March 7 2013.


Where in Seaford can you hear solo performances by four young pianists, four guitarists, two drummers, a violinist, a flautist, and six vocalists all on the same evening? The answer is: at Newlands School, if you were lucky enough to get a ticket for the second Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition.

All the young people taking part were aged between 11 and 17 and either live or attend a school in Seaford. The competition aims to give the youngsters the experience of appearing in front of an audience and the chance to showcase their musical talents, and indeed the packed audience was treated to an evening of outstanding instrumental and vocal performances!

The most difficult job fell to judges Margaret Darwall-Smith, Sue Richardson, and Pat White, who had the task of deciding the top three, all of whom received prizes.

This year's winner, who was also presented with the Colin Seymour Memorial Shield, was Hambel Goodchild, and the two runners up were Alyssa Mather and Alfie Dyer. Hambel will now go on to appear at the Seaford Young Mayor's Awards on the 10th of April.

There was also an additional encouragement award, which was won by Beth Moore and all the competitors received commemorative certificates.

The prizes were presented by Paul Vaesen, President of the Rotary Club of Seaford and Tula Dyer, Head of Newlands School.

Thanking the judges,the technical organiser from Sussex Events Ltd., Adam Briggs, MC for the evening Damon Willer, and Newlands School, Paul said this was just one of the many ways in which the Rotary Club supports the town's young people.

There were twice as many entries this year than last year's competition, and it now looks to be a permanent fixture.


Photograph supplied by Geoff Lowels shows all competitors waiting for the results.