The semi-final contests for the Association of Speakers Clubs were held at Motherwell at the weekend and the clubs in Border Area, which stretches from Workington right round the Solway to Stranraer, came home with all five trophies.
Border Area President, Susan Trafford, who is a member of Carlisle & District Club said: ”I am thrilled that the clubs in Border Area have succeeded in winning all the contests. This is a record achievement. Special congratulations go to all three winners. Mike George, from West Coast Club in Workington, won the Topics Contest. The other winners were Margaret Hunt from Carlisle Club, who won the Evaluation Contest and Douglas McClure who is a member of Stranraer Club. He won the Speech Contest.
Stranraer Club also won the Annan Tankard for the Club with the highest increase in membership in North Western District. The members of Cockermouth Club were presented with the Brian Driscoll Trophy in acknowledgement of the work they do with young people in the community.
All this clearly demonstrates the extremely good work going on in Border Area.”
BORDER AREA MAKES A CLEAN SWEEP AT NATIONAL SEMI FINALS
Why did I join Speakers Club?
I had wanted to join Speakers for a long time but didn't have the time in my very busy life. The very heavy work load was reduced and I joined about 2 years ago. Haven't regretted it at all and thoroughly enjoy the meetings and the support from other club members- Barbara Inglis, member for 2 years. In a peer group assessment, a fellow-manager said, ‘Ella has some good ideas and should speak up more in management meetings’. I knew she was right. I suffered from stage-fright and was determined to overcome this. I saw a leaflet in Morton Community Centre about Speakers Club. I telephoned them and they invited me to a meeting. The rest is history. I am now the Club’s Education Director; I’ve competed in many competitions over the past two years and I have overcome my stage fright. I am completely hooked on public speaking and value the support and feedback from other members. It’s fun- Ella Atherton, member for 3 years.
