After a prompt start our President, Pat, opened the meeting with warm welcome an introduced Ellen, our Toastmaster for the evening.
Ellen introduced us to each officer in turn, inviting each to briefly describe their role for the evening. Each put their personal stamp on the role description, with Sarah, our Grammarian, introducing the word of the evening: RAMBUNCTIOUS.
Time then for some audience participation: the topics session. Ruairi, our Topicsmaster, selected members to speak impromptu for two minutes. The wide range of topics included a look back at the old year, resolutions for the new, morning rituals and advice for your 15-year old self. All were dealt with comfortably.
And then the centrepiece of the evening: four prepared speeches.
Martin kicked off with no less than a history of time itself, taking us through the intriguing development of timekeeping and calendars from the earliest days and reminding us that as calendars are arbitrary you can start your new year resolutions anytime.
Jenny followed up with an inspiring introduction to hot yoga based on her own experience which was uncomfortable but ultimately fulfilling.
Next up was Pat with an enlightening explanation of the uses of DNA sequencing in genealogical research and how he used it to investigate his own ancestors.
The final speech of the evening was from Margaret, who introduced us to her take on new year’s resolutions, with pointers from her friends in high places, including Donald Trump.
After a break for tea, coffee and biscuits we gathered for the evaluation part of the evening, chaired by General Evaluator, Liam. After speech evaluations by Donal, Greg, Pat and Frances, we had Trevor’s Ah-Count and a grammarians report from Sarah, swiftly followed by Tara’s Creative Corner of suggestions for new year resolutions.
Liam stepped back in with a general evaluation of the meeting covering all but the prepared speakers and our President Pat closed the meeting.
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