We’re baaaaack! (2021/22 dates revealed)

The Covid-19 pandemic presented Wimbledon Speakers Club with challenges like no other. Like every other group in the Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC), we couldn’t meet face-to-face – the last time we did so was on 4th March 2020.

Ever since, we had to meet virtually, which at the beginning was great – it was a chance to see each other while we had to endure lockdown. But now, we all have suffered a case of Zoom Fatigue. It’s time we saw each other face-to-face again.

18 months later, we’re delighted to say that we’re back doing just that. From Wednesday 15th September, we’re meeting at Wimbledon Library from 7.15pm, like we did back in the good ol’ days!

As before, we’ll be meeting the first and third Wednesday of every month between September to June – dates as follows:

  • 15th September 2021
  • 6th October
  • 20th October
  • 3rd November
  • 17th November
  • 1st December
  • 19th January 2022
  • 2nd February
  • 16th February
  • 2nd March
  • 16th March
  • 6th April
  • 20th April
  • 4th May
  • 18th May
  • 1st June
  • 15th June

Please note there are no sessions on the third Wednesday of December and first Wednesday of January.

We’re really keen to have you back. For the first three sessions – so, the session in September and the both sessions in October – will be completely free.

From November, we’ll then be charging £6 per session for non-members and the membership fee would be £75.

Thank you all again for your patience and for your messages of support over the recent months. We sincerely cannot wait to see you all again. Email ascwimbledon@gmail.com if you have any questions.

​’The Great Wimbledon Bake Off’ (or a version thereof)

On Wednesday 3rd April 2019, in addition to our normal night of speeches and public speaking, we will be hosting our first ever The Great Wimbledon Bake Off!

If you’re thinking about taking part, just bring something in you have baked and we will vote for the tastiest offering, just as we do for the topics.

It’s by no means obligatory if you haven’t baked anything or it’s not your thing please do still come. You’re valuable. We need judges, lots of judges!

For those entering we enclose ‘House’ rules

  • We will hold a secret ballot that’s one meaningful vote
  • The bakers will not be taking control of the refreshment table
  • No one will be asking for an extension.

There will be a small prize for for the best entry.

You’re quite right if you’re thinking what has this to do with speaking in public, and the answer would be absolutely nothing (unless you want to incorporate it into your topic) and it will not take anything away from practising speaking. Voting will take place during the break.

The idea originates from a couple of requests from members to do this so who am I to deny a little happiness here and there…

So if you would like to enter, if you’re a member or guest, please come and bring your offerings on Wednesday 3rd April and join in with the slightly left of centre, centre right or just plain jam and cream in the middle activities.

Good luck everyone.

READY….STEADY….BAKE!!​

Wimbledon Speakers Club Celebrates 20th Birthday!

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Wimbledon Speakers Club marked its 20th birthday in spectacular fashion last Saturday evening which saw old friends and new come together to enjoy a memorable occasion of great food, song and, of course, speeches!

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Held in the lovely function room upstairs at The Wheatsheaf in Tooting Bec, our party-goers rose to the occasion with some magnificent fancy dress outfits on display!

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Leader of Ceremonies for the evening was Michael Ronayne (Winner: National Speech Contest 2007 & 2010, National Topics Contest 2013 and National Evaluation Contest 2014; Past President of Wimbledon Speakers Club) who, after a drinks reception and fantastic 3-course meal, introduced the 5 guest speakers for the evening:

– The Toast to the Club – Doug Weale: Member and Past President of Thanet Speakers Club.

– The Response on behalf of the Club – Katherine Inglis: Winner: National Evaluation Contest 2012; Past President of Wimbledon Speakers Club.

– The Toast to the Guests – Gwyn Redgers: ASC Past National President.

– The Response on behalf of the Guests – Tessa Dean: Winner: National Speech Contest 1999.

– Presentation of awards and Prize for Fanciest Dresser – Debra Owen-Hughes: ASC Past National Development Officer and President Wimbledon Speakers Club.

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The night was rounded off with some quite incredible karaoke performances, not least from Bilwa ‘Four Non Blondes’ Iyer, WSC’s answer to the Gallagher brothers and The Shakira Sisters!

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It was a truly fitting way to celebrate everything that the Club has done for its members ever since it first opened its doors in 1998 and the huge amount of success that it has enjoyed on the national stage.

Thank you to Debra and Katherine for all their hard work in organising the evening and to the staff at The Wheatsheaf for looking after us all so well.

The Club now enjoys a break for the Summer and so we look forward to reconvening on Wednesday 12th September (kick off 7.30pm) at Wimbledon Library (2 minutes walk from Wimbledon train / underground station – entrance via the automatic side door on the left of the building) for more practice and progress! Everyone welcome – especially new visitors!

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