Meeting 876 "Anzac"

Asoki

We were glad to have acting Area Governor Asoki at our meeting. Asoki inspired us with her presentation about the Toastmasters motto, "Toastmasters, where leaders are made."

There were also three other guests, Narelle, as well as John T and Terry who had been before.

It was the eve of  Anzac Day, so there were many references to the sacrifice & bravery of our soldiers who have fought for our country.

Toastmaster Liz, shared some history and interesting facts about Anzac Day. Wordmaster Leesa, challenged us to use the word "Courage."

While introducing her Round Robin, Inge told how her family in Germany had suffered under the Nazis and invited us to share stories & memories of the war. Nearly everyone spoke over the allotted 30 seconds.

Jennine's Table Topics, which also related to Anzac Day were more of a challenge. Rhys,  Leesa,  Dave and Nicole rose to the occasion.

Melissa

Melissa evaluated the Table Topics in great detail. It was her first time as evaluator.

Dave

Nicole presented her 5th speech, titled "The Thief." using a appropriate gestures to make it come alive. It was evaluated by Dave.


Visiting Toastmaster John T evaluated Harry's speech, "Business Proposal."

John T

Marlene

Marlene presented the speech she will be using in the Humorous Speech Contest at the District Convention, and received a group evaluation with some helpful suggestions.







Trish recited two poems, Anzac Day by D Hunter, and For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, with the familiar & well loved verse,

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

 Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them." 

Amanda's raffle was won by Maureen (First Prize) and Ernie. (Second Prize.)

Del reported on the Ums & Ahs used during the meeting.

The General Evaluation was conducted by Asoki.

Timekeeper John reported that most of the segments had gone overtime, but somehow, miraculously our meeting finished almost on time.

The evening's awards went to Melissa (Personal Best,) Harry (Best Speech,) Nicole (Best Table Topic,) John T (Best Evaluation,) and Liz (Best Contribution.)

 Officer Elections next meeting. Please consider taking on an executive role. It's a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills.

"You are the person who has to decide 
Whether you'll do it, or toss it aside. 
You are the person who makes up your mind 
Whether you'll lead, or linger behind. 
Whether you'll try for the goal that's far 
Or just be contented to stay as you are. 
Take it or leave it, here's something to do, 
Just think it all over - it's all up to you."

--Edgar A. Guest.

Meeting 875 "Easter"

 

Attendance was low because of the Easter weekend, but spirits were high at the meeting.
We welcomed into our club new member Maureen who was inducted and Ernie who had transferred from another club.  We also had a visiting Toastmaster, John T.

Sharyn

Sharyn was Toastmaster and kept us entertained with some fascinating facts about Easter.
Ernie read the Mission Statement & proposed the Toast. Dave introduced the word "Syzygy," meaning an alignment of 3 celestial objects eg. sun, moon & earth, such as happens at full moon.

Round Robin  Master Amanda asked each one to speak for 30 seconds about a favourite Easter memory. This evoked memories of Easter Egg Hunts, flying model planes, having friends to stay over, scout camps, taking grandchildren to a playground, toy bunnies & chooks. The least favourite memory was of breaking up concrete.

Table Topics Master Robert continued the Easter Theme and called on Inge, Ernie, Liz, & Melissa to speak about Memorable Easters, a weekend in Sydney, and the significance of the the Easter Bunny to Easter.

The Table Topics were evaluated by Dave.

Kylie presented an  information packed speech titled "The World we Live in." She spoke about the effect chemicals in products have on our health.

Kylie's speech was evaluated by Trish.

Maureen's joke about a hospital patient was appreciated by all.

A business session was competently chaired by Del. Topics under discussion included the change of programme for the District 69 Convention and a suggested Interpretive Reading & Novice Speaker Contest. The session was evaluated by Parliamentarian John. John commented on the need to have a hard copy of the minutes at business sessions and a run sheet for the Chairman.

Grammarian Liz commented on our word usage.

Visiting Toastmaster John T conducted a Listening Quiz and asked some questions that would reinforce our memories of important matters as well as trivial subjects.

Leesa's Raffle of Easter Eggs & Scratchit ticket was won by John S. Trish won the mystery second prize. I think it was Body Wash etc.

The meeting was Evaluated by Marlene.

Thanks to Jennine's Timekeeping skills, our meeting finished on time and  awards were presented to Sharyn (Best Contribution,) Trish (Best Evaluation,) Liz (Best Table Topic,) Melissa (Personal Best) and Kylie (Best Speech.)

COMING UP: Officer Elections will  be held on the first meeting in May. Please consider taking on a role, or who you would like to nominate. Being a member of the executive is a fulfilling experience. Talk to any of the current Executive if you would like to know what is involved. More info here. http://www.toastmasters.org/clubofficers.aspx

Interpretive Reading and New Speaker Contests 22nd May. The Interpretive Reading Contest is open to all members. Time 4- 6 minutes.
 The New Speaker Contest is for members who have completed less than six speeches. Time is 5 - 7 minutes.