"SPRING SPRANG A GREAT MEETING!"

Our meeting last Thursday , the very first day of Spring, was as warm and welcoming as the day .

Kerry our Toastmaster welcomed us all warmly.

Carol introduced Helen and explained that this speech was not to be evaluated . Followed a rousing speech from Helen which should stand us all in good stead for future assigned roles as General Evaluator. Helen pointed out what the role is and what it isn't . Very valuable and specially at our club where any minute wasted on superfluous talk is frowned upon. The take away was that General Evaluators evaluate the evaluators , not the speeches ......after all they have been evaluated .

Barbara set the scene for Linda's poem , explained the objectives and advised us what we should listen for .

A very easy opening for what Linda was about to do .

General business was concise and to the point , but please remember Toastmasters , asking for apologies is not an excuse to look around the room see who is not there and call out their name , Apologies must be registered with Helen or the Toastmaster of the day to be noted .

Helen presented Patrick with his certificate , Celebrating his completing five speeches .

Table topics followed , another lively session conducted by David and evaluated by Graeme, who gave each speaker a commendation and a recommendation . High praise for Graeme's work , its not easy to complete a task like that when the speaker is up for one minute .

Graeme awarded Patrice with the best Table Topic award , well earned Patrice .

Barbara evaluated Linda , giving Linda some recommendations and lots of commendations, Barbara spoke in the third person , which all good evaluators do . She clarified the fact that all objectives were met and concluded by congratulating Linda.

The General Evaluator(that's me-Jen)) then called for the timekeeper,Laurel's report which was delivered clearly and with accuracy , she then went on to congratulate Kerry for her well presented programme , the layout of the room and the fact that between each item Kerry came to the front of the room , where we could all see her .

Yet another fabulous fifty minutes , all that remained to be done was for the GE to nominate Helen as best speaker and Graeme as best Evaluator , and we were off back to our desks.

But wait there's more ..................................Friday follows Thursday ..............and more good things lay in store for Pania TM ...............you will have to come next week to find out what it was !