THERE WAS great excitement last week when a panel of distinguished guests judged a Woosehill school’s annual Talent Show.
Performers from every school year delighted the audience at Windmill Primary School as they entertained with music, singing, dancing, magic and comedy.
The judging panel, arranged by Wokingham In Need, included TV host, game show presenter and local celebrity Paul Metcalfe, Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell, Shelley Otway-Wood from Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school, Mandy Dodd from Victory Theatre Project, Wokingham Borough Mayor’s Consort Cllr Beth Rowland, and Wokingham In Need Founder Sue Jackson.
Groups of youngsters, and some very brave solo performers (some as young as five and six) were warmly supported by proud parents and classmates as they each took to the stage in turn before the judges, and Carol Jewell spoke about the difficulty the panel faced in choosing winning performances.
“All the children are amazing, and they work so hard,” she said.
Paul Metcalfe was delighted to be a returning judge, having been on last year’s panel at the school event.
“The children have so much energy, and they love performing,” he said.
New judge Shelley Otway-Wood was keen to spot some new budding stars, and Mandy Dodd said: “I love the variety of performances, there’s something for everyone, and it’s wonderful to see.”
And Beth Rowland agreed that all the youngsters showed great bravery in standing up in front of their peers and family members to perform.
Wokingham In Need (WIN) provided prizes for the event and organised the judging panel.
WIN founder Sue Jackson added: “I’m delighted that we’ve been invited back to Windmill School this year.
“Thank you to everyone for coming along to support the talent show, and especially to our wonderful judges for making the event so special for the youngsters.
“The children are marvellous, and so is the school.”
Assistant head at Windmill School Poppy Bond said: “It’s wonderful to have visitors from outside the school to come and watch our pupils perform and comment on their achievements.
“It’s such positive feedback for the children, and it means the world to them, because it’s not just their teachers saying these things.
“It’s really very special.
“We so appreciate Wokingham In Need, and Sue Jackson for setting up this wonderful opportunity.”
For information, visit: windmillschool.org and wokinghaminneed.com
