Search For A Star
North West Area Final 2007
WHAT a fantastic end to what been
a smorgasbord talent of all ages. The 2007 BRA. Search
For A Star North West Area Final took place at the
Southport Arts Centre on Thursday 6 September 2007. I
always say how amazing the acts are and how they are
better than the year before, but what surprised me was
just how good this year's standard was. Even throughout
the heats it reached that of the final standard. Even if
the acts, which did not get through to the regional
final, put on such a dazzling display that it was hard
for judges to make decisions. The 2007 North West Heats
have been the closest ever. So the acts taking part in
the final had to be very good and for the audience, they
were not let down. What always surprises and pleases me
is what the audience and judges do not see; the back
stage comradeship that is often shown by the acts at the
Search For A Star. This year it was just as heartening
to see all the acts supporting each other along the way
and congratulating the winners. This made the back stage
atmosphere very friendly and a joy to be in, both at the
heats and also at the final. This to me is what this
type of event is all about. The development of artists,
both in confidence and ability, as well as in their
ability to work alongside other entertainers offstage,
as they develop their networking skills and friendships.
This year's area finalists were:- Shaun Fields, Jonathan
Graham, Jodie Hamblet, Korni Turner, Robbie Carter, Sara
Creeney, Michelle Taylor, Mark Walton, Nick Donnelly,
Barrie Briercliffe, Suzanne Marris, Gina Harrison and
Penny Nicholls.
The night's supporting acts included a stunning display
by a group of dancers, aged from 6 to 17 years of age.
The Kelly Shirley School of Dance, who come from
Southport started the show with a high kicking
demonstration of their skills and troupe also began the
closure with yet another fast paced routine. The troupe
had supporting singers Jacqie Lewis, Ken Nicholson,
Graham Oxford, as well as another dance routine duo
called Havanna Nights. The very last performance was
given by the winner of the Regional Final.
The champion of the North West Area was Jonathan Graham
and he will represent the region in the National Finals
to be held at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa on
Saturday, 24 November, 2007. Second place was awarded to
Robbie Carter and in third place was Korni Turner.
Congratulations to all who took part. I hope to see you
all again at next year's competition.
Readers who did not make it to the event will be able to
see the winner Jonathan Graham at the Latin Lounge on
Post Office Ave. Southport very soon and at the 2007
Southport Christmas Lights Switch On.
Clipper 07-08 Round
the World Yacht Race
THE Clipper 07-08 Round the World
Yacht Race fleet has arrived in Liverpool on Saturday, 8
September 2007.
The fleet and will be docked in the Albert Dock
until the start of the race on Sunday, 16 September 2007
for their epic voyage from the Mersey around the world
and back again.
We wish the teams all the best
and we look forward to seeing them off.... This race
will also have 2 new clippers to be named later this
week.
