"IS YOUR SCHOOL SHAKING?"

It shouldn't be after Noel's speech today at Pania Toastmaster's meeting, it was entitled "E.S.G" and you guessed it! related to the "Engineering Strategy Group". Noel who works for Opus is part of a very important 3 man team whose focus is to assess whether schools throughout New Zealand meet up with the criteria associated with Earthquakes. What a huge undertaking!, so what about those places not effected by Earthquakes? Noel told us that buildings are tested based on replicating the kind of movement associated with an Earthquake. Diagrams and photos were shown to support his comments. Interestingly enough, Noel mentioned the types of damage that occurred in Christchurch, was mostly due to ground issues. Noel was utilising this presentation, that involves his work and his willingness and understanding to share his knowledge was much appreciated. It was a pity that not more time was available. Well done Noel.
Mike introduced and evaluated Noel and his evaluation provided good tips to assist Noel with future presentations. He also acknowledged the interest that Noel generated.

Table Topics were presented by Wendy and she adopted a Christmas theme to tie in with the Toastmaster, Darryl's excellent, highly colourful agenda. Graham E was asked "What does Christmas Mean to you?" he spoke of family get togethers, food, church, then off to Auckland, certainly a bust time and spoken with real enthusiasm. To "Your Favourite Christmas Song" Ian responded with 'Show me the Way to Go Home????'. Ian told us that singing is not a strong point in his family and moved away from the question , but did it very well!To , "What do you do for Christmas?" Graeme V responded by almost answering the question!!!! and was clearly relieved when the Orange light came on. "What is your Christmas Treat?" to this question David mentioned his favourite was collecting Xmas Trees, axe in hand (while the children kept a lookout)- well you can guess the rest!
Barbara was asked "to tell us about her Christmas menu" and gave an indepth account of one such moment that happened recently. Excellent response and had our mouths watering in anticipation.
"Christmas is about Family" Noel told us with a well reasoned response. Told us that they had people coming to stay for a few days and his early days on a dairy farm (earthquakes give milk shakes!), he spoke with sincerity and conviction.
Sue McM, evaluated everyone with encouragement and suggestions for improvement.

Darryl was very comfortable in his role as Toastmaster, excellent agenda and appropriate Christmas type comments between those taking part in the programme, thorough job Darryl, well done!
Timekeeper jen made us aware that time is important with only a 50 minute programme, thanks Jen.

The meeting was wrapped up (in Christmas paper off course) by the General Evaluator Laurence who was restricted to 2/3 minutes, which was rather unfortunate.

BEST SPEAKER; Noel
BEST EVALUATOR; Mike
BEST TABLE TOPICS; Noel

REMEMBER; Next week, 12th December, is our final meeting of the year, bring along a small gift to talk about and then it goes to the HB Today Gift appeal for those less fortunate that us.
Enjoy some light nibbles and refreshments.

Thank you Graeme for this report.