| Author |
Topic: MAGICAL JAMES BLUNT |
 |
Julie Croley |
Posted: 14-Sep-05 22:35 |
|
|
|
When I heard James Blunt was coming to Dorset I was so excited . Sitting on the phone in the queue of 60 people to the Bournemouth International Centre Box Office, I was overjoyed to finally get to speak to someone and book seats for the 25th February show . When asked how many tickets I wanted , my mind went blank. I wanted everyone I knew to come and share the magic of James Blunt . Reality kicked in after a few seconds as I was again asked ‘How many tickets do you want’.
I replied immediately, ‘Five please’. Liz at work wanted two, one for herself and the other for her sister. My husband Mike was joining me so that, so that left one ticket.
A few days passed and thoughts of my friend Heather Robinson wouldn’t leave me. Heather’s 21year old son Dan died last January in a tragic swimming pool accident. I remembered she was going to a Rod Stewart concert in December and I thought it would give Heather a thrill if I asked Rod to call out to Heather ‘ Happy Birthday Heather Robinson’. I searched through the box of memories I keep under my bed for the newspaper cutting, which reported the details of Dan’s tragic death. Which I intended to send to Rod with a covering letter. Under the press cutting was the programme for Dan’s memorial service . Turning to open the card the first line read
‘MUSIC – BACK TO BEDLAM BY JAMES BLUNT’.
A cold shiver went through me. Filled with emotion, I knew I had to offer the last ticket to Heather. At the time of Dan’s memorial, Mike, my husband and I hadn’t heard of James Blunt , so when his music was played at Dan’s memorial it wasn’t familiar to us, and to be honest the atmosphere in the Beaminster School Hall was so emotional, they could have played anything and we wouldn’t have taken it in . We were all so upset . I later learned from Heather that Dan loved James’s music and often played it in his car.
I went to dinner last week with Heather and some friends. I handed her an envelope with the ticket in , as she opened it I knew I had bought it for her although I didn’t know at the time of purchase. She was bowled over and thanked me with a hug and a broad smile.
Last week I wrote to Rod Stewart asking him if he would give Heather a birthday mention at his December concert. On the same day I wrote to James at Twenty-First Artists Ltd. Here is my letter:
08th September 2005.
Dear James,
My friend Heather Robinson
I am writing to you because my friend Heather Robinson is in need of a real boost in her life. She lost her 21year old son Dan last Christmas. He was staying with his grandmother in Brisbane after graduating from Plymouth University where he obtained a degree in Marine Biology. He also qualified as a diver.
The day Dan died he was trying out a new diving belt in his Nan’s pool, he misjudged the length of time he was at the bottom of the pool which consequently resulted in Dan drowning, as he wasn’t able to release the new weighted belt.
Dan Robinson was a very special young man; he always put other people first and would offer help to anyone who he thought needed it.
James , Dan’s Mum doesn’t have any kind of faith so she hasn’t been able to draw any strength from anywhere to get her through this time . She is beside herself with grief and none of us who care can offer her relief from the pain that continues to hurt her. Dan loved your music James, so much so that his parents chose your music to be played at his memorial
I love Heather very much and want to see her laugh again. If you could say a big hello to her at your concert at The Bournemouth International Centre on 25th February next year, it will just blow her away.
Having joined up all the dots, I find myself totally addicted to your music and your bootiful face.
I so hope to hear from you James, have a wonderful tour, see you in February. Our seats are numbers A26 –A30 .!
All good things and lots of love,
Julie Croley
Yesterday I received a note from Scarlett at Twenty-first Artists Ltd. I was crying as I read her words, picturing myself reading them to Heather. Even though Scarllett was unable to fullfill my request she offered wonderful words of sympathy for Heather and her family. I was deeply touched that she had enclosed a signed copy of Back to Bedlam. I phoned Heather at work. Before I had the chance to ask her to come and see me after work, she said with such excitement, ‘I have been listening to James Blunt .’
I told her how pleased I was and invited her over. Heather arrived holding a card and chocolates , (it was my 19th wedding anniversary yesterday). My lovely thoughtful friend sat opposite me as I started to tell her that when I knew the ticket was for her , my inner voice that lives between me and my thoughts told me to write to James Blunt, because Dan loved his Music. Heather was overwhelmed with Scarletts words and my gesture. As she was leaving we hugged and she told me she would cherish the CD . She beamed with love as I did too.
I wanted to share this with you all because for me it shows the magic that James Blunt has brought with his words and sounds.
Dan Robinson had great taste.
Pure Magic James.
|
| |
|
Darren Williams |
Posted: 14-Sep-05 23:07 |
|
|
|
If only we all had such a great friend like you Julie.
Dan truly did have a great taste in music, given James was relatively unknown at the time.
Well done for the support you have given your friend, welcome to the board and i really hope Heather and yourself have a fantastic time at the concert.
x |
| |
|
pollyt |
Posted: 14-Sep-05 23:18 |
|
|
|
I have'nt a clue what to say....
Just to echo Darrens words really.
Welcome to the boards Julie x |
| |
|
gizmo |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 00:31 |
|
|
|
Thank you Julie for a very emotional post.I wish all the best to both you and Heather. |
| |
|
horseychick |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 02:22 |
|
|
|
Whoa...that got the eyes leaking!
I agree with Darren, you're truly a very special friend. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us & reminding us that we should all value & appreciate the people we have around us.
I hope you both a wonderful time at the concert. :-) |
| |
|
Bellboys |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 08:15 |
|
|
|
I'm not in any way embarrassed to say I'm writing this post through tear-filled eyes, Julie. You are quite literally an extraordinary person and your friend is very lucky to have a friend as thoughtful and lovely as you to help her through what must be the most unimaginably difficult time any parent could ever have to go through.
I hope you both have a fantastic time at the concert....I'm sure you will.
BB |
| |
|
sue s |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 11:12 |
|
|
|
Like Bellboys I am sat writing this through tear filled eyes.
I can't find the words. I think Darren and everyone has said all there is to say actually.
Sue
|
| |
|
virge78 |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 17:28 |
|
|
|
Waw! Youare a beautiful person Julie, and a beautiful friend!!
You're beautiful, it's true!
Virginie |
| |
|
Julie Croley |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 19:46 |
|
|
|
I am crying in my heart but smiling. What wonderful people you all are , thank you for taking the time to post your heartfelt messages. Today Scarlett from Twenty-first Artists Ltd phoned me as I sent her a thank you card for the signed copy of Back to Bedlam. Again I was blown away by this kind lady. She asked if there was anything she could do to help.I asked her if she could arrange for Heather to meet James. She said, 'James is calling into the office next week, I will pass your letter to him'. Our conversation ended with her sending me lots of love.Just now my heart, head and soul is filled to the brim with all the love I am being given. Again thank you so much for your kind words.
Love to you ,
Julie x
PS I can't share this message board with Heather just yet, as she doesn't know I have written to Rod Stewart. |
| |
|
Banusbunny |
Posted: 15-Sep-05 22:15 |
|
|
|
I just had to take a very deep breath...such a tragic story. So sorry for Heathers loss and your pain and I hope you both find solace in James music...particularly as it was Dans favourite music.
A big hug to you both and hope you have a fantastic time at both concerts
xx |
| |
|
Julie Croley |
Posted: 15-Dec-05 11:56 |
|
|
|
SADLY ROD STWEART DIDN'T GIVE HEATHER A MENTION AT THE CONCERT. AS SHE DIDN'T KNOW I HAD MADE THE REQUEST SHE IS NON THE WISER OR DISSAPOINTED. I AM PINNING MY HOPES ON US MEETING JAMES AT THE BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL CENTRE IN FEBRUARY NOW.
I WILL PRINT ALL YOUR HEARTFELT MESSAGES OFF AND GIVE THEM TO HEATHER NOW . SHE AND HER FAMILY ARE GOING ABROAD FOR CHRISTMAS , THEY DON'T WANT TO BE AT HOME ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THAT HORRIFIC DAY.
ALL GOOD THINGS
JULIE XX |
| |
|
num1fan |
Posted: 15-Dec-05 13:31 |
|
|
|
i luv james blunt ever since in heard him i have he is just heaven in human form shauneen xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| |
