A local storytelling club has won an award usually reserved for speakers’ clubs.

Success stories based at the Excelsior Club in Sale, walked away with the first and second prizes in a raconteurs contest held at the Deanwater Hotel, Woodford recently.

The event was organised by Stockport Ladies Speakers Club

Because Success Stories were not members of the Association of Speakers’ Clubs, they have previously been barred from entry.

As soon as Sharon Richards, their founder, discovered the rule had been relaxed she immediately applied for fellow member, Paul Cunningham and herself to enter.

Paul won the Susan Hayhurst memorial cup, donated by Doreen Hayhurst whose daughter died young, and Sharon won the runner’s up prize.

The winners are voted for by the audience after a five minute performance.

Paul, who only joined the club a year ago, told an amusing story about a couple who boarded a bus for a hot spot only to find themselves in flip flops on top of a freezing cold mountain.!

Paul said: “It was a great honour to be awarded the trophy especially as I was up against so many great speakers.

Sharon said: “We are both delighted that our little club did so well. The competition was fierce so we really appreciated that the audience voted for us.

“I have invited many of the public speakers to come to our next meeting on 11th November at the Excelsior Club, Sale at 7.30, so they can see how our guys tackle this month’s theme which is Fire.

“We are giddy as kippers!”

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