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After
the show... came the Presentation...
After
the show, Gloria came off set and thanked the
audience personally. I asked that, if Charlotte
was not too tired, could she pop out for a quick
chat with us both. I explained we had a small
Christmas presentation to make, on behalf of all
her devoted fans around the world. Gloria did not
hesitate for one moment, saying "Yes, of
course, I'll go and fetch her for you!" -
Hence the title 'second angel'...
Gloria
has been hosting shows, such as Open House, for
over 30 years and is yet another lovely and
genuine person. Thank you, Gloria - we really
appreciated your care and oh-so-prompt agreement
to our request.
Seconds
later, Charlotte came tripping out again - I
honestly cannot recall if Gloria was with her or
not, because my eyes were locked onto the sweetest
face you could ever hope to see. The shot above is
a composite, as sadly, photography was not allowed
within the studio due to copyright restrictions.
Still smiling hugely, Charlotte came directly over
to us and I introduced my wife, explaining who I
was and thanking her for 'just being her'. I
extended the warmest Christmas greetings from
every fan who had written in and also those who
were not able. Passing her the card, I told her
there was a letter inside for her Mum and Dad and
also one from Mark (charlottechurch.net Editor
in chief), not forgetting the little 'Winnie-the-Pooh'
story - simply because she loves bears. Her eyes
really did light up when I mentioned Mark's
letter. Shirley just could not take her eyes off
this sweet vision and soon had Charlotte locked in
a huge embrace which Charlotte did nothing to
shorten! This sweet young girl gives direct
eye-to-eye contact wherever possible and the
innocence of youth - despite being in the business
she is - still shines through. Time really did
stand still. I doubt we were talking for more than
a few minutes, but it seemed like eternity -
elysium itself... Talk about Dream a Dream - I'm
still dreaming a full week later! Then our sweet
angel was gone again...
Having
said our goodbyes to Hannah and her friend, we
followed the rest of the audience out into the
foyer. "Not leaving yet, are you?" said
a voice from behind us. "Er, no..." said
I. "Just wanted to say thank you," said
a young man - who turned out to be the show's
researcher - continuing, "for such an
excellent site - really professional." I
thanked him very much on behalf of all the
Charlotte sites around the world and then, there
was Gabby again, asking... "Not leaving yet,
are you?" Seemed no-one wanted us to rush
away. "Charlotte will be coming downstairs in
a minute or two - I'm sure you'll want to say your
goodbyes." Too true. We aimed for the foyer
and I spotted someone coming down the stairs. It
was James, Charlotte's Father. I held out my hand,
explaining once again who I was. He smiled and
gave a wonderfully firm handshake. I asked if it
would be OK to take a few moments of Charlotte's
time for a brief interview... more like a couple
of seconds of her saying "thank you" to
all her fans on the net. I offered that, if she
was too tired, I would understand - adding that
what was best for Charlotte was best for me too. I
believe he appreciated that, but did say
"no" - she was indeed very, very tired
and they had to get straight off for the long
drive home to Wales. He left to stand by the door,
waiting for their transport to pull up in front,
whilst I stood off to one side - a little sad, but
fully understanding his request. It had been a
most trying week for the entire family.
Shirley
was standing at the foot of the winding staircase
as Charlotte descended and made a beeline straight
for her - we being the only two who had bothered
to wait behind. I moved in closer as the two of
them locked in an obviously happy embrace once
more (fantastic, considering they had never met
before that night). Standing next to them, but
slightly to one side, was another lady... Could
this be Charlotte's Mother - or was it Auntie
Caroline? I was not too sure at first, as the
hairstyle was so different to that which I'd seen
on-screen so many times before. "Maria?"
I queried. She replied "Yes" with a
slightly worried smile. Again I said who I was and
why I was there. I thanked her, saying... "I
know everyone comes to see Charlotte, but we do
appreciate that you and James do just as much
work, behind the scenes, as Charlotte puts in, in
front of the camera." Her instant response
of, "That's how we like it." This time
her words were accompanied by a somewhat relieved
looking smile. I said I'd included a wee letter,
with Charlotte's card, for them both and she
thanked me, adding that it had not been necessary.
I said I would not have felt right to have left
them out, as they are so very much appreciated by
everyone who takes a moment to think about what
they have done for so many of us, in helping bring
such a wonderful daughter to the world's
attention.
A
white Space Cruiser pulled up and James beckoned
to Charlotte and her Mum to come and get in.
Before leaving, Charlotte gave Shirley yet another
huge hug and a kiss! Yes - it was Shirley who got
the bonus of the night. Talk about an early
Christmas present! As she passed me, I said,
"Goodnight angel - and again, thank you. Have
a great time in Vienna" Yet again she smiled
that wonderfully open smile of hers and in her
usual lilting Welsh accent said, "Thank
you." Standing outside with James, and
waiting for the vehicle's doors to be opened, she
rested her head on his chest, obviously very, very
tired. James stood with one hand on her head and
they remained like that for several seconds. As
she climbed into the back of the vehicle, once
again she waved to us. Moments later it pulled
smoothly away with Charlotte still happily smiling
and waving to us. All three of us continued to
wave, right up to the moment the vehicle
disappeared from sight. Charlotte was at last on
her long journey back home to Wales and the
following morning's school. We took a taxi back to
Petticoat Lane and our car, making ready for our
journey home too. Cold the night may have been...
but inside, both of us were warm as toast. This
was a day we shall both remember for a long, long
time.
Now
- every time I play 'Dream a Dream' - and I have
both the USA (Target) and the UK (HMV) versions -
Shirley recalls... "Charlotte gave me three
hugs AND she kissed me!" Then the
tears of happiness well up yet again. Shirley is
one very happy bear - which seems sort of
appropriate, doesn't it?
Merry
Christmas Charlotte, James, Maria, Auntie Caroline
and the whole family - You deserve the best of
times, both now and in the future.
Your daughter's fans send you their love and best
wishes, both now and in the coming Year of 2001.
And
to all the staff at Pearson studios - Gloria,
Steve's one and two, Gabby, camera crew,
researchers and writers all...
...not forgetting your chirpy resident chef - Alan
Coxon - eat well and keep smiling those welcoming
smiles.
Have a great time during this festive season and
thanks for a splendid evening of entertainment!
If
you've enjoyed this, do please E-mail me here
And
I'm sure you'll join me in thanking my wife for
bearing with me through several long nights
of preparing this little 'mini-series' for you
all. Many an 04:30 have I seen this week!
Charlotte
once asked, "Why do they do this for
me?"
I think I can answer that one quite easily...
"Because we love you for being you."
As
they say in Israel - "Shalom" -
And may God continue to bless you all.
Story-line
and captures by Simon (aka The Saint) | Captivating
Charlotte Church - November 2000
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