The first ever Halton’s Got Talent winner, Charlotte Dacia McKelvie, has been given a special award by a Halton based musical charity,
Victoria Music Ltd, presents an annual Tony Bamber Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in Halton, named after the founder of local family firm Anthony’s Travel.
In past years the award has gone to Ella Together, Widnes Vikings Community Team and to Andrew Curphey.
This year VML presented the award to the fabulously talented local performer and community spirited Charlotte
Charlotte was the very first winner of Halton’s Got Talent in 2008 and has since done much work in the arts both locally, nationally and internationally.
She graduated with a scholorship, supported by Halton Borough Council, from the Hammond in Chester gaining her Musical Theatre qualifications and then she joined a touring company in Cyprus for six months. She performed on a number of world cruises for Silver Sea as a principal vocalist for seven months and last year worked on the final cruise for the Silver Cloud vessel.
Charlotte, for all her ambition is a local girl at heart and at every opportunity comes back to Halton to give her valuable time teaching local children in Art in Motion at St Mary’s Church in Halton Village. Indeed she is currently performing in Panto in Bolton but ensures she comes back every Monday just so that she won’t let down the local children and takes her class.
Her one woman show at The Brindley Studio earlier this year was dedicated to the late and very respected local arts supporter Andy Spokes who died suddenly last year. She performs once more at the Brindley this coming March.
Ann Bamber who presented the Award said: “I have followed Charlotte’s career and work closely and always try to catch up with all she is doing in the arts”>
Rob Littler, of Victoria Music praised Charlotte and her determination to make a success of her career whilst still looking after younger children in Halton.
“She is a superb role model for all young people, immensely talented and yet grounded and down to earth and a real person with a love for the borough’.
When asked how significant the award was to her, Charlotte said: “I find it a real honour to be given such a special award with such a special meaning; I grew up with Tony’s grandchildren and taught a number of them to dance!’
Charlotte finishes panto at the end of December and then intends to help with a local project run at St Michael and All Angels Chruch in Runcorn to get local community children into music and the arts by visiting local schools.
She said: “imagine getting a place at a prestigious school but with no scholorship then not being able to attend after all?
“More needs to be done to help these children and I know because I could not have done half of what I have done without such support from Halton Council and The Brindley.”
Charlotte will performing her show An Audience with Charlotte Dacia at the Brindley Theatre on Saturday 9 March. Tickets are on sale now from www.thebrindley.org.uk and 0151 907 8360.