As every year, we also had a stall this year.
The sun was shining when the stall was built and the bunting hung up.
We are looking forward to many visitors at our next meeting on August 8.
Thank you to all members helping out - volunteering on the day as well as pulling strings in the background by signing us up etc.
For the first time, Sergeant at Arms Helen called the meeting to order and read us the mission statement.
President Gail H was on fire with her to-do list:
Marlene introduced us to the theme with the explanation above.
She called on Liz We for program changes - just one small change.
Hazel cross-examined Toastmasters core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence. She toasted to "Toastmasters Core Values and especially Integrity".
It was time for Narelle to present the word of the evening: Toast. Not sure if she was aware, but every time we handed back to Madame Toastmaster, she had to add a tally for each person...
Gokul led us in the Round Robin with "The one thing you love most about Toastmasters" - bringing toasty responses from hype to confidence to learning while having fun. Even our guests were fired up to give their opinion.
The three speeches of the evening were presented by:
Trying to persuade us to buy raffle tickets, Gail W presented the perfect dinner for two prepared: her secret Bolognese sauce with fresh pasta, parmesan cheese, garlic bread and red wine. Our taste buds were sizzling.
We learnt from Timer Michael that we were running slightly overtime, so the supper break was shortened.
We still managed to buy raffle tickets, prepare a hot drink, stuff our faces with non-toasted items provided by Paul and Liz We as well as catch up with members and guests.
After the break, we went into Table Topics (those impromptu sparks were flying). Gail H asked:
The Table Topics were evaluated by Chris and Hazel commenting on reviewing structure to bring the Table Topic to the next level.
During the collection of our votes by Helen, Marlene was able to impart some more knowledge of her nearly 30 years with Toastmasters.
General Evaluator Jonathon commented about the vibe, especially pointing out the double sell strategy by Gail W and the executive call by Gail H to cut down Table Topic questions before he moved into commenting about the evaluations and how to redefine parameters to suit our listening skills.
Rosie kept us on our toes with the Listening Quiz' questions about what we heard and seen tonight. We passed with flying colours - the amount collected was very minimal.
Gail W asked our guest Daniel to draw the winner which was a very happy Paul.
In closing, Gail H asked the visitors for feedback, reminded us of upcoming events (contests, August 29 meeting and Area conference) as well as presenting the awards:
Best Speech - Arun
Best Table Topic - Rosie
Best Evaluation - Paul
Most Improved - Michael
Our next meeting will be on August 8.
Celebrating the year which was and welcoming the year to improve in communication and leadership, was the purpose of the Change-Over Dinner.
The evening was opened by none other than our outgoing Sergeant at Arms Gokul who changed his script for the venue change. We celebrated at The Sands Social.
Outgoing President Paul welcomed us to the meeting before welcoming our visitors outgoing Area Director Suresh and Area Director Suzanne as well as guests Brian, Colin and Peter S. It was followed by his outgoing speech which included acknowledging the newest members (and their achievements) as well as congratulating all Sandgate members for reaching President's Distinguished Club.
Toastmaster of the evening was John Topping who started with a joke, then a quote and moved into the Warm Up/Round Robin segment.
The topic was supplied by Jonathon who was sadly absent: "Tell us about a difficult decision you had to make to be able to move forward." We listen to stories about job changes and moving to a new country, but also the decision to go to university as well as accepting all the suggestions from the future in-laws for the upcoming wedding.
Christiane gave us the invocation for the meal to follow shortly.
Prior though, Trish was able to see if we had been paying attention (and/or reading the blog) to answer her 10 questions (with 2 bonus points). Gail H was the winner with knowing all the answers.
Dan presented the toast to "Sandgate Toastmasters Club and Toastmasters International".
We were then served with alternating options of steak or chicken parmigiana.
Before we were treated to dessert (carrot slice or cherry ripe slice), Table Topics masters Narelle and Helen called on:
Afterwards we entered the official part were Outgoing Area Director Suresh thanked the 2022/2023 officers before dismissing them.
Subsequently, our Area Director for 2023/2024 Suzanne inducted the 2023/2024 officers before presenting her Area Director speech. She invited us to Save the Date: November 5 for the Area 8 conference.
Immediate Past President Paul had the honour to present three awards:
Thereupon we heard from President Gail and her outlook on the year ahead especially pointing out the 50th year of chartering Sandgate Toastmasters Club in May 2024, but also contests, officer training and encouragement to new members.
The raffle draw followed which was organised and run by Marlene and Gail W. Lucky winners were Christiane (three times!), Michael, Marlene, Liz We and Suzanne.
Next, all attendees were encouraged to pick a book (or two) from the book swap table which had been overflowing with choices.
President Gail thanked all attendees in her close and reminded us of our next meeting on July 25.
