TOASTMASTERS IN 2003

To finish off the year, a Christmas dinner was held at the Raya Thai on 11 Dec. The club gained many new members so there was plenty to celebrate. Thanks to the staff of the Raya Thai for their hospitality and fabulous dinner. The format for tabletopics, impromptu speaking, was a little different. Each person brought a Christmas gift which became the topic for the speech. Many of the gifts turned out to be candles so that topic received a good workout.

There were two formal speeches: Margaret Hawrylciw spoke about her family Christmas lunches, past and present, and yours truly gave a speech about “that little bit extra” inspired by Tom O’Toole, the Beechworth baker, who bought a bakery in 1984 that was turning over $100,000 per annum. Today it’s turning over more than $3m pa. His life story and management techniques are quite inspirational.

The international speech contest will be held at the first meeting in March. Visitors are always welcome. The club meets on the first and third Monday of each month at the Workmen’s Club, 7.45pm for 8pm. Call Vicki 4294 2402 or Phil 4294 8089 for further information.

Phil Preston