Tuesday 11th October 2011

It's become one of the highlights of the Mayoral calendar since it began 3 years ago, and, on Saturday evening hundreds of people packed out Chesterfield's Winding Wheel in order to watch 14 acts compete to become the winner of 'Chesterfield's Got Talent 2011'.


Lucy Telfer and Edward Jowle perform their winning song at Chesterfield's Got Talent 2011

The evening was held to raise money for the Mayoral Appeal, which this year will see Ashgate Hospice and The Chesterfield Cancer Drop In Centre (Nenna Kind) benefit from funds raised from various events.

The acts were varied, and included drummers, singers - two of whom were performing live on stage in front of an audience for the very first time, and school and dance groups from the town.


The judges table (minus the Mayor) - l-r, Joanna Fuller, Philip Evans, Adrian Kitch and John Burrows

Every act received rapturous applause and support from the audience and words of advice and encouragement from the 5 judges (above), The Mayor, Councillor Peter Barr, Local businesswoman Joanna Fuller, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Cllr John Burrows, Former Mayor Adrian Kitch and representing the young people of Chesterfield, 12 year old Philip Evans.

After watching all the acts perform the judges had the difficult and frankly unenviable task of choosing the final three acts, one of who would win the title for this year. Previous winners include Chelsea Redfern, who recently made it through to the last 10 girls on the X-Factor.



The judges said it had been a difficult decision but Lucy Telfer and Edward Jowle (16 and 15 respectively) and from Brookfield and Newbold School were crowned winners (above) after performing a rousing and emotionally charged version of Past The Point Of No Return from Phantom of The Opera.

Conor Fletcher, an excellent young drummer was third with 10-year-old Elizabeth Unwin who sang a 'Spoonful of Sugar' from the film Mary Poppins the runner up.

Afterwards we grabbed a chat with the still bewildered winners who, with Edward speaking on behalf of both, said they were thrilled and proud to have won, "We're overwhelmed and ecstatic! We loved it. One of the best experiences we've ever had. For us it was incredible. We met at Chesterfield Operatic Society and decided to do this, we can't believe we've won."

We asked why they had chosen the song they had, "We both love musical theatre and love Phantom - this is the most emotional and passionate song we could have done. It was a team effort though and we want to thank Katie Robson, Sheena Ryder and Emma Smith."

Cllr John Burrows, Leader of the Council was a very proud man as he spoke with us afterwards, "It was a very difficult decision to make, extremely hard, like sticking a pin in a bunch of names! It's time to stop talking about the very few bad few young people and start talking about THESE young people who were absolutely fantastic and a credit to Chesterfield.


Runner up Elizabeth performs on stage at Chesterfield's Got Talent 2011

"It's also been a wonderful evening with the number of people who have come to support the Mayor's Appeal. It wants taking on tour now!"

Steve Jowle - Edward's dad was also bursting with pride after watching his son perform, "You would not believe how proud I am. They fit together hand in glove, they've worked hard and I'm not taking anything away from anyone - but they deserved it."

He added, "They've not long been performing together, just a matter of months, and they decide to do this. I've only seen them do it in the house, the first time I heard it properly was at the sound check this afternoon. I knew they'd do well.

"It's also a good night for Chesterfield, what's happening with Elton John coming, a football team that are doing something again - we have a vibrant town, there's a lot of talent in Chesterfield, events like this prove there is."

The Mayor of Chesterfield was understandably thrilled with the evening and said, "It's been super tonight; after the first act I said if all are like this it will be a difficult night and it was. They did very well. They were all so good - all worthy of a prize. We wanted two winners."


The Heritage Clowne School performed Chicago

Asked what was the clinching factor, he said that Edward and Lucy had won because of, "The emotion that they put into it, Elizabeth (the runner up) was fantastic, outstanding, there was very little in it. It's been a great evening for charity - an enjoyable evening and a good night financially for the good causes we're supporting."

He also wanted to thank the people behind the scenes who helped make the evening such a success, "A huge thank you to everyone, but especially Samantha Kitch - she knew what she was doing and the result we've had tonight is down to her. Also the staff at the Winding Wheel and the Civic and Appeal team who gave their time for free

"Chesterfield really has got talent, talent from all over the town and of all ages."

Following on from a suggestion by John Burrows, some of the acts will now be going on tour around the town to showcase the Talent that Chesterfield has. Details to be confirmed as soon as we have them.

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