The Friary School scooped the cups for "The Winning Team" as well as "The
Best Individual Speech" at the Michael Fabricant-Arthur Price of England
Schools Speaking Competition at the Guildhall in Lichfield last night
(Friday 1st February). The Motion being debated, and which was opposed by
the Friary School team, was "That this House believes that terrorism should
be defeated – whatever the cost". The Competition was Chaired by the
Right Hon Sir Alan Haselhurst MP (Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons)
who said that he thought that many of the speeches were as thoughtful as he
had heard anywhere.

Robert Strachan, a sixth form student from the Friary School and who lives
in Longdon, won the Best Individual Speech award; and his two team-mates
Catherine Harris and Katherina Upton joined him to win the Winning Team
awards. The silver cups are kept by the students and are donated by John
Price, Chairman of Arthur Price of England.

Michael Fabricant said: "I thought Robert’s speech was one of the best I
have heard in all the years that the speaking competition has been running.
In fact, it was far better than many of the speeches I have had to endure
while sitting in the House of Commons. He impressed the judges with his
thoughtful approach and style and with the way he answered the judges’ quite
tricky questions." Robert hopes to read law at university.

The judges were Sir Alan; Cllr Mrs Janet Eagland (Mayor of Lichfield); Cllr
Mrs Doris English (Deputy Mayor); John Price O.B.E.; and Mr Barry Boothman,
President of the Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad who assist in the
organisation of the Competition.