"H-Fest" in memory of Harvey Hague-Armitage

18th January 2008

Harvey was a gifted and passionate musician; he played the flute and drums with - in his words - "strength, determination and mercy forever."

It was in Harvey's memory that his school, Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, played host to an evening of contemporary music, featuring live bands involving many of the talented young musicians from the school.

Information about CRY was displayed in the school foyer alongside a collage of friends' photographs from Harvey's private collection of images stored on his phone, computer and others taken by his Mom.

The display was popular, attracting favourable comments from Harvey's colleagues, many of who had not seen their dodgy and maybe embarrassing images before!

The event was organised by Harvey's 15-year-old sister Alice with help from fellow student Emma Bullock, alongside the untiring enthusiasm and practical support of music teachers Tim Baker and Yvonne Griffin.

Head Teacher Michael Burrowes generously offered his skills in ways which only a Head Teacher could; advice on all matters managerial and musical, manning the school gates and most importantly sweeping the hall at the end of the evening!

The hall was transformed by James Gill's artwork, his creative skills producing a delightfully accurate cartoon depicting Harvey doing what he loved most; playing the drums.

Special thanks to Harvey's brother Charles for the illuminating lighting, and also to Stafford's Gatehouse Theatre for the loan of their equipment.

Harvey's friend Christopher Dean, drummer with 'The Oxymorons', very kindly allowed all fellow drummers to use his kit on the evening.  Drummers are normally very reluctant to allow others to play on their precious percussion.

Harvey's band members Dean and Nic from 'Hell and High Water' were special guests for the evening.  They joined over 300 youngsters - and a few less young - to experience a variety of music (preferably loud!); from solo acoustic pieces from Adam (below) and Emma, to heavy metal based rock with influences from Black Sabbath and Blink 182 from the bands.

The English department's Garry Webster demonstrated his digital dexterity with the guitar, performing alongside his students to perform the Bryan Adams number "Since you've been gone."

Harvey's sister Alice (left) surprised everyone with her vocal rendition of Annie Lennox's "Into the West", sung especially for her brother....

Light refreshments were provided, encapsulating Harvey's inimitable style; Jaffa Cakes and Asda chocolate bars, with definitely no healthy option on this occasion!

By the end of the evening there was a steady trickle of condensation dripping from the ceiling of the school hall, a testament to the amount of energy and evaporation emanating from all those lively bodies!  Michael Burrowes commented that this would cost the school dearly, as it highlighted the necessary and urgent replacement of windows in the hall!

H-Fest was an unquestionable success.  A total amount of £1024.11 was raised for CRY.

Alice's post-evening comment was, "That was the best evening ever."

Christine Hague-Armitage

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