New Speech & Drama Section Co-ordinator Appointed

Eisteddfod Guernsey announce the appointment of Ethan Hitchon as the new Speech & Drama Section Co-ordinator, following the retirement of Shaun Winterflood from the role at the AGM held on 10th June.

Ethan will be sharing the Co-ordinator role with Helen Colmer, who has been in the position for the past four years. Together, they will continue to lead the Section, supported by a strong team of Sub-Committee Members: Nikki Becker, Michelle Brady, Nicole Bromley, Claire Cathcart, Avril Earl, Sarah James, Kathryn Prince, Nicola Reoch-Brehaut, Bob Thompson, and Jenny Winterflood.

Eisteddfod Guernsey would like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to Shaun Winterflood for his remarkable 15 years of service as Section Co-ordinator. His passion, commitment, and creativity have shaped the Speech & Drama Section into the vibrant and welcoming space it is today. The Committee is pleased to confirm that Shaun will remain involved with the Speech & Drama Section as a valued Executive Committee and Sub-Committee Member.

Speaking about his new role, Ethan Hitchon said:
"I'm very much looking forward to taking on the role of Section Co-ordinator of the Speech & Drama Section. The Eisteddfod is a great festival that captures so many aspects of the creativity and talent that we have in Guernsey. It is not only the perfect opportunity to develop your skills, but also to have fun and show audiences who you are and what you enjoy.

As a performer and director in amateur dramatics myself, I have a particular interest in the Speech & Drama side of the Eisteddfod and think it is one of the best places to build confidence on the stage, hone dramatic skills and receive feedback on how to become even better!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad intimidated in taking on the role of Section Co-ordinator when I know how much Shaun has done for the Eisteddfod for the last 15 years. He has been a pillar of the section and the festival as a whole and you can see his dedication and enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod in everything he does.

I was very grateful that Shaun took the time to show me the ropes and let me shadow him for the 2025 Eisteddfod. It has made the idea of tackling the 2026 Eisteddfod much less daunting. That being said, I can't wait to meet the challenge head on and show the Eisteddfod what I can offer."

Helen Colmer added:
"It's been a pleasure working alongside Shaun for so many years. His dedication and passion for the Eisteddfod have helped shape the Speech & Drama Section into what it is today, leaving a lasting legacy. His attention to detail and tireless commitment will be missed.

At the same time, I'm very much looking forward to working side by side with Ethan. His enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and genuine love of drama will be a real asset to the team. I'm confident that his energy and perspective will bring a new vibrancy to the section and I'm excited to see how it continues to grow and evolve in the years ahead."

Reflecting on his time in the role, Shaun Winterflood said:
"Having first entered the Eisteddfod at age six, the festival has been part of my life for decades - as a performer, teacher, and for the last 15 years, as Section Co-ordinator. It's been incredibly rewarding to see the section grow, with more varied classes and greater participation from schools and drama groups.

I felt it was the right time to hand over to someone new, and when Ethan expressed his interest, I knew the section would be in safe hands. I'm looking forward to remaining involved as part of the Executive Committee & the Speech & Drama Sub-Committee, compiling the syllabus and perhaps even returning to the stage myself in the near future!"

For further information about the Speech & Drama section, please click here or email the team at speechanddramagsy@gmail.com.