Spinnaker Club – Take the win!

At the J1 Area Humorous Speech Contest.

It was a night not to forget, with 7 amazing humorous speeches from the recent winners of Area J1 Club Contests.

Spinnaker had two representatives, both Jacqui Blackwell and Ash Vincent, who were contestants for the night hosted at the Churton Park Toastmasters club.

Ash Vincent (Spinnaker, pictured above) took out First place with Thelma Moses (Churton Park) winning a close second. Both Ash and Thelma qualify now to represent Area J1 at the Division J Contest in 2026.

“It was a surreal and humbling experience being my first Area contest,” says Ash, “it was a major goal in 2025 to speak in front of a larger audience and in another club, let alone winning the actual contest itself. To achieve this right at the end of the year has been truly amazing.

“There were some powerful and entertaining speeches on the night but the win though is shared with the members of my club, Spinnaker.

“Their motivating support, patience and constructive feedback with my speech going into the contest was the key to taking out the top spot. It shows what can be achieved with great support and being surrounded by those with years of experience!”

Ash will continue his journey by representing Spinnaker in early 2026 at the Division J contest as he contends for a speaking spot at the District 72 Humorous Contest in May in Timaru which Ash says “is in his sights”.

Congratulations Ash on this marvellous achievement. We look forward to supporting you in your quest to be the Division and District’s most humorous speaker.