The Motion before the House for the Michael Fabricant-Arthur Price of England Annual Schools Speaking Challenge on Friday 18th February 2011 was "That this House believes that the Olympic Games 2012 are a waste of money". Before a packed Guildhall in Lichfield, the team from Chase Terrace Technology College argued against the Motion and won the Winning Team Award. But the overall Best Individual Speech (also against the Motion) was one by Michael Sharrock of King Edward VI School Lichfield who spoke convincingly and without any notes.

Mr Speaker for the evening was Col Bob Stewart DSO MP who commanded British forces in Bosnia. Bob Stewart said "The standard of speeches was very high and it’s heartening to see the enthusiasm and expertise of these youngsters. It was great to be back in Lichfield; I had been here many years before when I was training at Whittington Barracks".

Michael Fabricant added: "This Competition has been running now for almost 20 years and is a constant testimony to the high standards and clear thinking of our local school students. This year maintained the high standards and all the schools taking part can feel very proud, as I do, of the debating teams. There are some future Government Ministers there, I am sure!"

The photograph shows Michael Fabricant-Arthur Price of England Schools Speaking Competition Winners and Judges:

Bottom row (l to r) Winners: Jack Dowling, Emily Roper, Michael Sharrock (Best Overall Speaker), and Jonathon Chatfield. Apart from Michael Sharrock who is from King Edward VI School Lichfield, the others are the team from Chase Terrace Technology College. Top row (l to r) Cllr Colin Greatorex (Sheriff of Lichfield), Simon Price (MD of Arthur Price), Col Bob Stewart DSO MP (Mr Speaker), Michael Fabricant, Rod Cooper (President of Lichfield Rotary Club, St Chad), and Cllr Chris Spruce (Mayor of Lichfield). The best overall speaker, Michael Sharrock, is from King Edward VI School and the others are from the best team: from Chase Terrace Technology College. Cllrs Spruce and Greatorex, Simon Price, and Rod Cooper were judges. Picture courtesy of Allan Williamson Photography.