SPEAKERS in Burnley and Pendle have a new man at the helm - Ron Bolton.

Mr Bolton took over the chain of office for Burnley and Pendle Speakers Club from Joe Hargreaves and in his inaugural speech at Brierfield Town Hall, he spoke of his delight at accepting the office.

He spoke of how the club can by used by members of the public to promote better verbal communication and was especially useful for those who had to give presentations to an audience.

The programme for the coming year includes debates, book reviews, a meeting in the round as well as speech, evaluation and topics contests.

The club meets on the first and third Thursdays every month at 7.30om at Brierfield Town Hall, guests are welcome.

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