News
Choice Care Group Launches Talent Showcase
Choice Got Talent 2011 involved service users from across The Choice Care Group, which provides residential and supported living services for people aged 16+ with learning disabilities, mental health disorders and complex needs.
Three regional auditions took place, with the successful performers going forward to the Choice Got Talent final, held at Swindon Town Football Club in front of an invited audience of around 200 friends, family, service users and staff.
The overall winner was rap singer Khalid Falali from Sunnyside House, in Birdwood, Gloucestershire, performing under his stage name of MC Smixs, who won a £50 prize and a trophy.
Runners-up were Richard Weaver from Victoria Lodge, in Southsea, Hampshire, who performed the Art Garfunkel hit Bright Eyes, and Richard Dean, from Abbeyfield Lodge, in Fleet, Hampshire, who performed an a capella version of House of the Rising Sun.
Also taking part were Richard Hodgkinson and Susie Topliss, both from Hurst House, in Swindon, Wiltshire, Richard Kingham from Fountain View, Lower Upham, Hants and ‘A. C.’ from Rowan Cottage, Reading.
Dale Daniels, from Argyll House, Swindon, Anne Sullivan from Coppice House, in Huntley, Gloucestershire, Bernard King, Barbara Detterman and David Richards, from Peppard House, in Caversham, Hampshire – and who performed as the only band in the contest – Carol Ann Gaines from Abbeyfield Lodge and James Turner from Fairview, in Baughurst, Hants, were also finalists.
Choice training manager Colin Carter said: “It was a wonderful evening, enjoyed by everyone who attended, and a very big thank you must go to our Choice colleagues Hayley Farthing, Kerry Hartley and Raphael Obrike, along with Deborah Kendall, who put in so much hard work to make it possible.
“Choice Got Talent proved so popular that we are now talking to service users about making it an annual event.”
The final took place on 19 October.
For more information please call 0845 815 9860.
