Holy Jingles go in search of the Cedarbrook Factor

Holy Jingles, Cedarbrook's worship band, staged The Cedarbrook Factor in the church hall on Saturday evening, a talent contest run closely along the lines of the television programme, with three judges, a smoke machine borrowed from the pantomime and a floor that had been swept twice.

Nine acts entered. Mr Donald Frampton opened with Shine, Jesus, Shine on the melodica, wearing sunglasses indoors, which he later explained was part of the performance. Mrs Vera Stubbins gave How Great Thou Art in a sequinned bolero last seen in Mother Goose, reaching the high note on the second attempt to warm applause. Mr Ambrose Tilley performed Lord of the Dance in tights also borrowed from the pantomime, and has since been asked to see wardrobe before the harvest supper.

Percy Jones came out of retirement for one number, and those at the back report having heard a good deal of it.

Judging was by Cyril Gough, Cecil Hobday and Mrs Beatrice Willoughby. Mr Hobday marked strictly on tuning, Mrs Willoughby on effort, and Cyril Gough said that he was going to be honest with them on eleven separate occasions.

First place went to Petra Jameson for a drum solo of four minutes, unaccompanied, which the panel felt spoke for itself. Doreen Pickles' tea urn performed faultlessly throughout. The evening raised £73 for the Wesley roof appeal, and a second series has not been ruled out.