There is talent across Townsend Estate (From Bournemouth Echo)

There is talent across Townsend Estate

6:30pm Wednesday 8th September 2010 in

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THE closure of Townsend primary school sparked fears that it could trigger a new wave of antisocial behaviour on the once troubled estate.

During its darkest days in October 2003 the Bournemouth suburb was declared a no-go area.

A spate of vandalism attacks led to the withdrawal of bus services amid fears for drivers’ safety.

When postal workers were intimidated by youths the post box was sealed and residents were asked to bring their mail into the local post office by hand.

Thugs drove a van into a phone box before torching it and taxi drivers refused to go on to Townsend at night.

After policing the estate for six years a local beat bobby warned that crime could escalate if the local school was shut.

Worried parents echoed PC Mike Lowther’s sentiments but a decision to close the school still went ahead.

Two years on, the tables have well and truly turned, with the former primary school now showcasing the talents of children from the estate and beyond.

Eighteen months ago a group of volunteers set up the Townsend Community Arts and Music Project inviting five to 16-year-olds to performing workshops in dance, drama and music with free Wednesday night sessions in the former school hall.

Musical director Craig Gilbert, who also organises the annual Townsend’s Got Talent show, said: “Since sessions started we have seen a big change in the children. The chance to perform in public had increased their self-confidence.

“When I first came up with the idea people thought I was mad. Townsend still has a stigma attached to it but we’ve now got children coming here from the Kinson area.

“I don’t live on the estate but, after the school closed, I wanted to put something back into the community.

“My late father Ron was known to many as Mr Magic. I was on stage with him from the age of nine, helping with his act. He was a brilliant father and it was important for me to give other children the same opportunity.

“There is talent on Townsend; our annual talent show is a great success.”

Last year’s winner Hayley Hornyak was among those practising their dance routines for An Evening of Magic and Illusion to be staged at the former Jewell Road school on Saturday, September 18.

Hayley, 13, who lives on the estate, said: “If I’m lucky enough to win this year’s show my dad is going to enter me in the Britain’s Got Talent contest. Coming to these sessions has really helped me as I receive vocal coaching.

“My dream is to become a professional singer and this has provided me with the next step towards that goal.”

Nine-year-old Rhianna Beardwood, who also lives on Townsend, said: “I love coming here; I’ve met so many friends and it’s great fun. One day I’d like to be a dancer.”

Auditions for Townsend’s Got Talent start next month with £100 up for grabs.

The show is open to five to 16-year-olds from across Bournemouth with the finals getting under way on December 13.

Tickets for An Evening of Magic cost £10 for adults and £7.50 for children and can be obtained by visiting tcamp.info or phoning 01202 460296/301556.