The annual “Young Voices” public speaking competition run by Herne View Primary School and the Rotary Club of Ilminster saw children from 5 to 11 taking part. They spoke on the topic, “What I hope King Charles III brings to our country with his reign” and there were some very interesting ideas advanced. Clearly even the youngest have a strong idea of what the country needs and can express it rather more fluently than many politicians.
5 different schools were represented and the pupils taking part received a certificate. The three independent judges had the difficult task of choosing a winner and a runner-up in each of the two divisions, 4 to 7 year olds and 7 to 11 year olds who each received a book of poems and the warm applause of the audience. The standard was very high indeed and the bravery of those prepared to stand up and address a room full of strangers was quite humbling for many of the adults in the room.
The school and the Rotary Club are hoping to revive the “Youth Speaks Competition” for teams of the older children in the next academic year.
