WON 9 AWARDS AT FESTIVAL – Signalman’s Success as Public Speaker
Again in the news is Mr C H Tutton of St Cadoc, Blackminster, Evesham – a railway signalman employed at the Blackminster crossing – who has gained no fewer than nine awards at the 18th Festival of Music and Drama held by the British Railways (Western Region) at the Town Hall, Reading from March 15 to 19 last.
Twelve months ago Mr Tutton won the J W Rose Memorial Shield at the same festival and if he had secured this trophy this year it would have been the third time he had won it. However, he failed to achieve the hat-trick by a single point and the same margin also lost him the chance of holding the London Debating Shield.
ACTED AS “MAYOR”
Mr Tutton’s first success at this year’s festival was in the chairmanship class in which he gained first prize, a gold medal and a merit certificate. In this class he had to act the role of a Mayor and after making a short introductory speech, deal with an agenda, the copy of which was only handed to the competitors as they occupied the “Mayoral chair”.
His other successes were: Reading at Sight (novice), 1st prize, Silver Medal and Merit Certificate; Reading at Sight (senior), 1st, Gold Medal and Merit Certificate; Debating (senior open), 2nd prize, Silver Medal and Merit Certificate; Public Speaking (senior open, 2nd prize, Silver Medal and Merit Certificate; Original Poem, 3rd, Merit Certificate; Short Story, 4th, Merit Certificate; Logical Grumbling, 3rd, Merit Certificate; Essay (senior), 3rd prize, Merit Certificate.
In all, Mr Tutton won two Gold Medals, three Silver Medals and nine Merit Certificates – a creditable performance, when it is considered the festival is open to all railwaymen in the Western Region.
A native of Barry, South Wales, he has been employed on the railway for 34 years and while he only received an elementary education, he has always been a keen student of English. He is well-known in the Evesham district and his ability as a vocalist brings many calls on his services.
DAUGHTER’S SUCCESS
Following in her father’s footsteps is Miss Maywen Beryl Tutton who, entering the same festival for the first time, was successful in gaining second prize from among 14 competitors in the Handwriting (senior) class.
Sixteen years of age, Maywen is a sixth form pupil at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Evesham, having been previously educated at Badsey Council School. At PHGS she belongs to her School Theatrical Circle and is also a member of the French, German and Guides Circles. A sub-prefect, she is keenly interested in the School Debating Society.