Talking garbage and broken eggs

As is customary, we were greeted by Tara and Frances at the door. The meeting commenced with a few words from Pat. Tonight was Tara's first role as Toastmaster, who introduced the members roles for the evening. Our Grammarian for tonight was Donal, who introduced the word “Ambivalent” as the word of the day.

For table topics, Topicsmaster PJ introduced a range of questions. Answers from club members ranged from the unusual (youthful pyromania), the not so usual (youthfully throwing chickens off a roof) to the partially unusual (over delivery of robotic cleaners). It was it interesting to say the least.

Brian was the first main speaker of the night. His speech was entitled “Single Use Plastic”, where he contrasted the beauty of nature with the problems caused by dispensable plastics, while stressing their frivolous nature. He closed the speech by proposing solutions to fix the problem.

The second main speaker was Ann, with a speech “Humpty Dumpty”. Ann pleasantly explained the role of gravity in the universe by illustrating the force it would have under different conditions on our old friend, Humpty Dumpty. From falling off a wall, to bouncing on the moon, to making tea on a gas-less planet and finally, wearing gold rings obtained from a neutron star collision.

Margaret followed this up with an extract from W.B. Keane's short essay “The Curriculum Vitae”. A powerful oration from an eloquently written piece of literature.

Pat was then presented with an award and a gold pinby the president. Pat gave an acceptance speech where he highlighted the help he has received in the club to reach the level he is at now. Congratulations!

For the Creative Corner, Brendan lightheartedly listed examples of popular songs with unexpectedly sinister origins. Dark, but also funny – you'd had to have been there I guess.

There were two members of Salthill Rotary Club of present at this meeting. Towards the end, we heard a short speech from them, who extended his welcome to anyone to attend their club. Their meetings are on Mondays at 6:30 in the Ardilaun Hotel.

To finish off the evening, Pat provided an update on the regional competition in Ballinasloe. Positive news for the Galway Toastmasters club in this regard: we were top in three categories in our division, including the highest number of new members.

A good time was had by all.