Meeting 1167 " Family Camping"

                    
Our first meeting in 2025. It was great to be back after a long break during the Christmas holiday season. We were delighted to have 2 first time guests, Scarlett and Eoin, as well as Robert, a return visitor.

President Helen welcomed everyone to the meeting and presented John with a certificate and badge for completing Level 5 in the Engaging Humour Path. John delivered a short acceptance speech on what he had learned from the path.

John & Helen

John's acceptance speech

Toastmaster Gail introduced the theme of the meeting. Carmy (in the absence of our VPE) announced the programme changes.

Gail W

Carmy

Amy proposed a toast to "Adventures lying ahead."  

Brett introduced the word for the evening, "Chieftaincy," meaning leadership.

Amy

Brett

Round Robin Master Liz asked "What was your first camping holiday and how did you exercise your chieftaincy? There were some interesting answers and nearly everyone used the word "chieftaincy."

There were 5 prepared speeches. Chris told us about the motorcycle accident he had last year and his ongoing recovery.

His evaluator Paul commented on Chris's good use of props. 

John showed and spoke about his life story book "Life of Pa" that he had written for his grandchildren, with the aid of the Storyworth programme.  His speech was evaluated by Helen.

Chris

John

Maddie's speech (her second) was about the wonders of the under-sea world, and she showed some photos on her Ipad.

It was evaluated by Peter.

Gail used a conversational tone to talk about her "Motorcycle Adventures" and was evaluated by Narelle.

Maddie

Gail

Carmy spoke about her work with autistic children and showed us her chart of "Bus rules and seating plan for autistic children." Her speech was evaluated by Amy. 

Carmy

Amy

Paul's raffle was a bottle of red wine, a bottle of white wine and a box of chocolates. It was won by Helen.

Paul

Rosie provided a delicious supper. 

Trish introduced the Table Topics and called on Liz, Brett, and guests Eoin and Scarlett to each speak for 2 minutes.

She had wisely asked the guests if they would like to participate, and they performed well. We don't usually call on first time visitors! It was also Brett's first time to answer a TT topic.

Trish

Liz - "Pack 3 things for camping trip."

Brett - "Camping Menu"

Eoin - "Camping location"

Scarlett - "What luxury item"

 The Table Topics were evaluated by Rosie.

Rosie

While the votes were being collected Toastmaster Gail told some camping jokes which were appreciated.

Trish, Paul & Peter

In his role of News Commentator, George spoke about the Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher, AO, co-founder of  FightMND.

Timekeeper Helen announced that we were running way over time. 

Timekeeper Helen & Scarlett

General Evaluator Marlene spoke mainly about the need to keep the meeting running to time and suggested allowing time on the programme for participants moving to the lectern & clapping etc. Speakers keeping within time limits, fewer items on the programme, shortening Round Robin responses when there are many attendees, etc.

Marlene

The award winners of the evening were Amy & Maddie (Most Improved,) Scarlett (Best Table Topic,) John (Best Speech,) and Helen (Best Evaluation.)

Award winners 28 Jan 2005

 The next meeting will be on the 11th February.