THANK YOU to everyone for the effort undertaken to man the Toastmaster site today at Sandgate for the Einbumpin Festival. Special mention to Rhys for the setting up and packing up and Nicole for supplying the cover, we would have been 'roasted' without it. Thanks again, I was very happy with the number of people that registered their interest. Sharyn

More Einbunpin Photos

Meeting 860 TT & Int. Speech Contests

It was a special evening. We had a visit from our Area Governor, Jeff, as well as contest judges Terry and Mark from Pines Toastmasters Club.

 President Sharyn was kept busy. As well as performing her new role of president, she was tie breaker judge for the Table Topics Contest, and Contest Chairman for the International Speech Contest. She handled all three tasks with aplomb.

It was wonderful to see so many competing in the Table Topics contest. The topic was, "There is a way."
Trish, Annette, Raider, Rachael, Kylie, Jonathon, Nicole, Liz and Rhys took on the challenge.

There were two contestants in the International Speech Contest.

And the winner was.....

Trish won both the Table Topics and International Contests. Congratulations Trish!

Raider came second in the International Speech Contest. 

 Other place getters were Annette (second in Table Topics) and Rhys. (Third in Table Topics.)

Congratulations to all who took part.

Meeting 859 "Goals"

The theme "Goals" was appropriate for our first meeting in the new Toastmaster year. Our new president, Sharyn opened the meeting on a positive note and Round Robin Master Robert asked members to state what their goals were for the coming year.

As Toastmaster of the evening, Tony kept the meeting flowing  motivational quotes between segments.

Jennine presented her Icebreaker, telling about her love of crafts, particularly knitting.

Dave read the Poem, "The Highwayman" for his Interpretive reading project.

The raffle was won by Liz.

Awards for the evening went to Raider (Best Table Topic, Jennine (Best speech And Personal Best), Rhys (Best Evaluator) & Tony (Best Contribution.)

Meeting 858 - Changeover Dinner - Theme of Colour Your World

Congratulations to Marlene for arranging a fabulous changeover dinner to say 'thank you' to the outgoing executive team, and 'welcome' to the incoming.

Congratulations to award recipients: Sandgate Toastmaster of the Year, Sharyn; 100% Attendance, Dave H; and Most Improved, Kylie.

Thank you to outgoing Area Governor Deb for her support, enthusiasm and input this year - her visits have been an absolute pleasure and we look forward to supporting her as incoming Division Governor.

Thank you to the Full Moon Hotel for use of their facilities throughout the year, it is a great venue for our meetings.

Photos of the evening in no particular order - despite my efforts - this blogsite likes to add its own touch.

Meeting 857 - Theme of Eclipse (Winter)

A fun, challenging and informative meeting once again, with 22 club members and one guest.

We had the opportunity to welcome our incoming Area Governor Jeff, pictured below with our incoming club president Sharyn, and also current club president Marlene.





June took on the challenge of a new role, Madame Toastmaster, and entertained us with eclipse anecdotes.

Rhys did an amazing job with his 10th speech from the Competent Communicator manual, earning him the CC qualification as well as a standing ovation. Entitled iCare, he ensured food for thought for each of us.

Rachael presented her second speech, an educational piece about the Royal Flying Doctor Service; David inspired us all to take a longer look at Sandgate's Hidden Treasure; and Trish delved into a word often felt to be taboo, suicide, although "It's Just a Word". Four great speeches, followed by four informative evaluations.

Raider impressed with an impromptu book review on The Brain that Changes Itself.

John scared us a little with a thorough general evaluation followed by a statement that after 38 years it would be his last - many were wondering whether he was withdrawing from the club and were relieved when John said only from evaluations - reserving the right to make private suggestions.

Leesa appealed to book lovers with her raffle prize, and the primary raffle winner of the club claimed this one too - but has offered to share - Wanting by Richard Flanagan. Could this be a book review in the making?


With a few minutes to spare on the program, Sharyn had members wriggling, writhing and roaring as they played "descriptive animals" charades. For the following photographic gems you may thank the quick-shooting Marlene.







Trophies to:

Table Topics - Liz Wel
Prepared Speech - Rhys
Evaluation - Annette
Personal Best - Rachael
Contribution - June



Next meeting is the changeover dinner Colour Your World - don't forget to dress accordingly!