First in, best dressed

Late January saw the first unofficial get together of our Clubs; being a wonderful BBQ hosted by Kate and Ashley. We should also mention the in-house local chef, Daniel, who kindly offered to cook up all the goodies.  Not to be outdone, Natalie also provided a magnificent ice cream like sponge as part of desert.

The evening concluded with Sarah organising a game of charades based on a title from either a book, movie or TV.  Everyone enjoyed the charading exercise, with many varying techniques used by the charadees.  A great night, complimented by great hosting.

Our first meeting back at the Greenmeadows Hall, with a wonderful theme night based on wearing or bringing ‘our favourite item of clothing’. In line with the theme, Toastmaster of the evening, Craig, created the Agenda as a silhouette of a person – great lateral thinking. Our two guests were warmly welcomed, Rob and Delan, with the latter joining the Club.

Emma introduced Table Topics and was clever enough to ask questions that allowed participants to incorporate their clothing piece.  Like all things, there had to be an exception with Paul, deviating and talking about his ‘man bag’, and then proceeded to meticulously inform us all of its contents.

There were two speeches this evening; the first being given by our wonderful story teller, Amy. While from the Advance manuals, Amy delivered in her normal outgoing style relating to women and their rights. Amy, danced between some more historical activist, peppered with newer and more recent happenings.

Our second speaker was one of our newer members, Kate.  While Kate may be new she delivered Speech 4, with the theme of How to Say, with ease.   Kate delivered a powerful message using her natural smile, and backing up with metaphors and alliteration.  Most of all Kate was prepared to have a laugh at her own expense in order to get her message across which added the impact to her speech.

Sarah provided us all with a wonderful Education session by asking us to close our eyes and imagine being in Vancouver, Canada.  Sarah went on to inform us that as part of this thought we would be flown there free – yes, free.  By entering in the upcoming International Speech contest and winning, then progressing through to the Area finals, the Division final and then District – you are there. All in the space of delivering 4 speeches. To assist in getting past first base, Sarah succinctly outlined the rules and some helpful tips to commence this wonderful journey. Thank you Sarah for sharing  your wisdom and wonderful knowledge with us.  Hello Canada……

No Toastmaster meeting is complete without evaluations and we were very fortunate to have very good evaluations by the Table Topic duo of Christine and Ashley. There were some very good superlatives by Ashley, with the best recommendation for Paul to leave the man bag at home.

Both Steve and Graeme provided great feedback using the CRC formula to their respective Speakers.  For the Awards, the best Table Topic was won by Amy, Best Speaker, Kate and Best Evaluator, Graeme.  Kate also took out the double for best contributor for the evening.

Another wonderful evening, a well run meeting by Toastmaster Craig, powerful speeches and great comradery.