Just before Christmas it was our pleasure to welcome Leyland and South Ribble Rotarians for the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. This year there were so many entrants the Intermediate and Senior Competitions were held on separate evenings.

Just as we can triumph in victory, so we must be magnanimous in defeat!

With a strong and broad field with exceptional school teams travelling from Walton-le-Dale, Broughton, St. Mary's Leyland (who came 2nd) and St. Bede's who came first. Our two year 8 teams did a splendid job against tough competition on the Intermediate evening. Disappointed as they were, they flocked to the judges to receive their feedback and their efforts were commendable.

Congratulations to the two speakers: Alice who spoke eloquently about Hidden figures in history and Jack who spoke with passion and enthusiasm about the importance of Scouting. The two chairs Evie (who stepped into the breech last minute to save Jack's team) and Olivia and the two Vote's of thanks, Alice and Amelia, really did their teams proud.

Despite coming away almost empty handed (every team member received a £10 Waterstones voucher) the experience they gained from witnessing largely year 9 teams will give them something to aspire to for next year.

On the Senior Competition evening two Balshaw's teams took part in Rotary Youth Speaks against another tough field with schools from Walton-le-dale, Stoneyhurst, Penwortham Girls', All Hallows and Broughton High School.

Zac chaired on his birthday for Mischa who spoke about herd mentality with Ayesha giving the vote of thanks, but they unfortunately came away empty-handed.

However, the shining stars of the night were Sophie who chaired for Chloe, whose speech wowed the judges. Rory proposed the Vote of thanks which he delivered with passion and no notes at all. 

The Senior Trophy is safely back at Balshaw's for yet another year. The teamwork, camaraderie and support they give each other is notable. 

We are looking forward to the Regional Finals in March 2026!

Here are a selection of photographs from the evening: