Junior public speakers in the Rotary’s annual Youth Speaks competition at the Memorial Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett, were praised as “excellent” by the compere, Wiltshire Radio presenter Graham Seaman.

Philip Potter, a public speaking tutor who chaired the panel of judges, said: “The standard of this competition has improved every year and I am amazed that children of your age can come and talk to an audience so competently.”

Royal Wootton Bassett mayor Sue Hughes presented the prizes and certificates. Trophy winners were Camille Philipon, who spoke about an end-of-year production, Shauna Potter, whose topic was a residential trip and Mia Davies, who spoke on preparing for secondary school.

Noremarsh speakers were Ruby Beard (on dance), Olivia Crowley (running) and Laura Robbins (hockey). The St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy team included Sam Case (triathlon), Gabriel Woodhouse (David Attenborough’s study of sharks) and Adele Cotton (my new baby sister). Rotarian Dave Fenwick, former district governor, thanked everyone involved.

 

Picture caption: Rotary Junior Youth Speaks trophy winners Lydiard Millicent C of E School, centre, with Noremarsh Juniors, left, and St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy, right. Back row, from left, compere Graham Seaman, judges George Tuckett, Coun Sue Hughes and Philip Potter