"OH! WHAT A NIGHT!"

On Thursday 24th August Pania Toastmasters Club held its Table Topics & Humorous Speech Contests at St Andrews Hall, Atawhai Lifestyle Village and what a night it was!!

Traditionally the Club has run its Contests during the 'normal' lunchtime meeting slot, but this year President Marc suggested that we 'make a night of it', and  so we did!! Several members from other Clubs attended (apparently to "check out the talent" in the Humorous Speech Contest) and they would not have been disappointed. The club members were also very well represented and with a little bit of wine, some nibbles and a lovely supper it was a very successful evening.


Helen, chaired the Table Topics Contest and this was contested by eight Club members who spoke from 1 to 2 minutes  each on "What is a Friend?". All answered very well to an excellent choice of topic by Helen and we had some wide ranging opinions on 'what is a friend', although most were along the lines of supportive, there when you need them in good times and bad, drinking buddies (coffee and stronger!) and one was married to his best friend, while another got married to her friend to get a Visa (and then got divorced!!)
David, Darryl, Carol,Anna, Linda, Barbara,Noel and Marc all had a go at answering the question and the placing's were 3rd Barbara, 2nd Noel (well done Noel!!) and 1st Marc.

After supper Craig chaired the Humorous Speech Contest in which we had SIX contestants, and there were some really great speeches heard that had many in the audience laughing loudly and one or two even reduced to tears from laughing so much!!  A very high standard was maintained right from the warm up!! through to to the final speech and all the contestants are to be heartily congratulated for giving it a go , in a contest we traditional only have 2 or 3 contestants.
We heard about weddings that went wrong "I do", "Scotland .... the rave!",'How Did I get Here?" (an Aussie that snuck in when we were not looking), "Green Op Shop Undies!!" no she was not wearing them-as far as we know!!, "there was an old women' (who had lots of lovely Grandchildren to come and stay!, then,"No!! you are not touching me with those" about a man whose wife has (apparently) very cold hands (but no doubt a warm heart!)
The Contestants were Barbara, David, Helen,Anna,Linda and Marc, well done to you all!

The placings were 3rd Helen, 2nd Linda (well done Linda) and 1st Marc. Unfortunately there were two disqualifications for exceeding the maximum time limit of 7 minutes 30 seconds, not enough time allowed for laughter!!_

Marc will now go on to represent the Club at the Area Contests on 15th September at a venue yet to be decided, but we will keep you informed!

Next Thursday, back to our usual haunt of the Blind Foundation rooms at the usual time of 12.10pm , so look forward to seeing you all there, where Marc is the Toastmaster of the day.