Around and Around the Roundabout

Mistress Amy livened up the role of toastmaster of the evening with some debate about how Toastmasters is non-gender specific, but none-the-less went for Toastmistress Amy.

Toastmistress Amy

Craig introduced our latest guest Paul, and Amy reintroduced Geoff, our returning visitor. Hannah read the Mission statement. Dee gave us the word of the day “perpetual”.

Table Topics

Ian took us on a ride around the world “Tour de France” style, giving each speaker a current affairs topic from somewhere around the globe.

Craig Robinson took us to the USA, recounting the story of Trayvon Martin.

Amy took us into England, and the imminent “certain birth”. Amy spoke of how she she is totally jealous of the lights, cameras, crews, money and lastly but not least…. fame

Hannah spoke of the recent trembles underfoot in New Zealand like the true experienced Cantabrian that she is.

Steve’s speech touched on the natural high that cycling produces, with the endorphins surging through the body, taking the rider on a perpetual high.

Christine’s speech touched on the 40th anniversary of the French nuclear testing on Moruroa Atoll, wondering why they came half way around the world to the beautiful Pacific.

David Grant flew us down to Antarctica, where the debate rages about whether New Zealand should continue to invest in Scott Base, and wondering how we can ever have more muscle than those who can afford to send fishing boats around the world.

Dee spoke of Edward Snowden, holed up in a Russian airport transit lounge – and considered that he must have had quite a good run for his money, and had a perpetual good time by all accounts.

Sarah Lee spoke of Kevin Rudd, and his recent stance on “the boat people”. Sarah’s stance was firmly in favour of the boat people – if they are so desperate, that they will put their lives in danger, they should be given a shot…. And Kevin Rudd should head back to Rove, become a comedian and possibly start up his own talk show.

Table topics speakers were evaluated by Sarah and Sarah, with Sarah being particularly favourable to Sarah. Both followed the CRC system well, except Sarah only seemed to get recommendations… perhaps a biased opinion?

Prepared Speeches

Peter completed a project from an Advanced Manual, with a challenge to leave the audience with a smile. Peter spoke humorously about how he went about teaching his children the value of money, and particularly how to monitor it with the use of 20 different bank accounts (5 for each child)

Graeme's speech of payback against other motorists, was an entertaining story of his escapades on the back of a scooter, which included having literally hundreds of people enjoying themselves going around and around a roundabout. Graeme left us being wary of a scooter riding traffic light with lights going in reverse order for good measure.

Netta spoke of feeling the fear, particularly the water. As a red head, Netta debated that perhaps it was a historical concern about society’s treatment of witches in years gone by with trial by water, or perhaps a vivid memory of last seeing a good friend being ejected from a boat in rough seas… only to be rescued moments later.

Steve presented an educational speech on the value of mentoring – to the club, to the mentor and the mentee. Who is a mentor? A person who helps teach and guide another person…like a buddy at school. Typically this other person would gain skills and experiences that enable them to grow, and in turn become mentors themselves.

Steve

Benefits for new members include:

• Learn the toastmaster program.
• Learn about the club standards and norms.
• Gain the confidence to participate.
• Develop faster.

Benefits for mentors include:

• Learn from mentee’s.
• Enhance productivity.
• Feel good about helping others.
• Gain recognition within the club, enhancing your satisfaction from participating at the club.

There were four excellent evaluations by Sheryl, Wayne and Christine, with plenty of commendations and recommendations for the speakers to take away with them.

Business Session

The business session was held by Craig, covering the topics:

• Mentoring – Chris will be approaching new members, to ask if they would like a mentor and if they have a preference of who. Chris will then approach mentors and confirm a mutual arrangement. 
• Income and Expenditure for the year was made available by Craig, further copies are available by email request if required. 
• Questionnaires – these are to be returned to Craig or Sheryl, to be forwarded to Chris to enable forward planning of meetings. 
• Sheryl distributed a forward program of 4 meetings. 
• Craig confirmed the next meeting is 12th August… 3 weeks away, rather than the usual 2.
• Graeme thanked Steve for the educational on mentoring, and emphasised the importance of mentoring and how it helps membership retention. 
• Club Leadership training is available to all members at 6.30pm at Wesley Lounge, Hastings on the 26th July. 
• Sarah thanked those who have RSVP’d to the Awards Dinner, for the 29th July and encouraged anyone else to RSVP ASAP. 

Wrap-Up

As General Evaluator, David Grant provided feedback for all the evaluators and Toastmaster Amy.

Congratulations for the evening go to:

• Best Speaker – Netta Brown
• Best Evaluator – Sheryl Mackie
• Best Table Topic – Hannah Murphy
• Best Contribution – Steve Tutbury