Children from Windmill Primary School in Woosehill took centre stage this week as their annual talent show brought together parents, pupils and a panel of notable local judges.
Local figures judge wide-ranging performances
The panel included Sangeeta Bhabra, regional presenter for ITV Meridian; Cllr Alwyn Jones, Wokingham Town Mayor; and representatives from local arts and community organisations: Sue Jackson (founder of Wokingham in Need), Cathy Valentine (Circus Scene), Mandy Dodd (The Victory Theatre Project) and Shelley Otway-Wood (Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow).
Around 26 pupils took part in the show, presenting a mixture of singing, dancing and comedy acts. The event featured a choir performance during the interval while judges deliberated, and acts ranged from solo vocal performances to combination pieces, such as one pupil singing the cup-song routine from the film Pitch Perfect while a classmate provided the rhythmic accompaniment.
“Inner confidence – that’s the thing. Don’t be like everyone else, I want somebody who’s got a unique quality, something that you can’t quite put your finger on. Something a bit different.”
The comment above was offered by Sangeeta Bhabra as she explained the qualities she was seeking in the competitors. She also noted the personal importance of the occasion, given her local residence and community ties.
Rehearsal, feedback and community benefit
Assistant headteacher Poppy Bond said pupils had been preparing for months, rehearsing since January to polish their pieces. She described the event as the school’s most significant of the year and stressed the value of performing for both peers and a well-known panel.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am. It’s so special for the children to perform not only in front of pupils and parents but a celebrity panel of judges, who will give them feedback. It makes them feel so good, so empowered and so special. For me, this is our most important event of the year.”
The presence of the town mayor was framed as an endorsement of the school’s inclusive character. Cllr Alwyn Jones described the school as “a great institution” that welcomes children from diverse backgrounds.
- Event: Windmill Primary annual talent show
- Participants: ~26 pupils from Windmill Primary School
- Judges: ITV Meridian presenter, Wokingham Town Mayor, and representatives from local arts charities and theatre groups
- Preparation: pupils rehearsed since January
| Judge | Role |
|---|---|
| Sangeeta Bhabra | ITV Meridian presenter |
| Cllr Alwyn Jones | Wokingham Town Mayor |
| Sue Jackson | Wokingham in Need founder |
| Cathy Valentine | Circus Scene |
| Mandy Dodd | The Victory Theatre Project |
| Shelley Otway-Wood | Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow |
For pupils, the chance to perform before a diverse audience and receive feedback from professionals is intended to build confidence and inspire continued participation in the arts. For the wider community, events of this sort offer a visible demonstration of local civic engagement and the partnerships that exist between schools, charities and performing arts organisations.
Windmill Primary’s talent show provides an annual showcase for young skills and a reminder of the role local public figures can play in encouraging participation in cultural activities across the borough.
