Meeting 892 "Australia"

Toastmaster Dave

There were 20 members and one guest present at our first meeting for 2013. As it was almost Australia Day, the theme for our meeting was "Australia."
Harry filled in as Sergeant at Arms. President Annette announced that she intended to work on her joke telling skills. There were a few groans but we laughed at her joke.
Toastmaster Dave had gathered snippets of  "Australiana" to present between segments.

Word Master Robert told a of encounter he'd had with an emu and selected the word "Emu" as the word of the evening.

Liz Wo presented the Round Robin as a continuing story, which began with an Aussie BBQ and took many twists and turns as each person added to it. Of course the main character in the story was an emu!

Del's Table Topics continued with the Australian theme - Something like "How do think people would react if the Australia Day holiday was taken away?" "How would you design a new Australian Flag?" and "How would you promote Australia to overseas visitors?" The topics were answered by Robert, June and Inge.

Jonathon presented another three Table Topics."As an Australia ambassador, how would you address New Australians?" "How & when would you serve up the ultimate Aussie meal?"  and "What is more important to Australians - sport or science?" These were answered by Kerry, Annette and Harry.
Jennine and Terry evaluated the Table Topics.

John T

John T 's speech was titled"Giving a Gonsky." He used charts and examples to help us understand this difficult subject.  The speech was evaluatd by Jonathon.

Trish's project was from "The Interpretive Reading" manual. She read an excerpt from Dawn French's book, "Oh Dear Sylvia."  It was evaluated by Marlene.

In the absence of our Raffle Master, a book of "Illusions" and a pack of toiletries was produced from our cupboard. It was won by Robert.

Inge provided three kinds of delicious biscuits for supper which was enjoyed by all.

Supper Break

John S read a poem that he had written in response to the reckless living of some of the youth of today.

"TODAY”S YOUTH

As childhood memories flood my mind I ponder,

What would I give to capture once more

The strength of my youth as before?

To jump a puddle, to climb a tree;

To rise with ease up from my knees.

We look with jaundiced eyes on the excesses of today’s youth 
Alcohol, cars, drugs and their reckless fun.

Let’s hope they are around at three score or more

To say, what would I give to capture once more

The strength of my youth as before?"

Annette

Robert told us another joke.
Grammarian Annette commented on our use of language and said no one had used many ums & ahs. She reminded us that the word "Now" is also a filler if habitually used at the beginning of sentences.

Timer Rhys advised that we were ahead of time, so John T told us the history of that Australian delicacy, the lamington.

The meeting was evaluated by Monica, who had some helpful suggestions.

Trish reminded us abut the Club Officers Training Day on the 9th February. This is open to any members who are interested - not just club officers. Our club pays for members to attend, but we need to register straight away.

Our guest Michael said he had enjoyed the meeting, particularly the evaluations, which he thought were very helpful.

Awards for the evening went to John T (Best Speech), Harry (Best Table Topic,) Jonathon (Best Evaluation)  Dave (Best Contribution,) & Terry (Personal Best.)

The 5 Amigos (award winners)

Don't forget, there are 5 Tuesdays in this month, so it will be 3 weeks till the next meeting. 

See you on the12th February.