One of the aims of the Catenian Association is to advance the interests of young people.  It is important that they are equipped with the skills to communicate clearly and effectively.  In support of this, contests are arranged by local Catenians for students in Catholic Education.  The winner of each regional contest is then invited to the Catenian Association’s National Public Speaking Contest.

Each year the Bristol Circle of the Catenian Association arranges a contest for schools and colleges in Province 12.  Students and teachers from Catholic senior schools, together with family and friends, assembled at the Newman Hall in Bristol on Sunday afternoon 26th March for this year’s competition.  The judging panel comprised Nick Tarr, Vice-President of the Bristol Circle, Clare Fraser, Headteacher, and Deacon James Patrick, Crown Court Judge. They are seen here before the start of the contest.

Each speaker was introduced and was allowed four minutes to speak on their chosen subject.  The judges and audience were entertained to a variety of speeches.  The topics selected were:   “Is re-writing history ever a good idea?” “If you want peace, should you prepare for war?” “Should the monarchy continue as now, be reformed, or be abolished?”  All the speeches were interesting and a good deal of thought had been put into their preparation.  While the judges retired, refreshm
ents were served.

After the interval the students present were asked if they would like some money.  The Catenian Association has a Bursary Fund which encourages and assists young Catholics, from the ages of 16 to 25, actively to involve themselves in projects for the benefit of the community, at home or abroad.  Grants are awarded according to the merits of each individual application.

Before announcing the winner, the chair of the panel, Nick Tarr commented on the quality of the speeches and that it was not an easy task to choose the winner.  James Creamer, President of the Bristol Catenians, then presented each competitor with a certificate and a reward for taking part. The overall winner of the competition was Love Antwi, a student at St Bernadette’s Catholic Secondary School in Bristol.  She was very pleased to receive the Catenian Association Trophy and will be invited to the national final which will be held in Manchester in September.

The Catenian Association is grateful to the teachers, who gave so much of their time working with the students, and those who have supported them in their endeavours.  We hope that all who took part benefitted from the experience.