1. 22 Tuesday August 2, 2016 www.gazette-news.co.ukGazette
Stevi stars at
award event
X Factor singer is special guest at ceremony
By WENDY BRADING
wendy.brading@nqe.com
X FACTOR favourite Stevi
Ritchie won over the crowd
when he was guest of honour
at an awards ceremony.
The popular crooner con-
gratulated members of Col-
chester Gateway Club and
presented them with their
awards for challenges com-
pleted over several years.
The club provides social
clubs and activities for adults
with learning disabilities and
the awards have been funded
by donations and fundraising.
Sally Hargrave, the
scheme’s project and fund-
raising manager, said: “Stevi
was so genuine and at ease
as he handed out awards
and praised and encouraged
people, some of whom were
excited and some nervous on
the night.
“He was particularly posi-
tive when people responded
to the audience and made a
show of getting their awards
and sensitively walked over
to people to give them their
awards where they were sit-
ting if they did not feel able to
come up to the front.
“He was generous with his
time and stayed on after the
award ceremony to sign auto-
graphs, be in countless selfies
and answer people’s questions
with real openness. I honestly
cannot praise his warmth, hu-
mour and generosity enough.
It felt like the beginning of a
great friendship.”
Stevi sang two songs – This
is My Moment and Footloose
- encouraging the crowd to
sing along and dance. He said:
“It is nice to be here. What
a great crowd, great people,
everyone so lovely, friendly
and down to earth.”
Stevi is to appear in Sleep-
ing Beauty at the Princes The-
atre in Clacton this winter.
NN Visitor - Stevi Ritchie with
some of the centre-users
at the award ceremony.
Later this year the star will
be appearing in panto in
Clacton