Jersey

FORT REGENT CONCERT, JERSEY – FIRST FAN CLUB TRIP

It was with anticipation and lots of butterflies in our tummies that we set off for Gatwick airport on Thursday 25 August 1995. The butterflies were partly due to the fact that this was the first official trip organised by the fan club, and although we had every faith in Arena Travel, we still felt a sense of responsibility if things went wrong. Of course the major reason for feeling nervous was because of our fear of flying, although we have to say we both coped with it (Maureen better than Gill!) and thought that our Jersey European flight was very good. The main reason for this is that it only took 32 minutes when we thought it would take 55 minutes.

At Gatwick we met up with some of you and when we arrived at Jersey awaited our coach transfer to the hotel. The Pomme D’or was situated overlooking Liberation Square in St Helier and was within walking distance of Fort Regent Leisure Centre.

Michael and Alison

Michael with club member Alison Peck

As the day wore on, other fan club members arrived from their various flights around the country until the 102 that had booked with us had all arrived. There were several other fan club members who had made their own travel arrangements for this concert, so there were probably about 130 of us there altogether.

We spent some time on Thursday shopping and had a nice drink in the hotel bar in the evening. Our main reason for going to Jersey of course was still to come!

Some of the fan club members went on an excursion of Friday morning, which we found very enjoyable and gave us a chance to see some of the island as this was our first visit there.

All too soon the evening approached and the butterflies started up again – this time more from excitement than nervousness. Jersey didn’t know what was going to hit them!

When we arrived at the Fort Regent we discovered that Michael would be doing both halves of the concert – a very rare treat! He bounced on stage to “Jesus Christ Superstar” and then informed us that the first half would consist of songs from the shows, with the second half being devoted to other songs that he liked. This was going to be a great evening! Michael never ceases to amaze and surprise and he didn’t let us down this time.

We were worn out by the end of the evening, so Michael certainly must have been. It had all been worthwhile, and as we headed back to Gatwick the following day, we tried to keep that thought in our heads to get us through the flight.

Let’s hope that there will be other opportunities in the future to arrange fan club trips.