Another memorable Choral Speaking Festival

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumer, officially opened the Oldham Primary Schools' Choral Speaking Festival presentation morning, which was held at the Coliseum Theatre.

Sponsored by Madeleine Lindley books and organised by the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro, trophies and adjudicator’s special commendations were presented by the Mayor, John Shepley, Rotary District Youth Officer, Mrs Rachelle Carter and Mrs Ameilia Clayton of Madeleine Lindley Books, John Cleary, Chris Lawson of the Oldham Coliseum and Ann Warr.

Master of Ceremonies Mel Farrar said: "The festival has again been a resounding success as the audience enjoyed a range of brilliant and often moving performances."

Now in its 34^th year, the Choral Speaking Festival was the brainchild of former club member and deputy head teacher Mr Cleary, and since 1985 around 60,000 children have taken part

Rotary Club President Con Kelly said: “Though the club is widely involved with schools in the borough, the festival is the flagship of the club’s work in the community.

"We recognise the hard work of pupils and teachers ahead of the event and I am sure that the efforts the youngsters have made in learning the poetry they present will be repaid many times over in the years to come.”

International Adjudicator Ann Warr, who judged the entries, said: "It is such a pleasure to be involved in the Oldham festival which sets the standard locally and beyond for such events."

Trophy Winners and Adjudicator’s Special Commendations

Infant Trophy

Freehold Community Academy Y2 Cerise

Lower Junior Trophy

Freehold Community Academy Y3 Lime

Upper Junior Trophy

Higher Failsworth Primary School Year 5 

Madeleine Lindley Trophy

Delph Primary School

Audrey Carter Trophy

St Matthews C of E Junior School Year 3 LT

John Cleary Trophy

Springhead Infant and Nursery School Y2

Adjudicator’s Special Commendations

Higher Failsworth Primary School Y1

Christ Church Chadderton C of E Primary School KS1

St Hugh’s C of E Primary School Y1

Christ Church Chadderton C of E Primary School KS2

Richmond Academy Y4