Archive for April, 2019

Silverware at National Finals in Edinburgh

Tuesday, April 30th, 2019
Ramana, Chris and 3rd placed Lucy Pitts with speech contest trophies

Ramana, Chris and 3rd placed Lucy Pitts with speech contest trophies

Chris Clissitt won the National Speech Contest for the third time in Edinburgh on Saturday 27th April with a speech about customer satisfaction surveys entitled “How was it for you?” The runner up was Ramana Sundara, known to us as Eastern District President and a member of York RI SC, but this time representing Midlands District through his membership of Newark SC. Both are past national winners, Ramana in 2016 and Chris in 2013 and 2015, becoming the first person to win three times.

There was more silverware for Wetherby SC in the Topics Contest where John Holian gained third place speaking on the subject “Mistakes.”  John delivered an excellent topic, well worthy of the honour in a high standard competition.

New Olympic Events at After Dinner Speech Contest

Wednesday, April 17th, 2019
Jocelyn Brooks (Empty Condo) with the after dinner speech trophy

Jocelyn Brooks (Empty Condo) with the after dinner speech trophy

Following the news that break dancing was to feature in the 2024 Olympic games, champions of other skilful and physically demanding activities made their pitch for future inclusion.

This was the scenario for the annual After Dinner Speech Contest held at the Bridge Inn, Walshford, on Friday 12th April.  Speakers adopted thinly disguised characters and delivered light hearted speeches as they tried to persuade us that their activity was worthy of Olympic status.

Congratulations to the winner, Jocelyn Brooks, as Empty Condo, who convinced the judge that tidying and decluttering should be added to the Olympic roster (with a little help from Great Aunt Maud!)

The other speakers were Craig Level-Hardwood (Neil Wilson) for ballroom dancing, Alan Ditchmarks (Peter Wilson) for gardening, Bare Thrills (Howard Herbert) for survival skills, Eric Briskthrow (John Holian) for darts and Paul Wallyhood (Chris Clissitt) for baking.

The MC was Arcy Hustle (Niki Boersma, winner last year) and the judge was Philip Solity.