Bower Queen Selection Night 2010

Meet the Contestants

Laura Pearce, aged 17 from Chasetown

“I am a student at Lichfield College, I am currently studying Childcare level two, and I do a placement at Ridgeway Sunbeams Nursery. I work at Rainbow Playworld in Tamworth at the weekend.

I enjoy kickboxing, shopping, socialising with friends and I love meeting new people.

I would like to become Bower Queen because I feel it will make members of my family and friends proud because of the achievement of being the representative of the Bower.”

Gemma Wright, aged 19, from Lichfield

“I like my job also going out with family and friends, reading and listening to music.

I have entered the Bower Queen Competition twice before and would like to do some charity work through it to help with Cancer research.”

Jodie Rushton, aged 16 from Lichfield

“My name is Jodie and I am 16 years of age. I am in my last year at The Friary High School; I am then going to Sutton College to do Photography and Art.

I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers and enjoy going out with friends. I have a Saturday job in Lichfield working at a cafe, so when I am not at school I am working.

I also enjoy going to the gym and spending time with my boyfriend. I am good at socialising and meeting new people.”

Jemma Gumbley, aged 16 from Lichfield

“My name is Jemma, my hobbies are horse riding at the weekend. I also like doing Arts and Crafts. I am a part time student at College. I do hairdressing: I also work part time as well in an Arts and Crafts Centre in Sutton.

I have a big family 5 brothers and 4 sisters, I am the youngest. I left school last year and will be in college for the next two years.

I have a horse called Millie that I go to take care of most weekends, my brother has 3 horses so I ride them as well.

I have lived in Lichfield my whole life and I would really like to be Bower Queen because it would be great to be a part of it.

I know about the Bower Queen because I go to see the Bower every year and have always wanted to take part.”

Holly Shaw, aged 17 from Burntwood

“My name is Holly Elizabeth Shaw; I am currently attending Sutton Coldfield College studying Forensic Science as it is an ambition of mine to become a Soco.

I currently live at home with my parents and brothers and sisters, I have quite a big family which I love to be a part of and I enjoy spending my free time with them.

I am 17 and love to keep fit, I use a local gym and swimming pool to do so, as well as this I like to read and socialise. As well as my current full time education I am considering Art and Design.

I am working at a local shop to start saving for the future.”

Leanne Hulley, aged 22 from Rugeley

“My name is Leanne Hulley. I am a Photography student in my final at Staffordshire University, when I graduate I hope to pursue and aim to work in the field of fine art photography.

I enjoy reading, swimming, movies and music. I am interested in art, photography, history and heritage.

I describe myself as a kind, caring, trustworthy person, very friendly and easy going, hard working and creative.”

Chloe Gregory, aged 17 from Whittington

“I live in Whittington and I am 17 years old. I go to college where I am doing a fashion and Textiles course I then plan to go to University.

My interests include painting, swimming and meeting up with friends. If I could not get a job in fashion I would like to get a job working with animals.

I would like to be the Bower Queen as I grew up in Lichfield and I would be very proud to represent Lichfield as Bower Queen. I have always wished to be the Bower Queen since I was a little girl and it would be an honour to be chosen.”

Yuko Woodrow, aged 25 from Armitage

“My name is Yuko Woodrow, I was born in Japan and I have lived in Armitage for a year.

I enjoy listening to music, cooking and watching films.

My husband is English and he has told me about the tradition of the Bower queen.”

Tara Wilson, aged 18 from Rugeley

“My name is Tara Wilson; I am 18 years of age. I am a student studying Level 3 Childcare at Stafford College, my placement is at various nurseries which I love.

I like to dance in my free time and go out with friends. I would like to be Bower Queen to meet new people and represent the town as I feel I could do this well and make people proud. I’d also like to raise awareness for Cancer research and also a nursery – Greenhall, Community and Key Learning Centre as I am trying to raise funds for them. These both mean a lot to myself and will have a large impact on many others.

I also work part time at Savers in Lichfield at the weekend and in the holidays. I enjoy working in retail as I get to meet new people as well as assisting them with any queries.

I would like to think that I am friendly, outgoing and easy to get along with.”

Meet the Judges

The judges call four girls back and ask them this question “If you won a million pounds how would you spend it on Lichfield?”

The girls responses covered a youth centre, to help keep kids off the street; an animal home for abandoned animals; childcare facilities and an old peoples home.

Finally they reach a decision…

AND THE WINNER IS…

Holly Shaw!

And deputy Chloe Gregory:

Well done girls and good luck