Humorous Speech Contest -16th Septmber 2010

The mid September meeting was the annual Humorous Speech contest, which was a great success, with a total attendance of 27, as shown below:

Members: Adarsh Saini, Alan Donegan (Area Governor), Ben Dell, Christina, Deborah G, Denis Fuller, Doug New, Harry Fish, Maria James-Mills, Martin Berry (Club President), Pam Williams, Quang Truong Le.

Guests: Gary Jenkins, Nicky Kriel, Amanda Zwarts, Marlane Heard, David Henderson, Micha/Woking, Katie Wicka, Kevin/Woking, Damian Smith, Halina Arrendt, Andy Harburn, Heather/Epsom, Sue Berry, Jenny Berry + Friend. 

The format for this meeting was very different from normal ones, with two separate contests, as follows:

Humorous Speech Contest, chaired by Adarsh Saini. The five contestants were:

Martin Berry, Pam Williams, Denis Fuller, Harry Fish and Doug New. There were widely varying themes, although two had a common thread of “internet dating”. On conclusion of the five speeches, we paused for a refreshment break. 

During the break, the assembled members and guests had informal discussions, and Christina and Deborah kindly dispensed tea, coffee and biscuits. 

The second part of the meeting resumed with the Topics Contest, which was chaired by Ben Dell. The four contestants were:

Harry Fish, Adarsh Saini, Martin Berry and Doug New. The topic, the same for each contestant, was “Great Balls of Fire”, and each in turn gave a short speech on this subject. 

Gary Jenkins initiated a “Cool down” session, with a fairy story which went round the room, giving everyone the chance to speak, and elaborate on the story as it went round.
We are indebted to everyone who participated, including the many members who came from other clubs to help with this event, and in particular the judges, under the guidance of Chief Judge, Nicky Kriel. The awards for the evening were as follows: 

Humorous Speech Contest:

Winner – Pam Williams.

Runner up – Harry Fish 

Topics Contest:

Winner – Martin Berry

Runner up – Doug New

The awards were presented by Christina, as Acting President for the evening, and a vote of thanks extended to all who had assisted in making this such a successful evening. Notice was given of the next stage of these contests, to be held at Leatherhead on the 6th of October. The meeting was then concluded, and many went to the nearby Duke of Clarence pub, for informal discussions.

Next meeting: Thursday 7th of October 2010, commencing 7.30 p.m. This will be a normal club evening, when we anticipate the arrival of a few new prospective members for their first experience of Toastmasters. 

Club Membership: We welcome guests to our growing club. If you like what we do at Camberley Speakers, why not bring a guest with you next time, and they can see for themselves? If you would like to know more about joining, please ask a committee member at the next meeting, or e-mail me or Martin Berry for details.  

Club’s Newsletter: This newsletter will also be posted onto the website which you can access without a password. If you’d like to include additional information which is relevant to Toastmasters, do let me (Harry) know. 

Many hands make light work: A club like ours relies on volunteers, there are always jobs that are being done by committee and others, and often more that we could do to help the club grow and develop. If you would like to play your part in running the club, and learn some new skills at the same time, please contact our President, Martin Berry on: berry-martin1@sky.com    

Happy Toastmastering All! 

Harry Fish CC - (VPPR, Camberley Speakers)  

Phones: 01276-35164 and 07860-201387

E-mail: harryfish@thinkpositive.co.uk