Change-Over Dinner - "Moving Forward"

Celebrating the year which was and welcoming the year to improve in communication and leadership, was the purpose of the Change-Over Dinner.

Incoming President Gail H had selected “Moving Forward” and John even found a fitting quote which he presented (see in picture).

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:

1. Peter - If you're not moving forward, you are...
   
2. Arun - Moving is challenging, tell us about your challenging experience moving. - He gave us loads of examples.
   
3. Gail W - How do you know when it's time to move on? - You just know.
   
4. Gokul - What rules would you like to change at school, work or home? - He gave us many.
   
5. Michael - What are a few fun ways to answer the boring question of "What do you do for work?"? - Chirades.
   
6. Trish - If you could only wear one colour of clothing forever, what would it be? - We were not surprised! (If you don't know, look at her photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

• 100% attendance - Marlene 

(with Gail H receiving an honourable mention since she only missed 2 meetings due to a holiday trip, but made up for those by visiting the Area (for 2 areas), Division and District conference as well as judging at club level)

• Most Improved - Arun (this award is voted on by the combined officers - outgoing and incoming)

• Toastmaster of the Year - John (this award is allocated using a point system for roles, level completion, contest participation etc.)

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.