"This Was Their Finest Hour"

What a rousing rendition of a shorten version of Winston Churchill's great speech to the Houses of Parliament on 18th June 1940, shortly after he became Prime Minister was given today by Mike in the assignment "Oratorical Speech" from the Interpretive Reading Manual "This Was Their Finest Hour"' Mike had the voice and actions to bring the speech to life and he certainly achieved that.

 Toastmaster of the day was Jen and she had a well organised and interesting program arranged for us,11 members and our guest enjoyed the meeting, on a shocking weather-wise day, which she ran with her usual efficiency and humour plus some chocolates each for Easter on this Maundy Thursday 17th April.We also enjoyed the Company of the Area D2 Governor, Ian , who addressed us later in the meeting on his 2nd 'official' visit.

Mike was introduced and Evaluated by Darryl, in his speech Mike displayed excellent vocal variety and gestures and I felt certainly conveyed the will of Winston Churchill's appeal to the Government of the day, some may say better than Churchill himself!!An excellent reading Mike and great to see you complete another Advanced Manual. Darryl commended Mike on many aspects of his presentation and also had some suggestions for improvement like, use of more pauses, a little more eye contact and slow down a little. A really great rendition of the Speech and also an excellent Evaluation by Darryl.

Area Governor, Ian, gave a very interesting and inspiring address commencing with "If you get out of Toastmasters all you can get out of Toastmasters-you will never get out of Toastmasters!" Ian encouraged members to utilise their Competent Leader manuals more, increase membership in Clubs, stand for an Executive role next month and for someone to put their hand up for Area Governor from 1st July.Thanks Ian for your words and efforts over the past 9/10 months.
Table topics was run by Laurence and themed around the Royal visit. Craig was asked "was it all worthwhile" and he agreed yes (Kate was nice to watch and so was George!) and overall it was a boost for the crowds-but we will cease being a monarchy one day! Carol answered about the reports in the US about the Haka, they were not very complimentary! and she felt that it was our 'dance' and we should be and are proud of it. Wendy "where did the Royals really want to go?' off course her answer was Hawkes Bay- she expounded the virtues of the Bay and the bountiful things we grow and produce- great argument and perhaps next time! Graeme covered "the hicup over security as perceived by the UK Police, he felt we know what we are doing and they should mind their own backyard. Cheryl concluded with why the Royals should visit the Hawkes Bay-diversity of activities,relaxing on the beach (this weather!!) picnicing, Art Deco buses-you name it we have it!! A good session Laurence , plenty of scope and topical subject.
The business session with President Craig, told us about the Division D Conference last Saturday in Rotorua, where our AreaD2 contestants came 2nd (Judith in the International Speech Contest) and 3rd (Graeme in the Evaluation Contest. The winner of the Speech Contest was Kingi Biddle (last year's runner up in the "World Championship of Public Speaking" so it was 'good company"). Graeme also has had the "all clear" from his recent operation.Excellent news!
 Ian gave us as brief but humorous Evaluation of Table Topics and David, concluded with the help of Cheryl as Timekeeper, with his General Evaluation and some comments for the Evaluators.

Best Table Topic; Carol
Best Speaker; Mike
Best Evaluator; Darryl

We do it all again next week 24th April-see you there!