"WHAT A GIFT THAT WAS!"

Thursday 10th December, saw Pania Toastmasters having their last meeting of the year, and what a 'gift' of a meeting it was, being the last meeting it was as usual run by the President Helen, who performed her role admirably, Helen was the only 'official of the day' keeping time as well!!


It is usual at our last meeting to all bring along a gift(some brought many!) which after we talk about our gift in a brief Table Topics session  it (they) is (are) donated to the Hawkes Bay Today Christmas gift appeal for those less fortunate than ourselves this Christmas.
Gifts brought along were many and varied and everyone spoke well to their respective item (items). While not going through everybody's donation I will caterigise them under headings, the most unusual was by Russell, not sure even now what is does, but it seems that it was some form of seat that folds into a small pouch and is therefore easily portable. The most innovative was by Laurence, it appears to have been the latest X-box !!! with many additions!!! and very small with an elephant background and a type of pin-ball game!!!!, great lead up Laurance.
The most valuable (well they will all be valuable to the recipients) were two bags full of articles presented by Graeme and Ian being some of the items that Graeme's wife had collected over the year. The best value was the frying pan donated by Helen, price $99 but reduced to $5 in the unowhere sale (they have one at least once a week, often more and and it starts with "B"-no advertising on this site!)
Finally the most practical, a box of chocolates (loved by all the family) and even came gift wrapped! Thanks Carol.
Following the Table Topics session we all enjoyed a little Christmas Cheer and refreshments, with time for a chat. Graeme and Ian then loaded up the car and took the gifts along to the Hawkes Bay Today office, where I am sure they were warmly welcomed.

Thanks to all those members attending for their generosity and input to the meeting.

It was excellent to see a good turnout of members for our last meeting and also welcome to past-member Jan and great to see Mike back after his operation. Jen's on her way home from Geneva, hope the pain is bearable and things work out well when you get back to Kiwi land.

That's all for this year, have a great Christmas, keep safe and enjoy it, while looking forward to a happy and prosperous New Year and a growing Pania Toastmasters Club.

OUR FIRST MEETING IN THE NEW YEAR IS THURSDAY 21st January, its an impromptu meeting and will be a lot of fun. Don't worry about your role, Graeme has them well organised!