Teams progressing from the public speaking final of Colchester & North Essex branch acquitted themselves well in an East Region final of remarkably high standard at Magdalene College, Cambridge, on 16 March 2019.
Brentwood School were placed runners-up in the event, the team comprising chair, Anisa Sarwar, questioner, Mayukha Rodrigo, and Nicole Fergus, whose outstanding ability won her the award as best speaker. Nicole was most highly engaging in her delivery of a well defended argument in favour of a 4-day working week.
In addition, Oliver Pilling of New Hall School, Chelmsford, deservedly received the prize as best chair for his charming and solid performance alongside questioner William Bidwell and speaker Zac Petre-Azeem.
The Regional final was organized by the branch’s indefatigable public speaking organizer and ESU Governor, James Scruby, who was also responsible for the Colchester, Southend and Cambridge heats and finals.
