The first meeting of the year was a medley of traditions, superstitions and various religions.
Joy gave us the Word of the Night: Crapulous, a medical definition meaning intemperance of food or drink. It was a word used rather judiciously and infrequently, although the 8 pm “Degustation” as one guest described it, demonstrated some crapulosity by some people.
Jillian, as Chairman, greeted us all with warmth and humour, and she was followed by Clare who ably introduced the prepared speeches and their evaluations.
Anji gave us an informative and entertaining speech about the witch trials of Salem in 1692, which had some of us looking at various skin marks to see if we would be under suspicion. Anji assured us that the strange behaviour which elicited the trials was probably the result of prolonged food poisoning, caused by a fungus in rye which was eaten at that period. Another superstition debunked.
Ivo gave us a summary of the positive and negative impacts and uses of cellphones, and advice on staying alive. I had hoped that someone would have received a call mid-speech, for the sake of vocal variety, but alas…
Magda wished us all a really Happy New Year with a speech absolutely fact-packed concerning drugs, addiction, and social solutions. Did you know that the braincells of someone addicted to FosB still crave the drug after death?
Zainab practised her vocal variety with a story called “Work, Work, Work”. She engaged us with her story, by showing us that work has limits, and is not to be an addiction. We were entranced by her story and wondered how the hero was going to solve his problem of providing work for a monstrous workaholic who plagued his life.
Stephanie gave her Icebreaker and capably introduced herself to us all, finishing with her understanding of the benefits of belonging to Toastmasters. Hear, hear!
Following our sumptuous repast, we heard encouraging, insightful and exemplary evaluations from Supriya, Raymond, Rik, Janice, Sam, and a special guest, Kevin, who gave Ivo an added extra evaluation.
Table Topics was ably mastered by Andrew who gave us topics appropriate to the theme. Alex was asked what he would wish for when blowing out his birthday candles – instant applause followed when he mentioned he hoped for a great wedding.
Debbie said that she did not believe in Beginner’s Luck- that you could make your own luck by hard work, and in following a passion.
Grant was asked if he would trick or treat on Halloween, and said he himself was into tricks, and slamming doors in witches’ faces.
Vikram spoke about karma, and as well as giving the concept religious backing, provided a real-life example from a TV interview.
Joy told us she did not believe in bad luck following opening an umbrella indoors, as she was not superstitious.
Supriya could not remember her New Year’s resolutions, but thought her birthday might be a good time to revisit her goals, as it occurs halfway through the year.
Richard and Audrey gave able evaluations, and showed that they had listened intently to the six impromptu speeches.
All six guests gave positive and warm accounts of their evening spent with Three Kings Toastmasters, and several were keen to come again.
In summary, an enjoyable evening, a very good attendance for the first meeting of the year, and great fellowship enjoyed by all
