Matt Monro Forum

Well the day that we had been waiting for, for so long, finally arrived yesterday. The past few days postings from those of us attending the Fans Re-United event day showed the excitement that we were feeling ( but not quite so sure for Michele who was understandably feeling a little nervous and apprehensive about this day, never having done anything quite like this before!!! ) well she needn't have worried.
We can sum up this event in just three words. It was fantastic and wonderful to have the pleasure of meeting Mickie. Isn't the internet wonderful. To think that the day previously we were talking on the forum and the meeting up with all the lovely people in person and what a joy and a pleasure it was. Mariana44, Paul, Margaret and Edgar, Gray, Marian and Peter, Jintygirl and Helen fom Scotland.
And oh! we all behaved ourselves Hilary. Well we think we did anyhow. but here we all were together this day to honour the man who was and is the best vocalist that Britain ever produced and to this day enriching millions of lives. What was unique about this event was, it wasn't planned and organised by official bigwigs of any kind or with names from broadcasting and show business to encourage people to attend, it was about ordinary people showing their genuine love and respect for Matt and his family, and in return for all that Michele organised this day for us that we had wanted so much.
Michele's T- shirt had the printed reminder for anyone who still can't get the Munro Monroe, (sorry) name spelt correctly The name Monro is an anagram of Moron .
We were all welcomed and particularly those who had travelled far to be there particularly Paul, ( what a lovely guy who came over from America..
Now we told you Robert that you wouldn't be forgotten and you were truly applauded along with those of us who were surprisingly awarded certificates ( see.... Michele didn't forget anything ):shock: for our numbers of postings, and we were both really proud to accept our prize for the highest score.
The raffle also had some great prizes, we got one of those too but our son will also love these
The rare treats came with wonderful rare tracks, (and so did the tears, we confess) wonderful, (and Marian we know can fill you in with all of these ) and some nostalgic showings of Matt singing great songs and even MARIA ( forgot to ask Paul what his thoughts were )including duetting on stage with Tony Bennett with Lullaby of Broadway, and yes we heard it if only brief, the elusive "CAMAY" that makes you a little lovelier each day, ( and honestly Robert we do use Camay,) well it worked with Katie Boyle.
The buffet was fantastic and enough there to feed England, followed by the cake which was superb.
There was the Big Red Book from Matt's This Is Your Life and more nostalgia.
We were each given a Goodie Bag with Cds, Matt Jnr's concert programme, a key ring with Matt and Matt Jnr's photo. Matt Jnr's concert was the final treat to this fantastic day. We saw Matt last year and couldn't wait to hear those wonderful songs sung again with such emotion and love. and we must mention Zak. who has such personality and talent ( and somehow remembered my name even after me removing my name badge during his performance and towards the end after us wearing out the host and her family having photos taken, we finally finished the evening up having a quiet drink back at the hotel with Marian, Edgar and Margaret and Helen.
Thank you Michele, can we do it again

Thank you for your lovely lengthy post L&H. I'm so glad you and everyone else had a GREAT time yesterday PS, L&H the "soap" worked for Katie Boyle, but its obviously NOT working for you but your still cool and you must smell really nice

Lena/Harry

Glad to see you both - and everyone else who attended - had a great time.

Everyone,

I was glad to read Lena and Harry's post about what must have been a remarkable evening for all Matt Monro fans fortunate enough to have attended the first Fan Meet. While there may be others in the future, there will never be another "first" and I'm sorry to have missed it. Being from America, it's difficult to make long trips like this. I had recently returned from a trip to Germany (Oct. 29 - Nov. and couldn't manage a second trip to Europe, even for such a memorable event. It must have been gratifying to see all those other fans that have been assembled via the net and have a face-to-face conversation. I know I would have enjoyed meeting Glenn, Marian (mariana44), Paul (paul_jh), Leeroy Hadders, Mark Fox, Robert M. and, of course, Michele. It would be interesting to post a list of those who attended and link some highlights if anything was recorded.

I can only imagine how exciting the concert by Matt Jnr was. It must have been electric as the climax of the day. If a recording emerges I would be interested in purchasing one.

From the sound of things reported by Lena and Harry, the evening must have been a once in a lifetime experience for Matt fans. I only wish I could have experienced it first hand.

Well apart from Harry's tobacco smoke, and there's no hope in curing that, we hope so Robert.

Glad that everyone had a good time, maybe if they do another I may be able to make that one.

Glad you all had a lovely evening at the meet, very disappointed, we weren't able to make it, due to ill health. Had booked in at the Premier Travel Inn as well, but fortunately was able to cancel in time. e-mailed Michele, she was very kind.

We have tickets for Matt's concert in Clacton on Sea on Friday evening, so looking forward to that, even if Freda has to carry me on her shoulder I will be there. Lets hope we can all meet next year,

Hi everyone,
Well, we are finally coming down to earth after the fantastic, fantabulous, Fans Reunited get-together yesterday, which has already been reviewed so vividly by Lena and Harry. It was truly a memorable occasion, and a wonderful chance to meet up with lots of lovely people - First and foremost, the Monro family themselves, who work so tirelessly to bring so many special Matt Monro memories to us all, Lena and Harry, Marian, Paul, Anita, Edgar and Margaret, Gray, Mark, who we shared the delicious buffet with, and not forgetting Paul and Sue, Paul who by now must surely be an honorary Monro family member!
Then Matt Jnr's great concert to finish off the evening, brought a really super day to a close. Our grateful thanks to all who worked so hard to
achieve such an outstanding success.

Marian.

It certainly was a great time Marian and so glad that both you and Peter were able to make it, and arrived home safely, and knowing about the iminent birth of a new Grand child. Has the new baby arrived yet.?
There were so many people at the event, there was also Angela who posts on the web-forum. It was great meeting her. Then Paul and Sue positioned at the merchandise stall and preparing for another evening that has now become familiar to Paul, they are simply Two more of the nicest people that we met from the web forum.
Will be nice to see all the photos, there were a few taken weren't there.

Well it has taken me a while to come down from the high of yesterday. I have to tell you that I was petrified before the event but once everyone was seated in the room, I started to feel more comfortable. It was quite difficult for me last year when you all started asking for a meet to be organised because I myself had never attended one before and didn't know what you all would expect from the day.

Everyone was very kind and the general feeling seems to be that you all enjoyed it. I was extremely proud of the way EMI supported the event, Steve Woof pulled out all the stops, not just with the CD's in the goodie bags but in having that gorgeous photograph of daddy reproduced for us - that photo is an exclusive - but boy was I jealous when I saw the "Rare Monro" artwork which he had donated as a special prize. He had told me about it months ago and thought it would be a good idea as no member of the public has ever had one of these. They are made up in Holland and batch numbered. Once the artwork of an album has been approved the remaining copies of the artwork are destroyed so it really is a precious item. With everything that was going on yesterday I don't even remember who won it but maybe one of you could fill me in.

I have to say when planning this over the months, I ploughed through various footage and was very pleased to be able to play a video version of "Maria" as opposed to an audio. Hopefully our wonderful American visitor Paul will have watched this version and changed his mind on the song, Robert I wish you had been there.

I was also excited to play you the first airing of "Love Story" in Spanish which is going on the new album "From Matt Monro, with Love" on January 15th. I thank you all for your suggestions for the album and hope you recognise that not only did I try and include all your requests but I also used the title suggestion. I will place full track details on the updates 1st December and the artwork if it is ready by then.

Finding the "Camay" advert albeit short was the icing on the cake for me this year and I do hope with the advent of the internet that more of them will come to light. Dont' forget to keep your eye out for me. As mentioned the Bennet duet was also a treasured find, but it didn't take as long as the Camay - only 18 years - but I think it is fabulous.

Although I played several tracks that will probably not see the light of day because of copyright issues it was lovely to enjoy your reaction to them and I do have a few more hidden up my sleeve in case we try and repeat the night. It is always difficult in choosing what to release, as you know I worked long and hard on "The Rare Monro". I was thrilled to include the live tracks but they will always sound different to studio recorded songs. I have to say I was rather upset recently when one of the fans e-mailed me complaining on the sound quality of "Birth of the Blues". I shouldn't take it personally but I am so careful in making every effort to get the most out of each recording, and because I own the copyright, the restoration and or remasterings are down out of our pocket. I will definatly have to think twice when next deciding what to issue on future releases.

Personally I think Richard Moore did an incredible job and I thought "Birth of the Blues" had turned out splendidly, but I suppose you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Taking the "This is your Life" book out of the house for the first time ever was pretty scary for me but I hope you enjoyed looking at it as well as the scripts from "Satan's Harvest and the TV Show "Meet Matt Monro"

Thanks to John Highton who sent down some of his wonderful collection to show to everyone, those Japanese red vinals were awesome. I know some of you bought some of his items that he had offered for sale which was a great opportunity of buying some rare deleted Lp's. I bought three myself. I am always looking for new things to add to my collection as I am a long way off from owning everything.

I hope you enjoyed the buffet and got enough pictures!!!!!!!! I cannot believe how many you all took and it would be nice if I saw some of them appear on the website's scrapbook. The pictures that were taken by Colin McGinn yesterday will take a few days to filter through but I will add them asap. I have already uploaded the ones that Paul took over the last few days. In fact I will start a new header in the Scrapbook especially for all your shots.

In fact with all the pictures you took of yourselves there really is no excuse for your photos not being attached to your postings, if technology frightens you just send them to murph@lagos.me.uk and he will be happy to oblige.

I want to thank every single one of you for making such an effot to attend the event, the only thing I have to apologise for is the size of the room. Admitably I had not gone to view it as when I made the booking with the theatre they said they had a lovely room. True they said it could hold 50 and we did end up with 61. but at 11.00 yesterday morning they rang me at home to say they could not fit everyone in and a mild panic followed (not so much mild as catastrophic). I did my best under the circumstances but I am not solely to blame. When I stated on the site a few months ago that it was a limited event some people did not understand that it meant you booked in advance so when in the last week 16 - yes 16 - people asked to attend, I unfortunately had to turn most of them down. I think you will agree that we were lucky to get in the room as it was - but lessons have been learnt and we will certainly go for a bigger room next time round.

I thank everyone for their lovely cards and a special thank you to Lena & Harry for the wonderful gifts for each of us and the CD, you really spoilt us, it was a lovely gesture but totally unnecessary.

Congratulations to the people who won those fantastic canvas paintings of dad, were they not fabulous, several of you have asked where they were from - they were specially commissioned from a gentleman called Ian Black. His details are splikoo@hotmail.com
If anyone is interested, I am sure he will oblige


And lastly I do hope you all enjoyed the show, I know some of you had been before but equally we had some virgins in-house.

I hope you all had a safe trip home, although I think Paul is still en-route back to Maryland. I am sorry Len & Freda couldn't come at the last minute but wish you better Len. I will keep my fingers crossed that you can still go to Clacton and I have given your goodie bag to Paul to give to you on Friday.

Anyways until the next time
Enjoy the music
MM
xxx

Hi All

I wish I had the grace and intelligence to be able to convery my feelings regarding the fan club meet on November 20th, but I'll give it a go anyway!

I was so nervous about going, as my shyness usually gets in the way of most things I do, and I don't do 'events' or social evenings very well!
Also, although I visit the forum everyday, I don't contribute as much as I'd like simple due to work and family commitments (!) and I was so worried that I would feel like a bit of an outsider.
Plus, just being at the event meant so much to me, so much, that I was a bag of nerves all weekend before attending!

However, suffice to say, all my concerns evaporated within seconds of meeting you all.
I had such a lovely, lovely time. It was simply wonderful for me. I will never forget the experience.
I have had a good cry tonight, tears of happiness I must add(!) - because I am still in a state of shock that I spent time in the company of Matt Monro's family and a bunch of people who are simply marvelous.

Michele, Thank you for the effort you and your team put in to make the day so special for me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it. The food, the venue, the gifts you put up as prizes, the audio and video clips we saw (I am still in a state of shock over the Tony Bennett sequence) - all were first class. Not forgetting your families time. A huge thank you. I feel honoured to of attended, I really do.

And to everybody else, thanks for making me feel so welcome, (and not laughing at the plight of Leeds Utd) especially Marian (thank you for the CD!), Lena & Harry, Edgar (& Margaret), Marian & Peter, Jinty Girl, Helen, Angela & George Clooney -sorry, I mean Paul - who very kindly put up with my children spoiling his breakfast not once but TWO DAYS RUNNING!
Hope you all got home safely.

God Bless you all and thank you all again.
It was wonderful, wasn't it?

Your friend

Gray

Hi everyone---well I will try not to repeat what has been written in the earlier reports from Harry and Lena, Marian [Reading] and Gray and Michele.

But I must start by saying that a day like this does not go as smoothly as yesterday did, without a lot of Preparation and hard work involved, so firstly, I want to thank Michele and everyone else involved in this wonderful day !!

I just had the best time, and getting to meet all these lovely people, who have just been names and photos so far , was amazing, A big thank you to Lena and Harry, Marian and Peter, Gray and Amanda, Paul from USA---[by the way he will arrive home at midnight tonight, Tuesday]--Edgar and Margaret, Helen, Anita, Angela, Vicky[aka Jintygirl], for all being such lovely people---and to Robert, Mike, Terence, Hilary. Dean, Marty, John, Jon,Mark , and everyone else that I cannot remember at the moment--I just wish that you could all have been with us, and if we are lucky enough to get another fanclub meet, maybe some more of you will be there.

I just have to say that everyone looked much younger than their photos, with possibly one exception--ME !! And Michele looked lovely , and again younger, with her new [to us] hairstyle.

I managed to get a list of all the unique tracks that Michele had sorted out for us to see and listen to--so here goes

First was "Love Story" sung in Spanish--what can I say, except it was just breathtaking ! Luckily, you will all get a chance to hear it on the new cd of Lovesongs , to be released early next year.

And then came what has to be my favourite---Matt on dvd singing "Maria"
I do not really have the words to describe this--just out of this world-I think we were all stunned by it ! Even Paul admitted later that he loved it--and I really wish you could have been there Robert, if only to catch that song.

Then came some songs that will never be released due to copyright laws, but interesting to hear Matt sing

"Strange Lady in Town"
"Prisoner of Love"
"A story of Ireland"
"Have guitar, will travel"
"Camay Ad"
"The Lady is a tramp"
"What kind of fool am I"
"Won't you come home Bill Bailey"
"Lullaby of Broadway" duet with Tony Bennett.

A really big thank you to Michele for letting us hear these treasures.

I was really proud to receive one of the "100 club" certificates, and pleased to see Lena and Harry get a certificate , plus a prize for their outstanding contributions. Plus a special round of applause for Robert's certificate, as he could not be there in person.

I was lucky to win a prize in the raffle---10--yes 10!!!==of Matt's cds.
Also there were 2 portraits of Matt. and the artwork that Michele mentioned earlier, that was won by Anita.

The buffet was delicious, and welcome as some of us had not eaten since breakfast, and it gave us a chance to chat together, and investigate our goodie bags--with another 2 cds!! plus some other goodies.

I had a great seat for the concert in the front row, and as I had never seen Matt Junior in concert before, I was really looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed. He sang some of his dad's songs, plus some of the other outstanding tracks for me were "Crazy little thing called Love" and "New York, New York"--but my real favourite was the last song when Matt Junior sang with Matt Senior---"We're gonna change the world".
A brilliant ending. And I cannot thank Matt Jr, Michele. Max and Mickie enough to stay behind for so long to have photos taken -especially after such a long day.

I took a few photos that I will try and post tomorrow--but I am sure that even without mine there will be lots to look at.

All I have to say now is another big thank you to EVERONE who was there, and also all you lovely people who were'nt there---and here's to the next time !!!

Thank you everyone for your LOVELY LOVELY posts I've got a tear or two in my eye at the moment after reading them all but I feel very happy for you all I would definitely have had a tear in my eye if I had seen "Maria" (is it the same version as on the "Portrait of Matt Monro" DVD) if it is a different version, is there a chance it might appear on DVD sometime in the future Thanks once again for those LOVELY LOVELY posts from LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY people

Looking forward to see the pics of the gathering......

hello everyone

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories of what was obviously an exciting and enjoyable evening. Whats really struck me reading it all (apart from how lucky you were all were to attend and how I wished I could have been there, as well as what a dedicated bunch of fans you all are) is just how incredibly hard Michelle, Matt Jnr and Mickie work to keep all us Matt fans happy. The output of 'new' recordings, the live tributes, and real enthusiasm that the Monro's put in to keeping Matts music alive is not something that you always see in a fan club - I'm off to fill in the form now! The other thing I would is say that its obvious that you are all lovely people (and by 'you' I mean all of you on this forum) ! I've never 'met' any of you yet but I promise to be there next time. Whilst we all share a love for Matts music that has brought us together, I think its great the way that this forum has become a real community - thanks for letting it develop like that Michelle