A GROUP of talented youngsters proved they have the gift of the gab when they won a competition.

Four teams from Sunninghill School in Dorchester went head-to-head in the local heat of the Youth Speaks competition, run by Rotary International.

The winners, chairperson Dylan Walters, main speaker Imogen Douie and Dominic Woollam, who gave the vote of thanks, will now go forward to the next stage of the competition, the area semi-final.

The youngsters debated on a number of varied and thought-provoking topics, but the winning team’s subject was sugar in food. Other subjects included a discussion on whether society puts too much faith in the medical profession, and pollution of the oceans and deforestation.

The event was held at the United Church in Dorchester and the three judges, Robert Potter, Julian Snook and Tony Boyden, said picking the winners was a difficult choice.

Sunninghill was assured of winning the schools’ salver as no other schools entered the contest.
Diana Apps, of the Casterbridge Rotary Club, said: “I am always amazed at the maturity and confidence of our very young speakers in this category, 11 to 13 years. 

“The teams dealt with particularly thought-provoking topics and their research into their subjects was impressive. Many of us in the audience came away having been astounded by previously unknown facts. The ability to be able to speak in public is a rare ability and I hope that their Rotary Youth Speaks experience will be a help to them all in their future careers. 

“If any other schools in Dorchester would like to enter next year, I would be happy to hear from them.”

Rotary runs a number of competitions for young people throughout the year, including those aimed at aspiring writers or chefs.

Last year, Katie Platt, 15, a pupil at the Thomas Hardye School, scooped third prize in the national final of the Rotary Young Chef competition. It came after winning local and regional heats at Weymouth College and South Devon College in Paignton.

For more information about how young people can get involved in Rotary competitions, search Casterbridge Rotary Club on Facebook.