With the theme being Green Things that Stand in the Way, the chairman Richard talked to us about some of the amazing trees worldwide from the “Book of Amazing Trees” in which our own Tane Mahuta is mentioned.
Our Grammarian Celia introduced the Word of the Night which was “obstruct” and gave us a great explanation as to how it could be used and what she was looking for in her role as the Grammarian.
Clement, the Ah Counter and Katharina the Time Keeper then explained their roles. Victor delighted us with his smile story about the father and his 3 year old daughter who had a canny knowledge as to who was to die next in their family.
Tina, the Toastmaster then introduced the prepared speeches speakers:
The first speaker up with Magda who had returned after a short absence, having had a knee replacement. Her speech title “Piston Head” talked about how it worked and it’s relationship to dynamic leadership – how when you push yourself you give others a nudge.
Ivo talked about success belongs to those who dare to achieve it and how he achieved his success and was given an award for being “The Best Boss” from the Freedom Mobile contact centre of 35 stuff.
Gretel then told us about the Seven Kites of Matariki, which belonged to seven sisters, became the seven stars of Matariki which when they are seen in the night sky herald the beginning of the Maori New Year.
Ted talked about Heroes. The greatest hero was his twin who died 2 years ago and regaled stories of the escapades that they got up to together.
Abhijeet did a great job, standing in at the last minute to do his icebreaker speech. He talked about the cousin who pull pranks on him and also about his job and social enterprise.
The evaluators Raymond, Bles, Chris and Steve did a great job with their evaluations giving constructive feedback as to what the speakers did well and what they could improve on.
The table topics were introduced by Heather.
Jay had to talk about describing something you like this is green and she talked about trees.
Stephen talked about his most liveable holiday in a natural environment which was a boating experience.
Kerry’s topic was to talk about the trees in the country he was, which was Taiwan. Taiwan is mainly focused on apartments so there’s not many trees around, so his focus was on computers iPads and cell phones.
Hazel was asked if she preferred tramping, swimming in the sea or sightseeing in the city and it was definitely either the tramping or the swimming, rather than the site seeing.
Liz was given a quote about there “being no wifi in the forest but she’s promised to find a better connection” and she talked about her experiences sitting up in the plum tree.
Faqir was asked what environmental message would he like to get out to people and he talked about the need to reduce carbon emissions by cycling, walking and carpooling.
Arno was asked about the quote that says “A great Society grows great when old men plant trees they will never sit under” and were we a great Society? He said that any society is great if young men can learn from the old men
Kevin was asked what it would be like with if trees grew money. He believed it would be better to plant trees and save money.
Brett and Lakshman were table topic evaluators and gave insightful evaluations for all the table topics speakers.
Cecilia, the Grammarian, came up with some great phrases that she heard such as shonky legs, eyes in the back of the head, gift of the gab and the wind’s invitation to play.
Clement, the Ah counter and Katharina, the Timekeeper gave their evaluations followed by Christine Alcott who gave a very comprehensive general evaluation. Richard was acknowledged for all the hard work that he had done managing all the changes that happened at the last minute.
We had 5 new guests and 2 repeating guests with about 40 people in total which was great considering is was such a cold wet night. The guests all enjoyed their time and some expressed as desire to join, acknowledging the friendliness of the people and the great supper prepared by Kevin.
