Haberdasher Aske’s School, Elstree, wins Hertfordshire Branch Final of the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition
The Hertfordshire Branch Final of the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition was held on 21 January at Aldenham School, where seven Hertfordshire school teams competed for a place in the East Region Final, taking place at Magdalene College, Cambridge, on 14 March. The competing schools were:
- St Clement Danes School, Chorleywood
- Kings Langley School
- Haberdasher Aske’s School, Elstree (two teams)
- Haileybury School, Hertford
- Aldenham School
- St Margaret’s School, Bushey
Along with parents and teachers, together with the Headmaster of Aldenham School, local Hertfordshire public figures (pictured) were warmly welcomed:
- Sir Simon Bowes Lyons KCVO
- The Worshipful, the Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Rabbi Alan Plancey
- Mr Stuart Nagler MBE, DL
- President David Rose, Radlett Rotary
There was a frisson in the room as each of the seven teams rose to the occasion to demonstrate their superior oracy skills and abilities, giving the three adjudicators a challenging task.
After careful deliberation, it was voted that Haberdasher Aske’s School for Girls, Team 1, had the edge needed to go forward to the East Region Final, along with their Guest Speaker, Jamila, who was voted Outstanding Personality.
After presentations had taken place, our guests, parents and teachers were thanked for their valuable support, together with Aldenham School, for their kind hospitality in providing such generous refreshments and for making the evening such an enjoyable event.
We wish the winning team, as representatives of the Hertfordshire Branch ESU, good luck that they might succeed in the East Region Final to go forward to yet greater success in the Grand Final, taking place at Churchill College, Cambridge, on 25 April.
