This year’s Swanton North East festive party was made complete by fantastic performances from some unexpected singing sensations.
On the 13th of December, people supported in services across the region got together to celebrate the season, and karaoke was one of the many fun-filled activities on offer.
However, nobody was prepared when some fabulous singers took to the stage and individually blew the socks off their audience.
The Cedars’ Service Manager Jan Collins, one of the event organising group, said that she was stunned and thrilled by the performances.
Jan said: “Our karaoke stars were unbelievable – it was amazing to see them shine.
“We’ve worked with Robert, who is supported at Eastcliffe, for many years, and we’ve never seen him step into the limelight before.
“But at the party, he got on the stage and owned it by singing ‘Don’t Know Much’ by Linda Ronstadt.
Robert wasn’t the only superstar singer on the night as Derek – who is supported at CHAD – did ‘The Time Warp’ and Seaham View’s Sarah did ‘Say You Love Me’ by Fleetwood Mac.
Jan added: “It’s been a challenging year for Sarah, but she was able to come back, take the stage and sing confidently.”
And it was Maz, who is supported at All Saints, who brought the house down with an emotional version of The Greatest Showman classic ‘This Is Me’.
Jan added: “One of the loveliest things about Maz’s performance was the support she got from everyone at the party.
“We all felt emotional as everyone joined in with ‘This Is Me’.
The party also saw the announcement of the winners of the Christmas Bauble and Christmas Card competitions.
Eastholme took first place in the bauble contest, with the Cedars in second and Murton Grange in third.
Emma from Seaham View won the Card Competition, with Trinity House’s Murray in Second Place and Ashley from Eastcliffe taking third.
Jan said: “We went to each of the services to present the winners with their prizes.
“A huge well done to everyone who took part in the karaoke, competitions and the party. It was a wonderful way to end the year.”
