Youth Speaks Regional Final

Sunday 21st March 2004

Sudbury, Suffolk

Looking at the gales and rain on Saturday, Haydn Sinfield (District Youth Speaks Co-ordinator) and I, were in two minds about making the journey to Sudbury to support our District Teams, Challney School, Luton in the Intermediate section and Sandringham School, St Albans in the Senior section at the Youth Speaks Regional Final on 21st March. It was also Mothering Sunday, which meant I had to wait until early evening before receiving my gifts plus a delicious roast meal cooked by our daughter! However, we did go and had a super day out enjoying not only lovely sunshine most of the time and seeing the glorious little villages on the outskirts of Sudbury, Clare, Clare By Mary, Cavendish and Long Melford, but also a superb competition with the standard being extremely high.

Our efforts were all made worthwhile when it was announced that Sandringham had won the Senior section and were chosen to represent the Region at the National Final in April. There was great excitement amongst the team members, their school teachers and families also ourselves and the other Rotary supporters, DG John Hopkins, Rtn Frank Taylor, Rtn John Childs and his wife Christine plus Jean Nichols. The only dampner on the day was that Challney were not successful. Unfortunately they were late after being held up on their journey which meant they had to give their presentation immediately on arrival and did not have time to compose themselves properly. Great pity. Even so, we still thought they should have won but maybe next year.

Youth Speaks gives the youngsters an excellent opportunity to talk in public and stands them in good stead when entering the adult/business world. This competition should be encouraged throughout the District to enable all schools to take part in what is a very worthwhile event.

Haydn and I will certainly be attending the National Final on Saturday 17th April in Cardiff to cheer on Sandringham and hope that others within the District will feel able to come along to support our District Team and see this competition at its very best. Details can be obtained from Haydn Sinfield. Tel: 01525 874194 or email haydn@du-tel.co.uk.

Christine Sinfield