Bishop’s Stortford High School team make it through to next round of Rotary Club competition

STUDENTS from Helena Romanes school were pipped to the post by Bishop’s Stortford High School in a public speaking contest hosted by the Dunmow Rotary Club.

With a speech entitled “Freedom of speech good of bad,” Callum Evans, Matthew Pink and Fred Bratley – who all attend Bishop’s Stortford High School - beat their opposition to qualify for the district round of the competition.

Bishop’s Stortford Rotarian Chris Woodhouse organised the event which took place at the college on Monday night.

In each team the Chairman had two minutes to introduce the team and topic of discussion, the speaker then had six minutes to make their case after which a question was taken from the audience. Finally the proposer gave a summary and thanks.

The judging panel decided that the boys had stood out in a strong field, which showcased passionate arguments from all the speakers, and handed them a ticket to the next round.

Rotarian Peter Fox said: “The standard was very good and it was an entertaining evening and in the end the best team won.

“Matthew Pink spoke very well; he was clear in his enunciation and he was very confident. He did his whole six minute speech without notes as well which made his speech even more impressive.”

Bishop’s Stortford College second team came runners up with their speech on trashy tabloids