Senior French Speaking Contest

On Tuesday 4th November 6 brave contestants from Rosebery, Blenheim and Epsom College went to the Council Chamber, Epsom and Ewell Town Hall to take part in the 2014 French Speaking Competition for Seniors.  A packed council chamber heard them speak and then answer a number questions entirely in French. They impressed the audience, not only because of their skill in pronouncing French, but also their ability speak publicly, to answer difficult questions and for their knowledge of the topics.

The evening was arranged by The Rotary Club of Epsom in conjunction with the Epsom and Ewell Town Twinning Association.  We had a visit from Five French Rotarians from our twin town of Chantilly, and one of these joined the judging panel.  The Judges were Janet Shiret (Chairman), Margaret Nightingale, Christine Rippon and Gerard Olsem from Chantilly Rotary, assisted by Anne Richardson.

After long deliberation the judges awarded first prize to Elise Mathers, Epsom College. Second was Jack Snowden from Blenheim School, and Chloe Carter of Rosebery was highly commended.

Nobody went away empty handed. All competitors were awarded certificates and each competing school in each class received a pack of Heroes which they all truly were! As Clive Smitheram said in his closing remarks, never again can it be said that the English cant or wont speak foreign languages: these young people have proved otherwise!