Specialist care provider Choice Care Group has launched its own
Simon Cowell-style search for a star - and discovered a wealth of
talent.
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.