Province 4 Public Speaking Competition – Friday 23rd March 2018

Province 4 Public Speaking Competition – Friday 23rd March 2018

Carmel College, St Helens, hosted this years competition after the success of Sophia Smith, Carmel College, last year’s winner. Special thanks this year to Mr Hill, Headteacher and his Governors, staff and pupils. They provided excellent facilities and refreshments.

Over 100 Brothers, wives and guests attended from the Province.

Pupils from six schools in the Province entered the competition:

Emma Bailey, Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College, Liverpool.

Alfie Davies, The Catholic High School,Chester.

Ryan-Cole Norton, St Anselm’s College, Birkenhead.

Hilary Jones, Upton Hall School FCJ, Wirral,

Emily Garratt, Carmel College, St Helens,

Christopher Condliff, St Edward’s College, Liverpool.

A wide range of subjects was spoken about by the contestants. The three adjudicators were Paul McCarthy (South Liverpool Circle and EAD Solicitors), Chairman, Lynne Hewitt (wife of Paul Hewitt – North Wales Circle and English teacher) and Tony Charnock, OBE (Ormskirk Circle). After a difficult deliberation but unanimous decision, Emily Garratt was declared the winner and presented with a cheque and Competition Shield by the contest Chairman, Owen Ward, Provincial President.

Paul McCarthy praised the quality and confidence of all the speakers. He commented that Emily’s presentation, entitled: ‘Tomorrow never comes’ on the impact of Dementia, was both well researched and eloquently delivered – without notes, an impressive winner. Emily will represent the Province at the National Finals in Manchester on September 9th.

Peter Rogers, Great Britain National President (St Helens Circle), gave the vote of thanks, congratulating all the contestants and thanking all at Carmel College for hosting the competition. Mr Hill, Headteacher, then confirmed that the College would be delighted to host the competition next year as proud winners of this year’s competition.

This year’s competition was organised by Charles Boulton, Provincial Vice-President, to whom special thanks must go for a successful and enjoyable evening. Further many thanks must go to EAD Solicitors for their generous financial support and production of the Programmes and Certificates. Charles Boulton personally gave thanks to Bob Grace (Secretary – South Liverpool Circle), who printed the tickets and remaining documentation and thanked all who helped the smooth running of the event during the evening.

Also thank you to Chalkeys ,the St Helens Caterers, who provided an excellent buffet after the competition.