Here it is:
The good - even the bigger room at The Sands Social was filled with laughter
The bad - not everybody got a Table Topic
The ugly - some grandchildren will just miss out playing Yahtzee with grandma
Nevertheless, with Leanne as Toastmaster a great evening was to be expected!
For our last meeting of the year 2022, president Paul had organised a 2-course meal at The Sands Social. The room quickly filled with members and guests - and the first laughs were heard. The table for the Secret Santa presents and the table for the hamper items filled fast as well.
Sergeant At Arms Gokul not only brought the Toastmasters gear across to the alternative venue and set up, but also got the first laugh from the crowd with a joke, then read the mission statement.
President Paul opened the meeting and welcomed Moreton District Director Mark and Area Director Suresh. He then welcomed our other visitors: Diane, Ola, Peter, Fiona, Peter S and Sandy.
She then called on Gail for program changes: Sadly, Trish couldn't make the meeting, but had given her Christmas Trivia Quiz to her husband.
Chris reflected how quickly 2022 had gone by for him and his family to toast to "Time - where does it go".
Liz We certainly had us thinking and celebrating by telling the group our biggest achievement in 2022 (and yes, we were allowed to speak of the negative ones as well).
Dinner was three different roasts with veggies, followed by an alternative drop of dessert.
After dinner, Gokul called us back to order with another Christmas pun before Leanne introduced Peter S to conduct the Christmas Trivia Quiz. His first question of how many reindeers are there in the song had cut the participating group already into half, but he needed to read out a few more questions until it was down to the last three: Jonathon, Sandy and Carmy. Jonathon won the quiz.
Then it was time for the Secret Santa segment to begin: Marlene explained the rules while helper Rosie distributed the lucky order numbers. One of those rules allowed to "steal" an already unwrapped present - up to three times.
In summary, we witnessed lots of unwrapping, insider trading as well as the failed attempt to appeal to the heart strings.
In detail, Arun was lucky first (and his present got stolen several times, so you see him unwrapping multiple times).
The bottles were expertly analysed by Rosie, see picture.
For the record, here are the presents which were stolen several times: bottles of various content, Yahtzee game, plant pot, ceramic bird feeder and yes, the clock was also stolen off Carmy.
Since Christiane with ticket no 27 stole Jonathon's wine, he was the last to unwrap a present.
Sadly, the several times "promised" mankini was nowhere unwrapped - or was it just purposefully left in the wrapping/boxes?
"The Incredible Troppo Toppo" followed: John first demonstrated his powers by being able to work out which day of the week members were born. He then went on to write down the sum before asking for numbers for the audience. Thirdly, he was able to "feel" the object that Dan had picked while John was out of the room. Finally he left us with a riddle what he likes and doesn't like - only a couple of people were able to join him (the rest didn't work it out yet, but we have until the next meeting to ask John if we got it right).
Sandgate Toastmasters couldn't have a meeting without Table Topics, so we had a few as well: Carmy was the first to answer the topic given by Leanne who then asked John who then asked Tony who then asked Christiane who then ask Chris etc. (you get the picture)
The excitement was drawn to the raffle draws: Tony and Christiane had packed the goodies into 3 boxes kindly brought along by Narelle. Winners were Paul, Suresh and
After a group photo, both Leanne and Paul closed the meeting and 2022 meetings.
Sandgate Toastmasters is finishing a successful year on a high note. We wish you all a Merry Christmas.
We are meeting again on 24 January 2023.
