IT HAS been a number of year since the SAYFC's East Region had to hold a Junior Speechmaking Elimination round, and the teams competing this year certainly made it no easy task judge Arthur Lawrie.

Held last Thursday at Newbridge Bowling Club, four teams fought for their space at the National Competition –Aberfeldy JAC, East Fife JAC Blue, East Fife JAC Red and Peeblesshire JAC – the first time that all of the members taking part had ever participated in this competition.

Mr Lawrie told the teams that the points were exceptionally close between them, and that the final placings were determined by two teams receiving time penalties. All competitors, he said, should be very pleased with what they had achieved, as it was no easy task at any age to prepare and present a speech.

Peeblesshire JAC took first place with their topic “The New Consent Forms”, chaired by Emma Gray, with Eilidh Hudson as speaker and Nicky Campbell giving the vote of thanks.

East Fife JAC Red were second with “Compulsory Physical Education would end Obesity”, delivered by Tristram Stockwell, who was best chairman outwith the winning team, Emma Malcolm, best speaker outwith winning team, and Rebecca Low; Aberfeldy JAC were third with “Hooves are better than Wheels”, delivered by Harris Wilson, Yvonne Kennedy and Chloe Michie, who was best vote of thanks outwith winning team; and East Fife JAC Blue were fourth with “Is Donald Trump a suitable role model for the youth of today?”, delivered by David Peebles, Nicole Walker and Lynsey Brown.

The top three teams will go on to represent the East Region at the National Junior Speechmaking Competition on Saturday December 10, at the RBS Conference Centre.