there were limited train times and trains took longer to get to their destinations.

We got to Preston late afternoon, and I rang Spev to let her know we had arrived. Apparently our hotel was not in the city but a suburb called Leyland, and the bus took more than half an hour to get to the city, unlike our cab from the station that only took 10-15 minutes. Of course, buses wind round all different streets to pick up passengers, they don't take the direct route to the city. I had to ring Spev on my mobile when we were on the bus, to let her know we were on our way.

When we finally got there I ran ahead of Mike, found Spev in our arranged meeting place, crying "Finally made it, sorry we're late. You've been waiting a long time." We continued hugging each other for about five minutes.

We had dinner in a pub called the GreyFriars. Talked Hollies of course, Mike's used to it. Some of my photo's, including pictures of me with band members, had been processed, so I was able to show her. She got a thrill out of seeing a picture of Bobby without his hat.

When it was time to go, we walked together to our bus stops. Spev told us the stop for buses to Leyland was next to hers. We walked down the main mall, and past the Guild Hall, where the Preston Hollies concert would be performing. Of course, Spev was very excited about that, and has a front row seat. She would also be meeting up with our other friend Peej, who was unable to come down and meet me, due to school commitments.

Apparently Spev's bus left early, so I said, "Catch a taxi, I'll give you the money. We finished later, because we were late, and I feel bad about it." Spev walked straight to the cab rank as soon as the Leyland bus arrived.

And oh yes, in Nottingham, I saw a bus travelling to the suburb Strelley. I know Anthony will be interested to hear that!

The Hollies 40th was not the only anniversary I was celebrating. On our first night in London, 27th March 2003, Mike and I had been going out for 10 years. I insisted we find a nice place to have dinner, even though we knew London would be expensive. We found an Indian restaurant in a side street by the hotel, where 10 % discount cards were being given out. We decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Afterwards we walked around Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square. I had my photo taken with two policemen. I tried to take other photo's, but sadly they didn't turn out because of night-time.

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CONCERT TIME AGAIN

BUXTON

As we arrived in Buxton station, I was a little concerned about how far away from the city centre this hotel would be. It looked close-by on the map, but on a map things can look closer than they are, as I found with the Leyland hotel in Preston. And this was a concert town, so distance was more important.

Fortunately the hotel was within walking distance from the city centre and from the Opera House. In the cab to the hotel I noticed on one of the main streets a shop selling vintage-style dresses called the Dressing Room. I knew I had to visit that shop. So after settling in our hotel room, we walked to the centre, so I could buy a dress from the Dressing room, then we walked to the Opera House.

I walked around the Opera House, to check where the stage entrance was. Being a smaller venue it was easy. Then we wandered back to the hotel, where I got into bed for the remainder of the day, to rest this cold I had caught as a result of getting lost in the streets of Leyland the previous day and walking round too much in the rain.

I was in bed for half the day the following day, trying to rest as much as I could as it was concert night. In the morning Mike and I strolled down the mall, and looked at the museum, then after lunch it was straight to bed, until it was time to get dressed for the concert. Like Cheltenham, I was to go to the venue early, to see if I could meet any band members before the big rush.

When I arrived, there were already two big trucks that would have delivered the gear. I knocked on the door, which was answered by one of the stage crew. I asked if any band members had arrived. He called another stage guy, who said two had arrived, but one was sleeping and the other was busy with paperwork. He then asked, "Say, aren't you the girl who dances to Stop Stop Stop?"

"Yes, " I answered.

"Are you going to dance tonight?"

"Yes I'll try, I've caught a cold."

I continued to wait for any other band members to appear, till it was time to meet Mike for dinner. During that time a car arrived and parked close by the door. I looked to see if it was band members, but it was two ladies. Ah, probably other fans, but they remained in the car. Occasionally they looked in my direction and smiled.

My wait was rewarded. Out of the building came Tony. This time he was friendlier and said hello to me. I waved to one of the ladies to in the car, to come out and take our photo. Tony also had a cold, so we had to lean away from each other, and I wondered how such a picture would turn out. It actually turned out nice.

The other girl then got out of the car, and they chatted with me and a roadie. They were hoping to meet Alan, but had to leave in the meantime. Pity, I was lucky to meet him, just as it was time for me to leave. I managed to have a few brief words with him before going to the pub where I was to meet Mike and Carol, who had just arrived.

After tea, Mike went back to the hotel, while Carol and I made our way to the Opera House and took out seats. I had been told what a beautiful old building this venue was. I had already seen it from the outside, but inside it was so beautiful and ornate. Apparently it had recently been refurbished.

Then the show began, and the familiar set of hit songs. I'm growing to love the song "Sandy" more and more - but how I longed for "Magic Woman Touch". Still, other favourites were performed, including "I'm Alive," that I adore.

There was again the song "We're Through," where Ian walks down the aisle past the audience playing his piano-accordion. I tried to get photo's of him. This time he did go to the upstairs of the theatre, and entered the balcony right next to some patrons. They looked quite astonished. Staring right at him so close - normally I would want a front seat but that would be one time I would be glad to be upstairs.

There were, as in previous concerts the two parts of the show where Ray came to the front, for him, Alan and Tony to do their threesome. Beautiful versions of "Listen to Me," "Gasoline Alley Bred" and "Too Young to be Married." When it is time to play "Too Young to be Married," in the second act, at each show Ray mentions Tony's beautiful guitar solo in the song before it begins. At Buxton, Tony said, "Are you going to embarrass me again, Ray?" Ray answered, "You do a good enough job yourself." Aha, the humour.

Also, each time he arrived at his microphone he banged his chin on it. The audience couldn't help but laugh, and I felt a bit guilty - poor guy probably hurt himself.

During interval I looked on either side of me to work out which side to get out for "Stop Stop Stop." I told the lady next to me that I would be getting out to dance for that song.

"Ah, your accent is different," she said. "Where are you from?"

"Australia."

"Oh! Are you Kathy Collier?"

"No, I'm Christine. The other Australian girl."

We chatted a little until the show began again. Her name was Madeleine and she comes from Liverpool. I've since received an email from her.

As with other shows, the second act began with the new song "How do I survive." The line-up again also include ":Blackberry Way", where the microphone is held out to the audience to participate. Like Cheltenham we are told we sound like a congregation, must have something to do with similar types of venues.

As soon as Tony picked up his banjo, it was time. I had placed my coat, gloves and scarf in a bundle on the floor under the seat in front, so nobody was likely to take it. Clutching my handbag, I tapped Madeleine's arm, so she and her daughter could make room for me to pass. Unfortunately the couple next to Madeleine's daughter had arrived back in their seats just before the second act, so I hadn't been able to warn them. They had to stand, wondering what I was doing. But then they realised.

Carl noticed the movement in the audience and said, "What going on there? Oh I see - here she is, here's our friend Chris from Australia. Wonderful girl, she's going to dance for us." Ah, I've managed to impress him!

Due to my cold, my legs felt a bit wobbly as I did my belly-dance to "Stop Stop Stop." I hoped I wouldn't suddenly flop and fall over. But I held it out through the song. I would have loved a glass of water afterwards.

Knowing that people would come up and dance for later songs like "Tiger Feet," I thought it would be more convenient to sit in the aisle rather than go back to my seat. There I remained till it was dancing time again. Again I was dancing to "Tiger Feet" - and improving - and again people held hands and swayed to "He Ain't Heavy."

No, Tony still doesn't shake his guitar or head-bang in "Tiger Feet." As Ray tries to beckon him, Tony just looks at him and smiles. No, this time Alan didn't break a string. (He did in Cheltenham).

The last song "It's in Every One of Us" is always very meaningful, but this time there was a special dedication. What had been mentioned throughout the show - when the Hollies were in Germany, Carl's old friend Edwin Starr suddenly died of a heart attack. Unexpected and beyond anyone's control. Edwin was mentioned once again at the end of the show, at this moment, as Carl stated how one needs to make the most of one's life as one can.

After the show I waited with other fans by the stage entrance for the band members. When some of the members appeared, I got the remainder of the autographs for my friends from Carl, but already had most other autographs, so could wait a few minutes for other fans requesting them, before asking for photo's.

Alan raced out quickly, but managed to give me a quick hug saying, "Goodbye darling, good dancing." I also got to see Ian. He wanted to back away when I said I had a cold. Other fans said, "Too late, she's already hugged you." People were worried I might have SARS - no, no fear of that. I hadn't been anywhere near Hong Kong or Singapore recently, it's merely an English common cold.

I did have a headache from the cold, though. I really felt it when I was having a drink afterwards with Carol and her friend Rita, and even the following morning I felt so giddy, that Mike asked the landlady if he could take me breakfast in bed. I was worried I might not be well enough for the Bradford concert, but managed to take a few tablets to get myself up dressed and packed.

BRADFORD

Our time in Bradford turned out to be quite a commotion. It began right from when we arrived in Bradford station. We had one ride left on our British Rail passes, so decided to keep that for the trip to Bournemouth, the longest and most expensive. So we had bought tickets from Buxton to Bradford, and it wasn't till we arrived that I realised the passes weren't in my handbag. Of all the things to lose, it had to be something like this.

I was in tears, Mike said, "Let's just get to the hotel, if we don't find them, we'll just have to pay."I rang the landlady in Buxton. She had found them on the floor and would take them to Buxton station. Of course, they had fallen out of my handbag onto the floor by the bed. Normally I crawl all round the floor to check I have everything, but because I was sick with my cold I had only grabbed what was obviously visible.

We went to back to Bradford station to explain what happened. The officers there contacted Buxton, but couldn't do anything themselves because they couldn't see the visible passes. So we had to buy tickets from Bradford to Buxton, pick up the passes at Buxton station, and from there make our way down to Bournemouth. Due to organising all of this we had no time to look at the sites of Bradford, and we were only going to be here one night.

Just as well, the hotel was quite seedy. We arrived at an old, bare, musty-smelling pub. Our room didn't have a number, it was called the Dye House. We carried our luggage up steep, narrow, musty-smelling stairs. The room itself was alright. Though musty, it was a good size, with a big bathroom.

I rested before the show, while Mike went for a walk. I gave him the camera and said, "Take a few pictures of anything, so we have something to show we've been to Bradford." He used up just about the whole film.

When it was time to go, Mike walked me to the venue, where I met up with Carol and Rita. He kept my mobile, and asked me to ring him on Carol's mobile phone when the show finished. He had previously considered coming to fetch me, but I didn't want him walking alone in the dark. He said he would come out to the front of the hotel when we were leaving, as he knew all three women would keep together. He didn't want me walking through the hotel by myself, apparently it was a pick-up joint for prostitutes. He had seen them when he came back from his walk. I never got to see them, so I'll always be curious - he took me out the back way, as he didn't want me near them.

There was some confusion about door opening times at the venue. The ticket said 8.00, but during the day when we walked to Penningtons to see where it was, we spoke to a staff member, who said they would open 9.00. I still wanted to go there before 8.00, when it was still daylight. En route, we saw a few band members with roadies across the road. I tried to wave, but they were too busy in their own conversation.

The doors finally opened, just after 9.00. We found a table, and met up with another friend of Carol's, Mark. We had a drink while we listened to the background music, '60's music, before the show. By the time I queued to get the second drinks, the queues to the bar were very long. However I remained, as I thought surely I'd get to the bar eventually. I did, and got all the drinks, just as the show was starting.

A different venue, not a theatre but a club with a dance floor right in front of the stage. It turned out fine, a chance to dance and be even closer to the band. Being a different venue, it was a shorter show, with the more rocky danceable songs rather than ballads.

Ray was wearing an orange jacket that belonged to the club owner. It suited him. This night was also the anniversary of the band's first gig, so this date was the real 40th anniversary. And as usual, the band played all their tunes in fine form. As with the other shows, Long Cool Woman was the opening number.

When "Stop Stop Stop" was about to play, I gave my camera to Rita to take a photo of me doing my belly-dance. I then noticed Alan beckoning me to come over. I wandered over and made my position on the dance floor in front of him. Next minute, Carl was kneeling at the side of the stage, telling me to come onstage. As I put my foot on the first step, he hauled me up, placed me at the front of the stage, on some square podium and announced me to the crowd. "This is our friend Chris from Australia, you should see her dance."

Oh my god, what a dream! I felt like the seventh band member. Like most times, Tony strums a bit on the banjo and I'm waiting for the song to start until it finally does. And then I am dancing onstage, looking out at the crowd, then at my feet, making sure I don't fall off.

But that dream was dampened. Another girl got onstage behind me to dance, and when the doorman came to take her off, he also took me off. I made an effort to enjoy the rest of the show, and of course at the time I said nothing so as not to make a scene, but I did feel humiliated, as I had actually been asked up. Other fans told me afterwards that Ray and Ian did try to stop it - I noticed that they had come right to the front immediately afterwards. I decided I would later ring up Penningtons and complain.

The band did play the ballads "Air that I Breathe" and "He Ain't Heavy." In the former when Carl and Alan are singing the last verse, Carl pinched Alan's cheek - everyone found it amusing. In the latter I found the others and I were right up against the stage as we swayed to the song. I had been against the stage before, but this club stage was closer and more personal. And as with the other shows they finished with "It's In Every One of Us."

When the show finished, the club continued to play '60's songs, to which we danced for a little while before leaving. Taxi's were scarce by the club, so Carol rang Mike to let him know we were walking back together, so he could come out and meet us, and see the ladies into a cab, as there were some by the hotel.

BOURNEMOUTH

This day, Saturday 5th April, was the eve of the convention. But the only thing Mike and I could think about was making our long haul from Bradford to Bournemouth. Whilst I was sitting in the train (which was the majority of the day) I thought about how other fans would be making a long haul to Hastings for tonight's concert, and how that journey would compare with ours. Or maybe many people were doing what we were doing, making sure they got to Bournemouth the night before, for the convention.

Thank god the ride to London had a buffet with hot snacks. Because we had to get up at 6.00 and rush out to get a train as early as possible, we didn't get to eat till 11.30. Being in a hurry when changing trains in London, when reaching the platform of the Bournemouth train, as soon as we saw a carriage with a separate luggage room, we jumped on. We then realised it was a first-class carriage, so decided to remain in the luggage compartment. I didn't mind, I thought it was quite fun sitting on my suitcase, like one of those adventure films where people on the run hide in funny parts of the train like amongst the luggage - not that we were on the run.

Anyway, when the conductor came for tickets and passes, we told him we were sitting here, because our passes were only economy, and he said we could sit in the first-class carriage seeing it was empty. Well, a nice peaceful way to spend the last part of our journey, after all the hassles we'd had. Sitting in our own quiet compartment with bigger seats, away from any noises in the rest of the train.

So it was 6.30 when we arrived in Bournemouth, quite a long day indeed.

THE CONVENTION

Like Bradford, there was no time to site-see Bournemouth, as my whole afternoon would be taken up with the convention. Pity, because everyone says what a beautiful coastal town it is. I did manage to take a walk down the main square, while Mike stayed in the hotel and sorted the washing I had done last night. I had to send postcards and buy more tissues and cough lollies for my cold. I also rang Pennington's and left a message on their voicemail.

Just after midday we walked to the promenade in front of the Pavilion, and found a restaurant to have lunch. We knew we wouldn't have time to walk down the Pier, but I took a distant photo of it. The convention started at 2.00, so at that time Mike left to wander back to the hotel, and I made my way to the front door of the Pavilion. The convention was being held in the function room at the back of the venue.

I saw several familiar faces as I made my way down. As arranged, my name badge was by the door, handed to me by Mr and Mrs Bowen, whom I'd met in Cheltenham after the show. At first I was feeling nervous. Although I'd been to most shows, I'd met the band members, but the convention was something else again, something that I had never been to before. However, I was calm enough when I found a seat at a table, and other fans at the table began to talk to me.

As I had been told, there were a few stands where people were selling memorabilia, including old records and programs. There were two TV's where old Hollies video's were being screened. I also noticed on one TV an old film clip of the band Broken English that Alan played in - oh Alan looked sexy in that leather outfit.

It was interesting how people recognised who I was. As I was leaving a stand with purchased programs from Chris and Moss Beardes, someone called out, "Christine." I looked at the gentleman who called to me, trying to work out who he could be. "You don't know me, but I know who you are. I'm Goran." A Swedish fan who had read messages I'd put on guest books and fan lists, and had come to the convention with his wife and son. I sat to chat with him. He told me he had met Mikael Rickfors back in Sweden, who was interested to hear the Hollies were still going.

Later when I was back in my seat, I was approached by someone from the "Southampton Echo" Newspaper with some questions. Wonder if my name was printed, the people in Southampton would know.

Amongst the stuff I bought were 2001 tour programs. Now this included the Australian tour, during which I had attended the Melbourne concert. The programs had not been displayed to be sold at the Melbourne concert, so I missed out. Now was my chance to purchase one, and I also bought two for my fellow Aussie fans Kathy and Anthony. We had all attended that concert, but at the time we didn't know each other.

Kathy and Anthony had also posted a box of presents to Carol, to be brought to the convention. I had very little knowledge of it - I knew they had sent something, they had spoken to me of this parcel they were organising. But I knew nothing more of this parcel, and got quite a shock to find this great big box by our table. "Kathy and Anthony sent that?" I gasped. "What the devil is inside it?"

I was told presents for each of the band members, but nobody knew what the items were.

There was also a piece of bark, carved into an arrow-like shape, with "Melbourne" written on it. An indication to point the Hollies in the direction of Melbourne, trying to entice them back to Australia. It was quite funny, when people looked at that box, then looked at me. "I didn't send that," I said sheepishly. Carol asked me to help give out the presents. I took the presents for Alan, Ian and Tony.

I knew the band members were arriving when people started clapping. I looked up, and Bobby had arrived. Like others, I rushed towards him, camera in hand. He was giving out drumsticks, but I missed out, damn. Then the other band members began to appear. It was difficult at first to get their attention with everyone crowding around, but eventually proper queues were formed. Except with Tony

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I had been warned of the huge crowd around Tony. When I was in it, I myself felt claustrophobic, no wonder he was flustered. When I got to him I gave him Kathy and Anthony's present, then realised I had left my own at the table. The Adelaide pen, the others had been given theirs in Cheltenham. I managed to get the remainder of the autographs for my friends. Now all my autographs were done. I dashed back to my table to fetch Tony's pen and some fisherman's friends as, like me, he still had a cold.

I did remember to ask Bobby about Graham - though it was probably a bit late, as I would be leaving England in two days. He said he thought Graham was coming for a few days, but hadn't seen him. Pity.

It wasn't till afterwards that I was told what was inside the Aussie parcels - hats and T-shirts. I have since seen Helen's photo of Carl putting on his hat at the convention, but missed seeing it there - must have been when I was busy nursing Georgiana Coates. Yes, as well as the band members I also had the pleasure of meeting Alan's wife Kim and their latest addition. Kim said the koala was lovely. Georgiana liked crawling around the stage and pulling at my badges - me worrying she might prick herself.

The convention finished after 5.30, and I realised I had to get back to the hotel and change into my evening dress. I was wearing another ruby-red dress for my final concert. Walking back was a battle with me lugging my merchandise. I had to ring for a cab.

MY FINAL CONCERT

My final Hollies night, it was going to be sad. As I wandered round the corridors of the Pavilion I couldn't see anyone I knew inside, but saw Helen with a friend at a distance outside and waved.

I took my seat and the show began with Long Cool Woman. I could see people were excited because this was the show after the convention, and there were many fans from Europe. Carl spoke a few words in what sounded like Dutch - I'll be embarrassed if it was German, because I didn't understand the words.

I saw Ray wearing an orange jacket. His own or did he steal it from Penningtons? He must have read my mind that he looks good in orange jackets. Tony gave a welcome to fans from Australia and New Zealand. Ooh, an acknowledgment from Tony. But who were the other Aussie and New Zealander fans? I wondered if any were penpals of mine. Sadly I had a disturbance from a few chatterboxes near me, like in Birmingham. I had to turn around and say "Shoosh," then they were quieter.

One last time, I listened to the live playing of the familiar hits and favourites. Like the others, a great performance from the band, and I think they too were excited from the convention. The first act ended with Blowin' in the Wind, and yes, Carl's joke of Bournemouth Bob who wrote the song, and nobody understanding a word Bob says.

I noticed there was a vacant seat at the side, so thought I would sit there for the second act, then I wouldn't have to climb over people to go up for "Stop Stop Stop". A reason why it was vacant - one couldn't see all of the stage, and I found I couldn't see Ray. Oh well, I'm here for convenience, and I will see him when he comes to the front to perform "Too Young to Be Married", and when I go up to the front.

I had more disturbances from chatterboxes. When one was looking round, she saw the look on my face, and I put a finger to my lips, then they finally stopped. Then I could concentrate on "Blackberry Way," and try to work out who was singing into Carl's swaying microphone.

Another important song I haven't mentioned that was played in the concerts! "Butterfly!" That beautiful piece from the psychedelic album of the same name! Although written by Clarke/Hicks/Nash, at the time it was very much Graham's song, and Graham has always been one of my favourite Hollies. To hear Alan's stage version of that haunting tune was divine!

Tony's now picking up his banjo. It's time. I walked down the side, placed my coat and gloves in a pile, then proceeded to the middle front. One last time, Carl said, "Here she is, here's Chris. Are you going to dance for us?" Then "Stop Stop Stop" began - an anthem for me now! (But I wish they would play "Magic Woman Touch.")

Afterwards the band proceeded into "Air that I Breathe." I rushed to fetch my coat to keep all my things together - bent down so as not to get in anyone's way. Once again close to the stage, I could get one more good look at the features of all the band members. In the final verse when Carl came up to Alan to sing together, just before the chorus began he stroked Alan's head - he didn't pinch his cheek this time.

By now the front and aisle was crowded with people singing, swaying, dancing. Very tight squeeze, no room for me to do "Tiger Feet", but plenty of atmosphere to soak up. Again people held hands during "He Ain't Heavy". Finally the show ended with "It's in Every One of Us", and I watched the band intently as they gathered round the microphone, at Alan's finger waving to keep in time - this was my last moment, I may never see them again. I was brave enough to hold back the tears.

Bobby gave his goodnight drill, then the band bowed and departed backstage. I kept my eyes on them and waved. Alan waved back, and made a plane sign with his arms - I could see his lips saying, "Have a safe flight home."

The lights came on, and I said goodbye to various fans, then as I came out the front door, I wondered how easy it would be to find the stage entrance. Like the Symphony Hall, this was a bigger venue and it could be difficult. Plus, with the rush to get to the convention I hadn't had time to walk round the whole outside of the building.

I followed a trail of people down stairs, but they all appeared to walk towards the promenade, as if they had parking there. Also a group of drunk lads appeared from the park, and I didn't want to walk near those creatures. So all I could do was walk back to the front and ask a few other fans, but they didn't know.

Linda had managed to get to the stage entrance. She later emailed me saying, "You should have come with me and Helen." I wrote back, "I couldn't find you." Disappointing, but then I had seen the Hollies that day at the convention, and Alan saw me before he went offstage.

I met up with Carol again, and went back to her hotel for a farewell drink, along with her husband Charlie and other fans. Linda and Helen were staying at the same hotel, so I waited for them to come, so I could say goodbye to them. There were tears in my eyes as Carol walked me to the front door to wait for my taxi back to my hotel. My Hollies time had come to an end.

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LONDON/MALTA

Very interesting the next morning at breakfast. Mike and I met a couple who had also been at the convention and concert. The wife, Margaret, said she had seen me at a distance at the convention. We chatted for a while about the band and the concerts, before Mike and I had to get back to our room and gather our cases. We also saw Helen again, at the station with Elaine. Like us, she was feeling drained.

Well, our time with the Hollies and England had finished, but not the holiday. We were now to have a week in Malta and meet Mike's aunty. We spent our last day in England at Madame Tussaud's Waxworks. I remember seeing them as a 10-year-old in my first trip to England. There is still the Chamber of Horrors - last time I was here my mother wouldn't let me in there, fearing it might give me nightmares. So I decided to go in there now, and ran out after looking at the first display! I told Mike, "Meet me in the coffee shop."

I did hear back from Penningtons, and told the girl what happened. She informed me that audience couldn't go onstage for safety reasons, but acknowledged it was an awkward situation because I was actually asked. I said, "Carl even announced me, surely the bouncer would have heard that." She said maybe the bouncer should have thought of that, and she would let the owner know.

The next day was hopping on the Gatwick Express train, and on the plane to Malta. We were met by Mike's aunt and other relatives. By now we were getting tired from the travelling and just wanted to rest all that day. Our site-seeing of Malta would start tomorrow. Malta was different to most places I had visited, very old buildings and lots of history involving the Knights of St John.

We were in Malta at a very interesting time. Two unexpected events we witnessed. One was the country's election. Mike's cousin took us to a mass meeting held by one of the Parties, and people were getting very involved in it all, waving party flags and blowing bugles. Another convention of a different kind!

The other was the Lady of Sorrows Procession. It was the Friday before Palm Sunday. The procession was made up of priests, monks, nuns and choir-children, and a huge statue of Mother Mary, Lady of Sorrows, was carried. It began at St Anthony's Church by Valletta's harbour and made its way to the city's main church St Paul's, where there was held an outside mass.

Then came the time to fly home. It seemed to be a safe time. The war began after we arrived in England and was now settling down, as we were leaving. So fear of the plane being shot down was gone, but one of our stops was in Singapore, where SARS virus was on the rise. Fortunately the risk was low in transit, but I did notice many people wearing masks to be sure.

Unlike our journey to England, we did not have to wait long in any of the transits. It was more or less hopping from one plane to the next. When getting back to Australia we had to change in Melbourne to a domestic flight. During that time I managed to ring Kathy to say we were on home soil. Finally we arrived home in Adelaide. My parents were there to meet us and drive us back to my flat.

It took four days to recover from the jetlag, at least I could relax over Easter before going back to work. During this time I was too exhausted to think of the excitement of the Hollies concerts. Now that I'm more alert and looking at the photo's, it's all coming back to me.

My dearest Hollies, my fellow Aussie fans and I hereby await your return to our land. I pray that somewhere, anywhere in the world, I may get the chance to see you again.

 Many Thanks To Christine Wilson