Noreasters Stories on New Page!

As we all know, Ioan made an appearance in New York City on November 11, 2000 to promote 102 Dalmatians which is in theatres as we speak!

Some of our board sistahs have graciously agreed to share their pictures and stories about their encounter with the Welsh Cake!  I thank  all who have shared their memories :)

Click HERE to read about the Noreasters gathering!

Ioan "Spotted" at Manhattan Disney Store
by Tracy C.

Hello Everyone – This is Saucehead (Tracy C.) reporting for the Drooler’s Gazette. Folks, this is how it happened. My meeting the one, the only Welsh Cake himself, the gorgeous Ioan Gruffudd.

During the morning of Friday, November 10, I had it on good authority from my sources that Ioan Gruffudd would indeed be at the Disney Store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan for a “102 Dalmatians” promotional Paw-To-Graph party. When I heard of this exciting news, well I knew that I had to be on the scene to get the scoop. So early on Saturday morning, November 11, my good friend Kelly, (sort of my Ethel Mertz) and I boarded a train bound for the Big Apple. It was a chilly and damp day when we arrived safely at Penn Station. Before our adventure at the Disney Store began, we took some time out to sight see. Some of our stops included The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to name just a few. Carefully checking my watch to make sure I didn’t miss out on any valuable “Ioan” time we finally headed for my date with destiny, a Ioan destiny that is.

When we arrived out front of the Disney Store it was mayhem folks – well not exactly mayhem but a nice size line was forming outside of the store. I happily and excitedly ran into another roving reporter, Saltydog and her crew, Cybrina and Dot from the A&E board. It was also my pleasure to meet Jane. Another fellow A&E board poster. But she’s a self-admitted lurker for the time being. Come on Jane – let’s hear what you have to say!

We endured the cold and windy weather while waiting outside on chilly 5th Avenue. Neither chattering teeth nor chapped lips could keep us away from this wonderful opportunity. We giggled and discussed this momentous occasion endlessly. We also witnessed an annual Veterans Day parade complete with an array of decorated armed services. Just then, after freezing for about an hour, could it be? Yes! It’s a Disney employee telling us we can finally go in. Jackpot! We shuffled in and found another line – shorter but still a line. I strained my neck to get a better look at what was ahead and there he was! He was standing at first and all dressed in black from tip to toe. He was absolutely beautiful ladies. His hair, his smile….I ask you, where is my spoon!? He was yumsters girls! Both Ioan and Alice eventually sat down at a table the Disney employees brought over for them. So the vision of this glorious man was obstructed by video cameras and meandering Disney employees. Dang it! But as I got closer, the view of Ioan got better. I could see him clearly once again. I could feel my breath becoming shallow. The effect this man has on us….well, you know what I’m talking about ladies.

I’m getting closer. One more person, then me. Oh my, would I be able to speak? Would my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth? I remember feeling this way when on assignment in London on the Grand Turk covering the Hornblower dinner. 

Oh gosh, my turn…here goes:

Saucehead: Hi Ioan – I don’t think you’ll remember me but I met you on the Grand Turk in London back in March at a Hornblower gathering?
Ioan: (mind reeling-trying to remember-slowly his eyes open wide-he extends his hand) How very nice it is to see you again! Thanks for coming.
Saucehead: [THUD] (Gets back up and shakes his hand) It’s great to see you again too. Can I get a pic?
Ioan: Sure, sure
Saucehead: [THUD AGAIN]

Ioan was, as he always is, a darling. A young man of great gentleness and kindness. He was gracious to all who met him that day. Even with the children who waited in line. As we walked away we had mentioned our anticipation of the next series of Hornblower movies, he yelled ‘Next Year!’ and winked at us. Well that did it for me. I was so tickled and continued in my dream like state that I nearly toppled over the live Dalmatians patiently sitting nearby.

I left the store still floating from seeing those chocolate brown eyes up close again. You can’t help but want another helping. Soon after our encounter, Ioan and his co-star, Alice Evans departed the store off to another commitment in the city I suppose. I then bid adieu to my fellow Hornblower friends and wished them a safe journey home. Then, “Ethel” and I then headed for The Plaza Hotel for a High Tea in the Palm Court restaurant. What a great way to end a thrilling day. Afterwards, we were back on the train headed for home. While sitting on the train, I took delight in silently reflecting on my exciting first time visit to New York City. So there you have it folks, a moment-by-moment account of my encounter w/ the Welsh Wonder. I hope you’ve enjoyed my story as much I have enjoyed sharing it with you. Sweet Ioan dreams to all of you!

Thanks Trace for your story!

Our Roving Reporter Janice (Salty Dog)

Janice has been nice enough to share her pictures and story with us!  Her story is after all these great pictures!

Great picture huh?!

Anna, Janice and Tracy C.

Anna, Janice and a spotted friend

Janice and Ioan sharing a moment!

Janice,. Anna and Dot

This man needs no introduction!
(Pic courtesy of Dot)

Those dimples!
(Pic courtesy of Dot)

Lookin' good!
(Pic courtesy of Dot)

The postcard that Ioan and Alice Evans signed for
Janice

Stopping traffic in NYC!
(pic courtesy of Dot)

The spotted limo at the premiere

There he is!

Now can you spot him?

Good IG fans can spot him!

Radio City - where 102 premiered

Makes you want to kick up your heels!

Roving Reporter Janice (Salty Dog) at Times Square

"It's Ioan In New York!"
an On-The-Spot Report
by Saltydog

November started with a whirlwind week: a ridiculously bungled Presidential election, news that a very dear friend and her husband miraculously survived a recent car accident, and more bad and news that a close friend of mine is getting laid off from her job. So, the glad tidings I received on my birthday (November 9)-- that Ioan Gruffudd would be in New York City to promote "102 Dalmatians" -- was quite the elixir I needed to soothe mee weary heart!

Friday, November 10
During my lunch hour, I walked 8 blocks over to the Disney flagship store on 5th Avenue and spoke to a lovely woman who confirmed Ioan's planned presence for Saturday afternoon. She also said she hadn't known that Ioan and "Hornblower" were one and the same man! I (in my usual pseudo-publicist fashion) was more than happy to emit that list of Ioan movies, carefully watching her face for the astounded enlightenment. Especially with "Great Expectations" - she SAW the movie and didn't know it was HIM! Spread the joy, I always tell myself. Spread the joy!

Saturday, November 11
After about three weeks of almost continuous sunshine and mild temperatures, this day dawned dreary and damp. I figured - Ioan must be in town -- he brought that crazy U.K. weather along with him! :) It was pretty much the same weather I experienced in London back in March - cloudy, sprinkly, damp, warm and cool at the same time. I knew it was a sign...

11:30 a.m.
Veteran's Day in New York City -- and there was a PARADE! I had to go in a circle to get 5th Avenue around St. Patrick's Cathedral because 5th was closed in front of it. How nerve-racking when you are dying to get to a place! Needless to say, I saw army vehicles, a helicopter on a flatbed, and lots of good-looking men in uneeforms. Now THAT had to be another sign. When I saw my buddy Anna (who posts as Cybrina on the boards), we did a dance of joy outside the Disney Store!

1:00 p.m.
After having lunch, Anna and I added ourselves to the growing line outside of the Disney Store. We met a couple of girls from the Ioan lists. It's funny how these women were sort of reluctant to admit the reason they were there until Anna and I proclaimed, "We're here to see Ioan Gruffudd." Then all h--- broke loose in the usual fashion. Some of you may be happy to know that I met "FruityNut" from April's website. I usually don't go there, but (if I remember correctly), rats6 posted a message on A&E to check out her funny Ioan photo captions. Fruity and Salty -- what a combination. At one point I turned around to see a camera in my face and I said out loud, "oh, no..." I have NO IDEA where or when they are going to show this - so if you see a head of curly, auburn, shoulder-length hair.. then that's me! At some point we asked a real nice member of the Disney Store these questions:

Us: Are there actors from the movie in there?
Girl: Yes.
Us: A male actor? Tall, dark and handsome?
Girl: (laughing). Yeah, he's in there!
Us: Hooray for us!!!!

Anna and I were happy to see Dot and Tracy C. from the boards as well. We jumped up and down with delight at this totally impromptu Hornblower gathering!!! We froze on the line for that hour as we fielded questions from the general public ("what's this for?" "is this the line for the entrance?") , watched the Veteran's Day Parade (guys in uniforms, army vehicles, etc etc), and talked. It was the Countdown to 2:00 -- and that might have been more exciting than the last New Year's Eve!

At 2:15 we were allowed in the store and were treated to (and warmed by) that first glimpse of Ioan in the distance - smiling and talking to people as they moved through the table.. Ioan -- the beautiful man bathed in white light with the shiniest aura I've ever "seen." 

Finally, it was our turn to go to the table. Alice Evans, his co-star, sat demurely next to him. I said hello to her, but we quickly got to business. Tracy, our brave ambassa-dress, broke the ice for us by saying hi, and that we met him on the Grand Turk back in March. He looked at us (Tracy, Anna and me) and said with a big smile, 'Yes! That's rrrrroight." (Ladies, you know I would always pay good $$ to hear him roll an "r", and I got that one for free.) I shook his hand again and told him, "Welcome to New York! We're happy to have you here!" He warmly thanked me and I in turn thanked him again for what he did for us in March. He is just so nice and very humble with his smiling and cute shrugging. I took a picture with him and I hope to have that soon. He signed some flyers and as we were moving along, I told him we can't wait for the 102D movie and for the new Hornblowers and he said with his eyes widening, "Yes! Next year!" Now, Tracy C - my muddled mind didn't register the wink he bestowed upon us, but I believe that he did it. Poor me. And, I wish I could report that I saw or met his mum, but I just did not see her....

Anyway, we hung out in the store, but their tenure was a brief 45 minutes. No sooner than we greeted him, he was up and running out of the store to another engagement, but not without his generous waves and smiles. Did I blow a whistle and yell in a raspy voice, "come back! come back!" ? Nope. I keep forgetting to do that! Maybe next time (?) So, after they left, we got back on the line for a photo op with Dotti the Dalmatian! She was a love - a real professional canine. Afterwards we had dinner at Applebee's and mulled over the day's events. Last-minute things are just so exciting!

Monday, November 13
After this grand event, I felt tired and dejected... the way I always feel after being herded like cattle across the street from a glittering movie premiere or celebrity event, like a dirty bum being chased out of a restaurant or a hooker being chased out of a swank hotel. I just wanted a *closer* look! Is that so wrong???

At 5:30 I left my office and proceeded up 47th street, where I saw a huge white limo "racing" me down the street (I won.) I turned the corner, saw the big strobe lights and thought, "Oh-oh! Better boogie!" So, as I got in front of Radio City, I asked a few cops if I could stand there and they said "absolutely not.. you can stand across the street." No fair! So, being a law-abiding citizen, I crossed 6th Avenue and stood behind the barricade. I met a bunch of crazy gals from Texas who HAD seen Hornblower, and I told them that "Horatio" was in the movie. "Ohhhhhhh," was the response. Typical! :) In fact, several people standing near me saw "Hornblower," even a man standing next to me at one point. When I told him, he said, "OK, I know who he is." I said, "Yeah. But NOT Gregory Peck!" He laughed. 

It was so hard to see from across the street with people walking BUSES passing, cars slowing down. Talk about frustrating! What a bang-up way to run a movie premiere - a WORLD premiere, no less! In Hollywood, they ALWAYS make sure the celebrities are visible for good photo ops. If I knew I was going to be so far away, I would have brought my video camera. Oh, well. Hindsight has 20/20 vision, right? 

A big white stretch limo (I think a different one) pulled up, and it had black spots on it!!! I didn't see who got out, though.

Did I see Ioan? Yes.. but from *afar.* He looked to be wearing something like a tan jacket with a white-collared shirt (no tie). It was an informal premiere. Alice looked cute, but not as cute as him! :) Ladies, get ready. He was being interviewed LEFT and RIGHT -- he schmoozed for over 1/2 hour! So there is BOUND to be some coverage on the news.. I saw the NBC truck and I'm sure E! is covering it. It was very easy to see his face with the camera lights on it, etc (even though I left my distance glasses in my car!) I took some pics with my telephoto setting, but I doubt anything will come out. I feel better for trying, though! :) He is so animated and is always moving - it's hard to get a picture like that! That was the most recognizable thing about him - the moving head!

Shameless Saltydog Stunt #1: I asked a cop if he could get closer and take a picture of Ioan. He laughed. 

Shameless Saltydog Stunt #2: I asked a girl next to me to take a picture 'cause she had just slightly a better angle.

Shameless Saltydog Stunt #3: I held my camera up in the air over my head like a freakin' press photog hoping that my upheld arms would capture a better view of the Welsh Cake!

Shameless Saltydog Stunt #4: That I even STOOD across the street from Radio City for over an hour to see a bunch of people go inside to watch a live-animation kiddie movie.

Didn't see his mum. Saw another guy with him, though. Couldn't see much else. He went in the theater, came out again, and then bye, bye Ioan. Radio City Music Hall had him then. I also saw Glenn Close and boy, she is really, really beautiful. A real glamorous star.

Celebs I got a GOOD view of (more or less): John Ritter and his wife Amy Yasbeck, Harry Connick Jr. and his wife Jill Goodacre, and I think I saw Gerard Depardieu. I heard a dog barking, but saw no dogs at all. There were more folks, but I could not make them out....

Well, there it is. My measly recap of the event. Well? Why are you sitting here reading my boring story? You should be channel-surfing, looking for the coverage!!! :)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the London party alumni:
In retrospect, I said on the A&E boards that I didn't care if he was lying about remembering us from the party, but I don't think he was. Because he meets tons of people all of the time, he may have not remembered us individually, but definitely as a group -- as a collective. I am certain that he will never forget this party as it was a new experience for him as well. Because this was so special, I cried the whole way home from London as I was so touched by all of it.

Now, to EVERY Ioan fan:
To those who have not yet met Ioan (yet!) - take heart! Ioan is very appreciative of his fans and the support he receives for his work, and it shows. I never get tired of telling everyone what a lovely, gracious guy he is and that he is well-worth our attention and devotion. So, on top of being heartbreakingly handsome, he is friendly, warm and approachable. So, here's a question: Is Ioan Gruffudd God's gift to women? The answer: A definitive YES! :)

I just want to express how my life has been enriched since October of 1999 when I went to my first Hornblower gathering in Baltimore. This has been quite a journey! I look forward to our future gatherings with a glad heart. Fare thee well, fair sisters... and, thank you for reading!

P.S. Have you ever tried spell-checking with Ioan's name? You get: Ioana, Ioawan, Ian, Ioan, Iran, and Ivan. Too funny.

You are listening to "Cruella DeVil" from 101 Dalmatians