After being with Karen Sue and Sue in Vegas when they had their experience , three weeks later it was time to go back for Chris Smith and I to have our  turn after being fans for MANY years. 

The flight over seemed endless as we were so anxious to get there. After checking in at the Hilton we immediately went to  pick up our fan club tickets .When we opened them we literally screamed as we saw  we had front row every night!! What a start to the  trip!  

On the day {December 15] Chris and I  went out down the strip so our nerves stayed ok. By mid afternoon the face  packs, eye pads were out and hair re-done a dozen times!! When time to go  down we took photos of each other just to prove how posh we could look!  We  went to the meeting  area where other Brits and Americans were waiting. 

After we  had our  identities checked  we were taken backstage into  the green room where we were given champagne or water and a  goody bag with our  passes etc. When Barry was ready Lynn called us through individually  or 3 Brits went in together. Chris and i were  called and we followed Lynn  and waited by the entrance. Lynn kindly straightened my necklace and chatted  lovely to us. Then we were shown in! I first went over to Barry and shook hands  then Chris did the  same. Then it seemed so easy and relaxed it was those  lovely blue penetrating eyes that did it. Barry wanted to know how the X Factor  was going and talked about the contestants. Then he chatted about the record  signing we had queued 10 hours for. Marc was nearby joining in the talk. Then  Barry brought up the royal variety asking if it had come across OK. told him  we were in the noisy balcony. He was surprised his slot had been moved. We said  it was probably to make Rod look better but typical Barry  he said "oh  he's a decent guy". 

After a little more chatting we poised for a group  photo of the three  of us, then  with Barry for the individual photos -  first Chris then my turn to have  nice hugs  for  these photos!.

When giving us our signed programmes I  asked if he could date mine so big debate what the date was! Then he pulled me  to him for a hug and a kiss on the cheek and then did the same for Chris. We  both went out 
with huge grins like Cheshire cats. Front row centre seats were  just the icing on the cake.     Both 
Chris and I have had a  difficult time in our individual private lives in the last couple of  years and this gorgeous experience of  meeting Barry properly has meant so much to both of us.    

Lynn  MacDonald

Barry & Lynn MacDonald