Celebrating 1000 Meetings

Night of a Thousand Stars was the theme, and whilst maybe not 1000, there were 53 former and current Members and guests present to enjoy a fun night of memories. A party buzz was in evidence the moment you stepped into the room, with old acquaintances and friends catching up amongst much laughter.

Jonathon

Toastmaster Jonathon warmly welcomed all visitors and guests. A visual presentation then allowed a window into the past 999 Meetings with scenes of Award Winners and much merriment with themed events captured on film. Surprisingly none of us have aged over the years!


Marlene read the Toastmasters Invocation, followed by a Toast to Toastmasters International and founder Ralph Smedley proposed by Moreton Division Director Annette M.

Marlene

Annette M

Steve

An interesting segment led by Steve was about "being a Sandgate Toastmaster". He drew on current Members to express their views on - Themed Meetings, Table Topics, Memorable raffles, Executive roles and presenting the Ice Breaker speech. Responses by Paul, Zoe, Kirsty, Jim and Lien were both entertaining and insightful.

Paul and Zoe

Kirsty                                 Jim                                            Lein

A splendid meal was produced by the Full Moon Hotel and silence reigned briefly during dinner.

Guest Speaker Marilyn F, recently returned from Toastmasters International Conference in Vancouver, Canada, enlightened the audience by relating things she learnt on her journey to reach the Semi-Finals for International Speech Contest this year. She took audience participation to a new level when we were all instructed on how to warm up our voices by humming until our lips tingled, and neigh like a horse.

Marilyn                                                            Irene

A Toast to Sandgate Toastmasters was proposed by Area 8 Director Irene, who also related kind words about her visit to our friendly Club.

Charter Member John responded to the Toast by congratulating the Club on its depth of knowledge with many long term members Annette, Liz, Marlene and Trish. Their combined membership length is over 100 years.

John

As with all important and significant events, a cake cutting ceremony was conducted by John and President Annette.

You can never escape Table Topics and Liz and Trish called on past Members to relate their most memorable Speech or Table Topic. Penne, Lenore, Dave, Kylie, Liz We and Edith all highlighted the vast wealth of training that Toastmasters had provided and enriched their lives.

Penne                               Kylie                                                           Liz

Dave

Edith

Final Address was by District 69 Director Ben, who gave an inspiration speech encouraging all to challenge ourselves. Ben then presented a Certificate for achieving 1000 Meetings to President Annette. Sandgate Club also achieved Select Distinguished for the past year and a ribbon was presented.




3 Raffle prizes courtesy of Rhonda from HelloWorld Sandgate were drawn and lucky winners Trish, Trevor and Marie went home a little richer.

This memorable Meeting was closed by President Annette, reminding all Members of the extra Meeting next Tuesday night. It certainly was a Night of 1000 stars.