Evening Meetings

Karen with Melanie's infamous Lemon Meringue.jpg

Karen with Melanie's infamous Lemon Meringue Pie

Pot Luck Meeting at Melanie's

The evening meeting of Tuesday 27^th October went off without a hint of verdant clumsiness thanks to an erudite and polished performance from Toastmaster Wazza Smith.

Even if we never want to hear another jewel of Confucious’s wisdom as long as we live, Wazza drew in a throng of Toasties and guests for the event and managed us all with even handed dexterity.

Ria Bright-Young corralled one of the longest table topics in recent memory and kept us on track with all things ‘Spring-Like’ as her theme. It was refreshing to see so many guests have a bash at Table Topics and Ria’s warm charm made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

Karen Gilhespy gave a speech combined with visual aids, on the workings of the brain which was interesting and well researched and in a contrast of content, Deborah Darton highlighted the idiosyncrasies of spending a penny, euro or cent in the public toilets of Europe…a topic which had everyone ‘flushed’ with merriment.

Melanie provided the word of the day, the snapshots, the cooker, the plethora of feeding utensils AND the room for the evening so Vesey’s Verdant Venue delivered us in some style.

Thanks to all who embraced the concept of an evening meeting we were able to enjoy a social get-together as well as a professionally presented Top Start meeting.

Schelle chomping at the bit

Texas Diner - 22 September

The Texas Diner was the next venue for the evening meeting and this time it was a 'Pot Luck Dinner" so a little less formal than our previous meeting and plenty of time to mix and mingle. Lynnee gave a challenging Table Topic Task, asking us to step right out of our comfort zones, engaging in impromptu conversations which had us in fits of laughter and utter chaos. Fortunately Mike and Keith brought us back to some order with two very moving and fabulously presented speeches. The food was divine and the meeting intimate with just 18 attending. If you haven't yet managed to attend an evening meeting you're missing out. They are a lot of fun, you get to know your fellow members more and challenge yourself to learn to speak in different environments. The next one is scheduled for 27th October watch this space for details as to where it will be held.

Wharepuke Cafe Meeting

A very successful meeting was held at Wharepuke Cafe in Kerikeri. We had a great night with three speakers presenting some very creative visuals. We learnt the benefits of joining the WWOOF association especially if you happen to be lucky enough to stay at Graeme's house. Being a WWOOF member you get the opportunity to stay with a host for 4 hours work a day in exchange for food and accommodation which can extend to being part of a Toastmasters presentation. Rin took us to the wild desert of Arizona and the even wilder people that visit the 'Burning Man Festival' and Roger gave us the philosophy of donuts. It was great night with great food and great company.

Humorous Speech

Congratulations go to Mike for his second placing in the Humorous Speech Competition last Sunday at the Regional Competitions held in Albany. Mike would have received the cup for the most funniest speech had their been one because he certainly got the most laughs, however the winner's speech had that technical edge which won out in the end. It was a well attended competition with a hundred or so people in the audience and the standard of speakers was excellent.

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Top Start Toastmasters meet every Thursday at 7.30 am *Kingston House, Hone Heke Road, Kerikeri * All welcome * Call Deb Clarke 09 4075355