Chatter from Central Division

 

Yes, it’s the silly festive season and Central Division Governor Central Robyn says some Central clubs have embraced festive to create memorable meetings.

 

Riverside Toastmasters

began back in November with festivities that celebrated a ‘Halloween’ theme meeting.

And yes, it was festive and ghoulish with members greeted at the door by the host of the evening, a ghostly, grinning skeleton and that was not all!

Meeting coordinator Sue had decorated the room, not with ‘boughs of holly’ but with a variety of adornments;

 

 

 

Flickering pumpkin lanterns, witchery wicked looking facemasks and tasty treats created the mood and members were soon into the fun of the evening.  The Table Topics ‘trick or treat’ were tantalising and teased out the origins of Halloween. There was no howling but plenty of laughter and applause.

Snaps captured some of the highlights. See attached

Then onto the annual December festive meeting.  Again the decorators created the atmosphere, with party hats, crackers and treats to share with friends, and fine food delivered by the Pizza shop.

Members and visitors were treated to an Educational by President Sunil who was on a challenge to stay within time.  He met the challenge cheered on by the ravel of Riversiders.

 

 

 

Everyone shared the fun of Table Topics and the celebrations continued with three visitors deciding Riverside offered what they were looking for to develop their public speaking and leadership skills.

 

 

The committee is warmed by the enthusiasm of members which has seen the club get closer to achieving its membership goals – while ensuring Riverside club is an enjoyable experience for all, newcomers and the not so new.

Durack Club

did the traditional Christmas breakfast meeting at an unnamed cafe in West Perth.  The halls were decked with holly; Santa didn’t arrive but the spirit of the morning, the best coffee in town, much to Medhat’s delight, created a meeting spiced with tasty Table Topics and equally enthusiastic evaluations.  Traveller Emily rounded the meetings event as GE and shared tales from abroad.

This was followed with a President’s Christmas message of thankyou to members for their commitment and new found energy that makes the 7.00am meetings worth getting out of bed for, every Thursday.

Durack Club, lead by Captain Jerry is entering the Positive Premiership Promotion. A late starter in this round but the challenge has been accepted, and with Jerry’s game plan Durack will be kicking goals in the coming months!

Game on!  Other clubs check out the District 17 website or contact Robyn Richards the contest umpire to find out how you can enter.

New and greater events planned for 2012 – including the 600^th meeting on Thursday 2nd February.

For more details check the District 17 webpage or contact Allen VPE or Robyn President.

 

JusTalk

Toastmasters always aim for entertaining and supportive meetings, and it was no different when the Area and Division Governors recently visited.  They were treated to a variety of speeches and table topics that made a lively and vibrant meeting with the backdrop the Swan and Kings Park – a room with a view!

Then into festive fever with a breakfast meeting at their favourite cafe.

Justalk talks and has exciting marketing strategies planned for the New Year.  Three wise men met this month – whoops!

2 wise men and 2 wise women recently gathered and as a result big things are planned for 2012- watch this space.  Thanks to VPE Nola who hosted the gathering.

 

Also in the central CBD, Area Governor Patricia was warmed by the enthusiasm and jovial response from visitors to last weeks sample meeting at

Westend Toastmasters Club.

A happy way to end 2011 with many of the visitors treating themselves to an early Christmas present, a club membership.  Well done to all participants and organisers. Patricia was particularly gleeful and thankful for such a rewarding experience.

 

Young Guns

 

the social butterflies are flapping away and flying off the DCP charts with achievements and are celebrating in a festive mood.  President Dale and committee hosted a magic meeting in leafy South Perth with the call of the wild animals as a backdrop.  The sparkling pool was enticing and the mood jovial.

 

 

 

A spectacular Speechathon with Jeramiah delivering his #10 CC speech, Anita taking the heat from question time in her speech and guest Robyn, not a Gen X,Y or Z,  acknowledging through her powers of persuasion, speech #8, the contribution Young Guns make to the Central Division but challenged the audience with;

‘Ask not what Toastmasters can do for you but what can you do for Toastmasters, District 17’? This was met with the spirit it was intended and a group photo followed to capture ‘what is Young Guns’.

Back in town,

Curtin Toastmasters

had a close curtain call, when swipe access to their venue was denied –

But, (filler word), the group was not deterred and the toggle of Toastmasters toddled along to their favourite cafe, and continued in the tradition of Toastmasters – warm fellowship, friendship and food peppered with meaningful conversations, and tall tales told with appropriate gestures and body language!

 

At the other end of town,

Plain Speakers in Plain Street, East Perth has been busy with membership building initiatives that have given the Committee something to sing about! Six visitors will become Plain Speakers in the New Year – what a fantastic way to bring in 2012.

How did this Christmas present arrive early?

A concerted team effort with in-house e-magazine publicity and presentations at a lunchbox forum.

Plain Street is alive with the sound of plain speaking, with purpose, structure and appropriate gestures, to inform, persuade and inspire! 2012 will be welcomed in by  ‘breaking the ice’, without ice-cubes and champagne!

 

Have a safe and festive season

Regards

Robyn Lloyd DTM

Central Division Governor

 

Convention Update

Jock Elliott

A Toastmaster for 36 years, and a veteran of nearly 380 Toastmasters contests, Jock Elliott  of District 69,   Queensland, proved that persistence and practice pays off when he won the 2010/2011  Inter-national Speech Contest.

Jock Elliott is one of Australia’s leading Master of Ceremonies. He is a highly respected and successful public speaker, a speechwriter and corporate trainer. Jock works extensively with corporate and academic groups to develop their communication skills and self-confidence and in preparation for specific conferences and events.

At the D17 Convention, Jock will be our Keynote Speaker and a workshop presenter, so take this opportunity to learn from a highly accomplished Toastmaster, known for his entertaining presentations, by registering now for the   Inaugural Toastmasters District 17 Convention.

Convention Registration

The Early, Early Bird Convention packages are selling fast, so make sure you secure your discounted ticket by going to https://toastmastersd17.org/events/district-convention-may-2012/ and registering. Remember only the first 50 registrants will receive the Early, Early Bird Discount.

For a fantastic weekened full of first-class speeches, educational presentations, a dinner dance, a DTM breakfast and one District Coluncil meeting, make sure you will be attending Vitto, Vino, Voci at the Vines in May 2012.