"FEEDING OF CREAKS AND ACHES"

The meeting on 10th October was all about "Local Bodies"-Elections that is!, Wendy our Toastmaster's theme was in her usual bright and breezy style, lots of colour and ingenuity-Well done, Wendy-most enjoyable!
Sue McM was our first speaker with an attention grabbing title "Creaks & Aches", it was all about Arthritis, which made for compelling listening especially as it effects all ages. This was a Project seven assignment 'Research your Subject' and Sue did a marvellous job giving a well balanced view point and hope for those who suffer from this deliberating illness. Darryl, her Evaluator gave both praise and suggestions for improvement. Darryl continues to show great promise, his first Evaluation was only in July and he goes from strength to strength.
Our second speaker, Graeme gave a 'Persuade with Power' speech entitled "Food for Thought". Graeme gave three examples on relatively current events which he saw as cause for concern. Ian gave  insightful comments , which would be of great benefit to Graeme.
Table Topics followed with Cheryl, she chose a 'vote for me' theme which tied in very nicely with Wendy's theme for the day.
Ian was asked his opinion on parking wardens handing out lollipops instead of fine notices, Ian was in full cry when he suddenly stopped and asked "how much time do I have?" Darryl had to put his spin on putting 'ratbags' into stocks (in a Public Place) so people could throw things at them, Darryl left us in no doubt as to where he stood and did it all in 36secs. Isaac gave his thoughts on people being allowed to light bonfires on the beach  while having a picnic. He gave a thought provoking answer which included throwing all sorts of things on the bonfire-a chance to let off steam perhaps? sure took us by surprise!
Graeme was asked his opinion on rock climbing, which he thought was a good idea, providing no ropes were used! As you can tell Table Topics allowed the participants to use a lot of imagination and we all had a fun time. Thank you Cheryl.
General Business included that the V/P Education would provide a new forward programme on 17th October, mention was made that Barbara is representing Area D2 at the Divisional finals on Saturday in Rotorua in the Table Topics Contest, Good Luck Barbara.
Members were invited to Napier Toastmaster's Demonstration meeting on 14th October and asked to give it their support. There could be a spin off for Pania Club as well.
Noel as General Evaluator showed his expertise and experience in giving very good advice, such as Evaluators using 3rd person approach with their feedback. Thank you Noel for your well reasoned comments, Pania is fortunate to have someone with your experience.
Jen gave her Timekeeper's report which clearly showed she had listened well.
Before closing mention must be made of the Programme that Wendy had, they are always worth a mention and today's was no exception.

A great meeting-lots of learning and laughter. Our meetings reinforce why Toastmasters are so special-well done everyone!
Best Speaker was Sue McM;
Evaluator; Darryl and Table Topics; Isaac.

and a special thanks to Graeme for writing this report in the absence of Craig or Jan.

"COMPUTE THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT ON THE MOVE"

The Evolution of mobile computers and The Phantom of the Opera were the ingredients served up by our two speakers at Pania's meeting on 3rd October. Darryl (Toastmaster for the day) served up an excellent fare with some extremely interesting 'internet acronyms' to fill in between items.

Ever thought of doing one?

This was the question posed by our first speaker, Darryl, today.  He was referring to a life review, in this case a task he often undertook while a Volunteer in a Hospice.

"CATS GETTING CROSSFIT??"

Another in the long run of great Pania Toastmaster's meetings held today where 12 members and two guests (Diana & Simon from America) enjoyed a excellent programme with a "feline" theme well arranged and run by Toastmaster Jan.
Yes, Cats, were the subject of the day and Jan interspersed the items on the programme with some 'catichisms' !!! witty comments about cats ending up with a catalogue of 'cat sayings' from catacombs to cataracts, catamarans to catchments and its was all very catching with fortunately no catastrophes.

"Face Your Fears..."

...and do it anyway.  This was the title of Barbara's speech today. We know she doesn't like flying - add enclosed places and earthquakes and you have the heart of her speech. She had to take a lift to the 17th floor, in Wellington where the conference was held.  She'd travelled by plane too so they (the fears) all came at once. And she dealt with them.

'A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ....!"

.....today at Pania Toastmasters. We staged our Humorous Speech contest and enjoyed two highly entertaining speeches.

" I HAD A DREAM!"

Pania Toastmaster's meeting today had a 'dreamy' theme but not all the speakers were dreaming, some of the recollections actually did occur, these were enjoyed by 14 members and our latest member Isaac Kearse , who joined up today, welcome Isaac.