Publisher: Alun Chisholm
Editor: Chris Alcott
Club 3830 Area A5 District 72
Newsletter VOL 31 Issue 2
1 May 2006
Trivial Knowledge : 4 July: American Independence Day
The fourth July commemorates the birth of a nation. On this day in 1776 at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, the thirteen American colonies declared their independence and separated from Britain. In American tradition the date became so memorable that 'Fourth of July' often takes precedence over its official name. 'Independence Day'.
The 'Declaration of Independence' proclaimed as self-evident truths that 'all men are created equal' and are endowed 'with certain inalienable rights' among which 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' are paramount.
The Observance of Independence Day became the most popular and patriotic
celebration in the United States. Speeches, parades and fireworks are some of its traditional features. It is interesting to note that the word 'fireworks, previously referred to as 'rockets', was first used in connection with the day's celebration!
One of the many well-known figures called upon to deliver the 'Fourth of July Oration, was Daniel Webster, famous for his statesmanship and eloquence. The sentiments he expressed on the occasion are as applicable nowadays as in his time:
"This anniversary animates and gladdens all American hearts. On other days of the year we maybe party men, indulging in controversies more or less important to the public good. We may have likes and dislikes, and we may maintain our political differences.... But today we are Americans all; and all, nothing but American."
Read all about it: - Meeting #744 - 8 February 2006
Wow!! What a fun evening we had. Our meeting was chaired by David Aitkin. Nine members turned out to meeting #744 and we had three guests who were warmly welcomed
David Johnson led the formal part of the evening. The first speaker was Yvonne Wright giving her #3 from the C&L manual. The title of her speech was "New Orleans - A Creative Cultural Combo". Yvonne was evaluated by John Whiteley.
Our final speaker for the formal part of the evening was David Parker. David was giving his #2 from the C&L manual. His speech title was "Science - The World and Everything. This was evaluated by Ilona Bors who showed great listening skills.
The meeting adjourned for some refreshments and resumed with Table Topics. This informal part of the evening was lead by Ilona Bors.
Under General Business for the Evening there was a reminder regarding - Club Officer, Area Competitions, Club contests to be held 20th February and Club Executive Meeting.
The meeting wound up with reports by the Grammarian, Timer and Master
Evaluator.
Read all about it: - Meeting #745 - 20 February 2006
Meeting #745 was chaired by our President Alun Chisholm DTM. Eleven members
turned out to the meeting and we had 1 guest who was warmly welcomed
Christine led the formal part of the evening which was the Prepared Speech
contest. There was only one contestant. Patti Leigh was declared the winner
with her speech title "Lend Me Your Ears". She will represent Pakuranga at the Area A5 contests.
The meeting adjourned for some refreshments and resumed with Table Topics. This informal part of the evening was led by Andrew Day.
Under General Business for the Evening there was a reminder regarding - Semi annuals, discussions regarding the fact fees will have to be increased
(proposal to be brought back to the Annual Business Meeting - 1st May 2006.
Club has so far achieved 6 goals towards our DCP, Alun discussed the new
Communication and Leadership Programme - the club will also look at obtaining the Communication Leadership Manual.
The meeting wound up with reports by the Grammarian, Timer and Master
Evaluator.
Read all about it: - Meeting #746 - 6 March 2006
Meeting 746 was chaired by Ilona Bors. There were fourteen members in
attendance. There were nearly an equal proportion of guests to the meeting.
However, four of these guests were judges and one test speaker for the
evaluation contest. How guest speaker, Neil Duncan spoke on "Tough Love". There were three contestants Andrew Day, David Aitkin and Jan Blyde. Andrew Day was declared the winner. Christine Alcott- who is the current Area A5 Governor - gave a presentation on the role of Area Governor.
In general business members were reminded that semi-annuals were due by 24 March 2006.
The meeting was wound up with reports by the Grammarian, timer and the General Evaluator.
Read all about it: - Meeting #747 - 20 March 2006
What another full and action packed meeting we had on the 20 March. The meeting was chaired by one of our long standing members Andrew Day. There were thirteen members in attendance with three guests. However, one of the guests was Kevin Prohl a member of Three Kings Toastmasters.
Christine Alcott led the formal part of the evening .Manissha Allabadi gave her #2 from the Communication and leadership manual. Manissha's speech was
evaluated by Patti Leigh. This was Patti's second time doing evaluations - so well done. Go Girl!
David Parker did his #3 from the Communication and Leadership Manual. The title of his speech was "How much was that Doggie in the Window." Alun Chisholm gave a warm evaluation.
The final speaker was David Aiken he gave his #4 from the Communication and Leadership Manual. The title of his speech was "Finance" and this was evaluated by our guest Kevin Prohl.
In General Business - discussion surrounded the up and coming Division Contests - 1st April 2006 at the Fickling Centre, Easter Monday Meeting - transferred to the next Wednesday, and at the Area A5 contests - Andrew Day was placed 2nd in the evaluation contest and Patti Leigh did a fine performance in the Prepared Speech Contest.
On Thursday 30th March 2006 Three Kings will be holding a demo meeting and semi annuals were due tonight.
The meeting was wound up with reports by the Grammarian, timer and the General Evaluator.
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
2005 saw the 30th year of Pakuranga Toastmasters. In true Toastmaster's style an event was held to recognise this auspicious occasion. Some 33 past and present members gathered at the Homestead Café in Bells Road Pakuranga on Monday 21 November to mark the event. The celebration took the form of a Buffet Dinner. As with any traditional Toastmasters gathering speeches were the order of the evening. Peter Bankers a Past President formally welcomed everyone. Peter went on to recount some of his memories over the years and how Toastmasters had assisted him both personally and in his career. Our current President Alun Chisholm responded. Others present also outlined what Toastmasters had meant to them. There was also a collection of memorabilia, including old photographs which brought back wonderful memories for many. The evening was a great success. Those present certainly enjoyed catching up with others they hadn't seen for some years. We look forward to our 40 Year Anniversary celebrations in 2015."
Quotes
A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
Hugh Downs.
One way to keep going is to have constantly greater goals.
Michael Korda
All great truths are simple in final analysis, and easily understood: if they are not, they are not great truths.
Napoleon Hill.
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A Toastmaster's Promise
As a member of Toastmasters International and my club, I promise
· To attend all meetings regularly;
· To prepare all my speeches to the best of ability, basing them on projects in the Communication and Leadership manual or the Advance Communication and Leadership Manuals;
· To willingly prepare for and fulfil meeting assignments;
· To provide fellow members with, helpful, constructive evaluations;
· To help the Club maintain the positive, friendly environment necessary for all members to learn and grow;
· To willingly serve my Club as an officer when called upon to do so;
· To treat my fellow Club members and our guests with respect and courtesy;
· To bring guests to Club meetings so they can see the benefits Toastmasters membership offers;
· To adhere to the guidelines and rules for all Toastmasters educational and recognition programs;
· To maintain honest and highly ethical standards during the conduct of all
Toastmasters activities.
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The Mission of the Club
The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a. mutually supportive and
positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to
develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster
self-confidence and personal growth.
The Mission of Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking. Vital skills that promote self actualisation, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expands its worldwide network of clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programmes.
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Important Notice:
Pakuranga Toastmasters meets every second Monday at the Pakuranga Community
Centre in Reeves Road, behind the Town Centre at 6.30pm.
New members are always welcome.
Please phone Alun Chisholm on 576 5597 for more details.