It may have been Easter Monday but it was another well attended meeting with a good number of guests.
Marie Roberts got us underway in a warm and engaging manner as Sergeant at Arms before passing over to Ray Adams as Toastmaster.
Ray welcomed everybody and explained the Toastmaster programme and protocols for the benefit of all present. Not surprisingly the theme of the night was Easter.
He called upon Ellie Zheleva to explain her role as Timekeeper before asking Carolyn Barber as Grammarian to give the word of the evening. Carolyn’s word was Vernal meaning, springlike, fresh and new. She then went on to explain she would be looking out for examples of good language.
Brent Crouch was called to the lectern to lead the warm-up and he asked those present how they had spent the holiday weekend. Some had just enjoyed the break, others did DIY or gardening while others spent it with family and friends.
Ray next introduced the speakers starting with Matt Roseblade with his Icebreaker entitled “A Tall Story” explaining his career path from rural Gloucestershire to Portsmouth via Australia. Alison Cross followed with her Project 2 speech “Language” examining how we use language, before Sarah Waters concluded with her Project 3 speech “Squat” introducing those present to the benefits of exercise and in particular the squat.
After votes were cast it was time for the break replete with easter eggs.
Marie soon summoned us back for the second half starting with the evaluations, given by Simon Roberts, Charlotte O’Driscoll and Keith Oliver respectively.
Ray now called on Premraj Premprakash to lead the Table Topics. Prem provided an eclectic choice of subjects. Ann Carver spoke on the budget, Yousef (guest) spoke about Batman v Superman, Sean (guest) spoke about his favourite music, Marie Roberts explained how she spent her Easter break, Anna 9guest) spoke on the recent terrorist attack in Brussels, while Ian Millen spoke about being a Toastmaster on Easter Monday.
It now fell to Carolyn to give her grammarian’s report and Ann Carver the General Evaluation to conclude the meeting.
Ray Adams dealt with club business reminding members of the Division Speech and Evaluation contest. (Russell Perrott representing the club at area level came a creditable second). With the award of the ribbons and certificates Ray brought the meeting to a close.
Best Speaker – Alison Cross
Best Evaluator – Simon Roberts
Best Table Topics – Marie Roberts