Public Speaking Competition

Once again Aylsham Rotary club were delighted to sponsor the annual Tony Greenfield Public Speaking Competition. Of course this year the organisation and delivery were very different, but everyone was determined not to let a pandemic prevent this fantastic event from going ahead.

The theme for this year was “What I have learnt from Lockdown”. The students made a short two minute speech on this theme for the heats. There was a great response and all the entries were whittled down to 15 students, three from each year group.

Unfortunately the final was not able to be live so once again the power of technology rescued us and the students stepped in front of the video screen once more.  As we entered the second Lockdown, the finalists were asked to speak on the same theme but with reference to both Lockdowns.

All of the students gave accounts of how Covid 19 and the pandemic had affected them including their families, education and mental health.

The younger students talked about how strange it was to finish their Primary School without all the usual rituals of farewells and they even missed the SATs tests! It was also very challenging to start life at a new school in September.

All of the students spoke about the impact of not being able to see extended family and friends except via a screen, but they also spoke about the improved quality of the time that they were spending with the people they lived with. Each one of them talked about appreciating the little things in life and how slowing down made them stop and take notice. Daily walks, even in the rain, became a highlight of their day along with playing games with their families. New heroes emerged, the NHS, all essential workers and of course the Keep Fit guru, Joe Wicks! All candidates expressed a hope for the future that when we return to “normal” we remember all that we learnt in Lockdown.

As always the three judges; John Lock, President of Aylsham Rotary Club, Greg Peck, Vice President of Aylsham Rotary Club and Fiona Chant, Immediate Past President of Aylsham Rotary Club, had the almost impossible task of choosing a winner.

Congratulations to all of the finalists who were so impressive and the Judges would like to thank all the students for taking part and sharing their very personal thoughts about this pandemic.
Year 7: Amy-Rose, Geno and Phoebe
Year 8: Tom, Felix and Isabella
Year 9: Stevie, Esme and Beth
Year 10: Emma, Rose and Florence
Year 11: Lois, Jadzia and Maddy

In first place Beth Wedge Clarke, in second place Jadzia Burgoyne and in third place Florence Toplis.

All the finalists received a cash prize.

Many thanks to Aylsham High School, and especially Jo Bates, Head of English, for working with Aylsham Rotary to ensure that this wonderful event took place.