Meeting 880 Change Over Dinner

Theme - Black & White  -  Books

New Executive Team

Welcome to the new executive for 2012 - 2013. They are, from left to right, Jennine (VPPR,) John S (Parliamentarian,) Melissa, (News Bulletin Editor,) Kylie (Treasurer) Sharyn - almost hidden (Secretary and IPP) Annette (President,) Marlene (VPE,) Liz We (VPM,) and Maureen (SAA.)

The Change Over Ceremony was inducted by incoming Division Governor, Ranjeet.

Ranjeet inducting  new Treasurer Kylie

Ranjeet

It was a thrill to see Leesa  acknowledged as "The Most Extraordinary Toastmaster." for her outstanding effort, helpfulness, and dependability.

                                     

Most Extraordinary Leesa

Toastmaster of the Year
Trish and Annette

Trish and Annette shared the "Toastmaster of the Year" award.

100 Percent Attendance. Leesa and Dave.

Leesa and Dave received an award for 100 percent Attendance.

Since it is the National Year of Reading, the theme was "Black and White, with a touch of "Read."

The Round Robin and Table Topics had a Book theme.

Jonathon

Harry

Trish

Rhys

Trish conducted a Book Trivia Quiz. Raffle Prizes were bundles of books. (Everyone had donated a pre-owned favourite.)

Incoming Area Governor Denise shared a joke with our out going president, Sharyn.

Denise and Sharyn

Melissa
Our News Bulletin Editor is keen to get started.

Next meeting 10th July.

Meeting 879 "Australian Pioneers"

Kylie CC

Congratulations to Kylie on obtaining her Competent Communicator award.

Kylie delivered her 10th speech, "Fabulous" and received a standing ovation from the club.

Annette 

Another achiever was Annette, who presented an informative Educational Session on Mentoring. This completed the requirements for an Advanced Leader award. Well done, Annette!

Jennine

Toastmaster for the evening was Jennine. It was her first time in this role, but she handled it with great aplomb, explaining each role so that our visitors Terry, Sarah and Danni could understand what was happening and challenging us with pictures of Australian Pioneers  to identify.

It was fascinating to see Robert read the Mission Statement from braille before he presented the toast.

Harry

Inge presented the Word "Tapferkeit,"  a German word meaning "Valour." It was used by some members during the meeting. 

Round Robin Master Trish asked us to imagine we were Australian Pioneers and to tell what three things we had brought from home and if we had needed them. This elicited some amusing answers.

Liz We

Amanda continued the Pioneer theme in her Table Topics. She asked  her "victims" to tell how they each met an Australian Pioneer at a Charity Ball and what they said to them. The pioneers she chose were Charles Kingsford Smith, Edmund Hamon Hargreaves, William Charles Wentworth, and Dame Mary Gilmour. Robert, John, Harry and Liz rose to the occasion with wildly imaginative and entertaining stories.

 They were evaluated by Nicole. 

Ernie wins raffle

There were two Raffles. One was presented by Jonathon  ( a book and "smelly stuff") and another by Inge (tea, coffee and mugs). Inge's raffle was won by Ernie. Forget who won the other one!

The Business Session was efficiently chaired by Leesa. Items for discussion were the Change Over Dinner on the 26th June and Club Officer Training on the 21st July.

Grammarian Harry commented on good word usage, and reported that the um's and ah's, had increased during the second half of the meeting -  probably due to the business session.

John S

In his General Evaluation, John S commended Jennine for her excellent introductions in her first time role as Toastmaster,  Amanda for her imaginative and well presented Table Topics, and Annette for her easy to read visual aids. Commenting on the business session, he reminded everyone to address the meeting at all times and not just one person.

President Sharyn presented the evening's awards to Kylie (Best Speech,) Nicole (Best Evaluation,) Liz We (Best Table Topic,) Amanda (Personal Best,) and Jennine (Best Contribution.)

Next meeting will be the Change Over. If you haven't indicated if you are coming and paid for your dinner, please contact Sharyn right aaway.

Meeting 878 Int. Reading & New Speaker Contests

Maureen

When Maureen prepared her Icebreaker speech, she didn't realise she had been entered for the New Speaker Contest. She bravely went ahead and surprised herself by winning first place with her speech, "Parental Influence."

Second place getter was another new member, John T, who presented a powerful  and thought provoking speech, "Advance Australia Fair - a Reality Check."

It was good to see our old friend Del, from Narangba Toastmasters who came to judge the contests, with several of our own members assisting with the judging.

Another guest was Sarah, who came for the first time. We explained to her that our regular meetings are not as chaotic as a contest night!

Marlene

There was a variety of readings in the Interpretive Reading Contest. Dave read an old Stanley Hollaway monalogue, "The Lion and Albert." 
Kylie read  "Mulga Bill's Bicycle."   by Banjo Paterson. Marlene read an extract from Elizabeth Jolley's
book, "The Well."  Ernie read a story written by his late wife, Diane, titled "Trees at Christmas."
Annette read an extract from "Dad in Politics" by Steele Rudd.

Place getters were Marlene, first, and Annette second.

Jonathon

There were quite a few members absent. Jonathon filled in as Sergeant at Arms and also as Toastmaster.

John S took on the role of Contest Chairman.

As Word master, Maureen challenged us to used the word "CONDUCIVE."

Inge's Round Robin was "Repair or Replace." Everyone seemed to find it easy to speak for 30 seconds on that theme. Some even managed to use the word "Conducive."

Dave's Table Topics, were appropriately based on the theme of books and reading. Amanda, John T, Maureen and John S were given the Topics, "What book has impressed you?" "What author would you like to have lunch with?""What book would you take to a desert island?" and "What kind of book would you like to write?"

John S

John T

Maureen

Amanda

Sharyn - Rafflemaster

They all received the same number of votes, so it was a dead heat! 

The Table Topics were evaluated by Kerry. Leesa conducted the General Evaluation.

Sharyn's "Purple Pamper Pack" Raffle was won by Marlene.

Don't forget there are 5 Tuesdays in this month, so it will be 3 weeks before our next meeting. See you all on the 12th June.

And the following meeting, 26th June will be our   Change Over Dinner.

Interpretive Reading

We are having our Interpretive Reading Contest next meeting.There are guidelines on a new section of our Blog.

There will also be a New Speaker Contest, which is open to any member who has completed less than 5 speech projects from the Communication and Leadership Manual.

Meeting 877 "Magic" & Elections

Congratulations to our newly elected Club Officers, who will take on their new role from 1st July.

President: Annette
Vice President Education: Marlene
Vice President Membership: Liz We
Vice President Public Relations: Jennine
Secretary: Sharyn
Treasurer: Kylie
Sergeant at Arms: Maureen
News Bulletin Editor: Melissa
Parliamentarian: John S
Web Site Coordinator: Marlene

The theme of the meeting was "Magic." Maureen proposed a toast to the Magic of Toastmasters.

Trish presented the club with two new ribbons to attach to the club banner, one for attending the District Convention, and one for achieving Distinguished club status by April.

Nicole's word for the evening was "Illusion" She gave some examples of illusion, including the fact that if you cross your index and middle fingers and rub your nose, it gives the illusion that you have two noses. Of course, some people had to try it out.

Rhys continued the theme in his Round Robin, asking us to speak alternately on the positive or negative aspects of magic. This evoked many unusual topics, ranging from the syzygy of the moon to the Federal Budget. 

 It was a very full programme and Dave proved to be an efficient Toastmaster of the evening, keeping things moving along briskly, but still slipping in interesting information about magic.

Sharyn's Table Topics were a challenge for her victims Jennine, Marlene, John T and Amanda. "With a little bit of Magic I could...," "Shazzam, just like Magic!" "Starlight, Starbright, first star I see tonight," and "A Magical piece of Music, Movie, or Book."

Table Topics Evaluator Liz We had encouraging comments for all participants.

There were three speeches. Inge presented her Icebreaker speech, which was a moving account of her early years in Germany, when the war interrupted her happy childhood, and some members of her family were killed and others sent to prison camps. Inge ended her speech on a happy note, telling how she met and married her husband.

Melissa's speech was "Urban Myths and the Illusion of Everybody." It was her third speech.

Trish's speech was also topical. "It's Magic." Trish is an advanced Toastmaster and is working on yet another Communication and Leadership Manual.

The speeches were evaluated by Leesa, Kylie and Harry. 

The Business Session was chaired by John S, who kept firm control and insisted that any remarks be addressed through the Chairman.

Ernie told a joke about Van Gogh's Family Tree, which includes a dizzy aunt, "Verti Gogh," his brother who ate prunes, "Gotta Gogh," Grandfather from Yugoslavia, "UGogh," a bird loving Uncle,"Flamin Gogh," a Disco Dancer, "Go Gogh" etc.

Grammarian Annette commented on the Ums & Ahs, also the use of  "and" as a filler. She commended Melissa on her use of words in her speech. 

Elizabeth's raffle was won by Liz We. It was a bag of assorted items, perfume, scented candle, tea towel ...and packets of cold water jelly.

Time Keeper Del warned that we were running overtime, so Jonathon was concise with his General Evaluation, but still managed to cover everything, and make constructive suggestions.

President Sharyn presented the evening's awards to John T (Best Table Topic,) Trish (Best Speech,) Kylie (Best Evaluation,) Inge (Personal Best,) and Dave (Best Contribution.)

Next meeting we will have our Interpretive Reading and New Speaker Contests.

District 69 Convention

It was very disappointing that the Humorous Speech Contest was changed from Saturday to Sunday.  Sharyn, Annette, Leesa,  Nicole & I were only able to attend on the one day. Besides the Humorous Contest, there were only the four hours (!!!!) of  Business and Elections. Sharyn attended the President's Breakfast.

Trish, Sharyn, Annette, Marlene

The Humorous Speeches were funny and entertaining. Sorry, we didn't bring the trophy home. The competition was just too stiff. The winner was very very good and deserved to win. The second and third place getters were also very good.

                                                               

Phew, the contest is over!

 2 long term members. Annette & Betty Smout

. We were delighted to meet & talk with Betty Smout from the Adventurers Club. Betty has been a Toastmaster  for 37 years. Her husband (who passed away last year aged 105)  was Arthur Smout, the brother of well known local identy, Ted Smout.                                                                                                                      

Meeting 876 "Anzac"

Asoki

We were glad to have acting Area Governor Asoki at our meeting. Asoki inspired us with her presentation about the Toastmasters motto, "Toastmasters, where leaders are made."

There were also three other guests, Narelle, as well as John T and Terry who had been before.

It was the eve of  Anzac Day, so there were many references to the sacrifice & bravery of our soldiers who have fought for our country.

Toastmaster Liz, shared some history and interesting facts about Anzac Day. Wordmaster Leesa, challenged us to use the word "Courage."

While introducing her Round Robin, Inge told how her family in Germany had suffered under the Nazis and invited us to share stories & memories of the war. Nearly everyone spoke over the allotted 30 seconds.

Jennine's Table Topics, which also related to Anzac Day were more of a challenge. Rhys,  Leesa,  Dave and Nicole rose to the occasion.

Melissa

Melissa evaluated the Table Topics in great detail. It was her first time as evaluator.

Dave

Nicole presented her 5th speech, titled "The Thief." using a appropriate gestures to make it come alive. It was evaluated by Dave.


Visiting Toastmaster John T evaluated Harry's speech, "Business Proposal."

John T

Marlene

Marlene presented the speech she will be using in the Humorous Speech Contest at the District Convention, and received a group evaluation with some helpful suggestions.







Trish recited two poems, Anzac Day by D Hunter, and For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, with the familiar & well loved verse,

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

 Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them." 

Amanda's raffle was won by Maureen (First Prize) and Ernie. (Second Prize.)

Del reported on the Ums & Ahs used during the meeting.

The General Evaluation was conducted by Asoki.

Timekeeper John reported that most of the segments had gone overtime, but somehow, miraculously our meeting finished almost on time.

The evening's awards went to Melissa (Personal Best,) Harry (Best Speech,) Nicole (Best Table Topic,) John T (Best Evaluation,) and Liz (Best Contribution.)

 Officer Elections next meeting. Please consider taking on an executive role. It's a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills.

"You are the person who has to decide 
Whether you'll do it, or toss it aside. 
You are the person who makes up your mind 
Whether you'll lead, or linger behind. 
Whether you'll try for the goal that's far 
Or just be contented to stay as you are. 
Take it or leave it, here's something to do, 
Just think it all over - it's all up to you."

--Edgar A. Guest.

Meeting 875 "Easter"

 

Attendance was low because of the Easter weekend, but spirits were high at the meeting.
We welcomed into our club new member Maureen who was inducted and Ernie who had transferred from another club.  We also had a visiting Toastmaster, John T.

Sharyn

Sharyn was Toastmaster and kept us entertained with some fascinating facts about Easter.
Ernie read the Mission Statement & proposed the Toast. Dave introduced the word "Syzygy," meaning an alignment of 3 celestial objects eg. sun, moon & earth, such as happens at full moon.

Round Robin  Master Amanda asked each one to speak for 30 seconds about a favourite Easter memory. This evoked memories of Easter Egg Hunts, flying model planes, having friends to stay over, scout camps, taking grandchildren to a playground, toy bunnies & chooks. The least favourite memory was of breaking up concrete.

Table Topics Master Robert continued the Easter Theme and called on Inge, Ernie, Liz, & Melissa to speak about Memorable Easters, a weekend in Sydney, and the significance of the the Easter Bunny to Easter.

The Table Topics were evaluated by Dave.

Kylie presented an  information packed speech titled "The World we Live in." She spoke about the effect chemicals in products have on our health.

Kylie's speech was evaluated by Trish.

Maureen's joke about a hospital patient was appreciated by all.

A business session was competently chaired by Del. Topics under discussion included the change of programme for the District 69 Convention and a suggested Interpretive Reading & Novice Speaker Contest. The session was evaluated by Parliamentarian John. John commented on the need to have a hard copy of the minutes at business sessions and a run sheet for the Chairman.

Grammarian Liz commented on our word usage.

Visiting Toastmaster John T conducted a Listening Quiz and asked some questions that would reinforce our memories of important matters as well as trivial subjects.

Leesa's Raffle of Easter Eggs & Scratchit ticket was won by John S. Trish won the mystery second prize. I think it was Body Wash etc.

The meeting was Evaluated by Marlene.

Thanks to Jennine's Timekeeping skills, our meeting finished on time and  awards were presented to Sharyn (Best Contribution,) Trish (Best Evaluation,) Liz (Best Table Topic,) Melissa (Personal Best) and Kylie (Best Speech.)

COMING UP: Officer Elections will  be held on the first meeting in May. Please consider taking on a role, or who you would like to nominate. Being a member of the executive is a fulfilling experience. Talk to any of the current Executive if you would like to know what is involved. More info here. http://www.toastmasters.org/clubofficers.aspx

Interpretive Reading and New Speaker Contests 22nd May. The Interpretive Reading Contest is open to all members. Time 4- 6 minutes.
 The New Speaker Contest is for members who have completed less than six speeches. Time is 5 - 7 minutes.