Let's have a speakers' corner in Swindon (From Swindon Advertiser)

Let's have a speakers' corner in Swindon

12:20pm Friday 20th March 2009 in Search By Ben Perrin

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to establish a speakers' corner in Swindon.

It would be a location where anybody can exercise their right to Freedom of Speech.

Only recently a speakers' corner has been established in Nottingham and a pilot for Lichfield was started in October last year with the assistance of the Speakers Corner Trust.

Swindon Speakers Club president Nigel Beasant, said: “I think Swindon could certainly benefit from having its own corner where people can express themselves and exercise a right that has been hard won over time,” said Nigel.

“It is a shame that Nottingham has beaten us to being the first outside of London, where it turns out there are more corners and speaking places than the one at Hyde Park.

“Nonetheless, we could still be the first in the south and it will further help put Swindon on the map.”

Nigel is asking for Swindonians to nominate the location they think would be best for Swindon’s Speakers Corner.

In addition, the Swindon Speakers Club will hold a speaking contest to find the person who will be the very first to deliver a speech at the corner once established.

The Swindon Speakers Club has recently celebrated its silver anniversary and for over 25 years has been helping and encouraging people from all walks of life to gain experience and confidence in the art of public speaking.

It meets first and third Thursdays of each month at the Blunsdon House Hotel.

For more information visit www.swindonspeakers.co.uk