Fraser Beckwith as Sergeant at Arms, was organised and welcoming

Thomas Bernard, Toastmaster, led us with the Theme of Health and Wellness encouraging us to use exercise to add 5 to 7 years to our life. Stay hydrated, eating cucumbers, watermelon and oranges, getting enough sleep (7 to 9hrs), balanced diet, handwashing, music with exercise, chewing gum for brain boost, honey for antibacterial properties, drinking green tea, sleeping on your left side, smiling and the smell of apples to reduce anxiety were fun facts that he left us with.

Maria Vasquez, Grammarian and past yoga teacher encouraged us to “remember to BREATHE” which is crucial for good communication. Maria took us through an explosive breathing exercise to boost the energy in our body.

Next, Natalie Perzylo introduced Hannah Drury with her Icebreaker speech,  “I Hate The Cold”. Hannah has just arrived back from a holiday at Port Douglas. It was action packed with visiting the 180 million year old rain forest, snorkelling on the outer Great Barrier Reef, describing her fascination with snakes, the sky-rail, weight-park and crocodiles in a park and in the wild. Hannah doesn’t recommend the butterfly sanctuary. Hannah is excited that summer will be back in 136 days.

The second introducer, Alana Bogart, prepared the way for Roydon Gibbs the cool librarian with his Effective Coaching speech “I’ve got Style”. From birth he has been highly agreeable, open to ideas and conscientious.  Royden assessed his style using the Toastmasters style evaluation tool. He was shown to have a supportive style – amiable, slow paced and can be indecisive. He described how this worked for him in hospitality as he encouraged people to purchase an extra bottle of wine to keep them happy.

Boaters then sadly heard a farewell speech from John Beach who is leaving to reset his life.

Jorge Altamirano, the new President led us with his Boaters Bulletin. He requested that members return the survey to inform the President and Committee of what they are wanting from Boaters. He also spoke of improving communication with Boaters members. Only some members are able to meet for coffee at the Good Habit for a chat after our meeting, so George and the committee are working on expanding that by using an app such as Group Chat, WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal or an alternative that suits members. Jorge will be seeking your feedback on this.

Following the break, Louise Landess acted as Table Topics Master on line. The one minute are impromptu speeches were:

• Jacqui with her “Favourite leisure gear”.
• Kori with “All things in moderation or nothing at all”. He told us that moderation is for cowards.
• Grace, “Antidepressants or fresh air” reminded us to take our MEDS – Mindset, Exercise, Diet and Sleep. She then worked with us on a breathing exercise.
• Rachel McConnachie
• Tina (a guest) introduced herself and her aims for the future.
• Ian channeled Richard Simmons favourite healthy meal in his humorous table topic

• Helen spoke of walking a dog with ADHD on Sumner Beach.
• Stuart spoke of his favourite meal and perfectly cooked rice.
• Tom reminisced about rugby when he was a student in Wales.

Vivien Cowey then evaluated Hannah Drury and Dan Vann evaluated Royden Gibbs and Jorge Altamirano rose to the challenge of evaluating all the Tabletopics.

Alannah Vickery was the General Evaluator and reminded us of alternatives to using the word “Good” and commended Thomas for his exceptional organisation. She also welcomed the visitors Rachel, Phillipe, Chris, Tom and Tina.

by Helen McLeod