Much of Tamworth Toastmasters news is now contained in the regular monthly newsletter The Roasted Toaster - head to the Newsletters page for links to downloadable pdf files.


Narrabri Changeover and 20th anniversary

A number of Tamworth Toastmaster travelled to Narrabri on Saturday, Toastmasters conducted their changeover and 20th anniversary.

Youth Leadership 2009 success

Another successful Tamworth Toastmasters Youth Leadership course concluded on Tuesday June 16.

Thirteen graduates were presented with their completion certificates by Bishop Sir Desmond Moore and Parish Priest Father Richard Gleeson.

A big turn out of parents, friends and Toastmasters enjoyed a wonderful night.

Every participant in the course gave a speech at the graduation, and what a variety there was.

Jackson Roberts won best speaker on the night and will have his name added to the Judy Woodgate Memorial Shied which was presented to him by Judy’s husband Kevin (pictured at right).

The course was co-ordinated by David McKinnon who was not able to attend the graduation night and Matt Patterson.

Our photo above shows Matt (left) with graduates (from left, back row) Phillip Lo, Jackson Roberts, Liam Daly, Hilary Thornberry, Liz Utting, Jack Rixon, Ben Vella, Alana Porter, Rachel Beale and Jack Rayment. Front: Arley Black, Mikaela Dickie and Kellie Smith.

District 70 Annual Conference 2009

Six members of Tamworth Toastmasters attended the District 70 Annual Conference at Bankstown in May.

Combining numbers and distance travelled, the club was lucky enough to win the Travel Gavel for the umpteenth time.

Highlights of the Conference for us was Eric's contesting of the District International Speech Contest final (see below), presentation of 20 and 30 year awards, respectively, to Narelle Langfield and Bob Kirchner, Narelle's election to the District Executive as Area 18 Governor and Bob's election as Northern Division Governor.

Photos, top: District 70 Lt Governor Marketing Philip Bendeich (second from right) presents the Travel Gavel to Tamworth Toastmasters (from left) Ken McKenzie, Bob Kirchner, Carol Brodbeck, Alice McKenzie and Eric Elsley.

Narelle and Bob receiving their 20 and 30 year awards from District Governor John Inglis at the 2009 District Conference.

Eric acquits well

Our very own Eric Elsley took on all comers at the District 70 Evaluation Contest final on Sunday (May 24).

Although he did an exceptional job – as usual – he did not place.

Congratulations, Eric! Well done !!

Eric is pictured above receiving his certificate of participation from Contest Toastmaster Debbie Tibbles.

Quirindi combined meeting

Our joint meeting with Quirindi on the fifth Monday – March 30 – was a great night with a good roll-up of members from both clubs.

As well as excellent speeches from Eric and Marg Rowland, the assembled gathering was treated to a special (and hilarious) educational segment run by Narelle – “First Aid For Clubs”.

Pictured – those present (from left): Alice McKenzie, Marg Rowland, Heather Hunter, Elizabeth Hingston, Hugh Hamilton, Julie Lange, Laurie Carrigan, Jenna-Lee Wood, Sarah Reardon, Ian McEachern, Narelle Langfield, Andrew McFarlane, Pauline Stewart, Tom Bartlett, Marg Finucane, Bob Kirchner and (front) two of Narelle’s “patients” – Carol Brodbeck and Eric Elsley.

Speechcraft 2009 success

The 2009 Speechcraft course co-ordinated by John Taylor and Rob Philp culminated in a very successful graduation dinner on Wednesday April 1.

The Speechcrafters acquitted themselves brilliantly and everyone who attended had a top night.
John and Rob thanked all members for their support of the course and were presented with co-ordinator certificates by President Alice.

On the night, Speechcrafters ran the whole show (apart from the graduaton ceremony) including a very enjoyable balloon debate.

John and Rob say a number of the Speechcrafters are considering joining the Club.

Our picture shows (from left - back: Phillip Moore, John Taylor, Jodie Herden, Margaret Dowe, Alison Burgess, Ben Coxhead, Kylie Douglas, Steven Hill, Annette Kady and Rob Philp; front – Stephanie Whitbread, Angie Taylor, Belinda Kelly, Kiera Biddle, Gloria O’Connor and Tony Shorten. Julian Kelly, who also graduated, had other commitments on the night and was not able to attend.

Eric wins at Division!

Eric Elsley won the Northern Division Evaluation Contest at Muswellbrook on April 5.

He also competed in the Division International Speech Contest but did not place as did Angie Turner from Gunnedah.

Eric now goes on to the District final in Sydney in May. Ultimate winner of the District International Speech Contest will travel to America in August to compete in a speak-off for a chance at the World Championship of Public Speaking.

Pictured: Eric is presented with his Northern Division trophies by incoming District Governor Ian Chick at Muswellbrook.

Eric wins Area Evaluation Contest, Bob wins Nancy Gray ward

Continuing on his winning streak, our own Eric Elsley won the Area 18 Evaluation Contest in Tamworth on Saturday March 14 and came runner-up in the Area International Speech Contest.

Angie Turner from Gunnedah won the Area International Contest and Lucy Staughton (also from Gunnedah) came runner-up in the Evaluation Contest.

Angie, Eric and Lucy will all now contest the Division finals in Muswellbrook on Sunday April 5.

If successful there, winners go on to the District final in Sydney in May. Ultimate winner of the District International Speech Contest will travel to America to compete in a speak-off for a chance at the World Championship of Public Speaking in August.

Also on Saturday, Bob Kirchner was announced as a winner of the Nancy Gray Award.

Pictured above (from left): Bob Kirchner, Lucy Staughton, Eric Elsley, Angie Turner and Area Governor Denis Toms.

Eric wins club international speech contest

Eric Elsley won the club’s International Speech Contest last meeting and now goes on to compete in the Area Contest here in Tamworth on Saturday.

Eric also won the Evaluation Contest so will represent the club in both competitions!

Pictured here with Eric (left) are Acting President Bob Kirchner and International Speech Contest runner-up Elizabeth Hingston.

 

 

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Pictured (from left) at our meeting on Australia Day – Margaret Finucane, Eric Elsley, President Alice McKenzie, John Taylor, Ian McEachern, Heather Hunter, Shane Moran, Troy Campbell, Elizabeth Hingston, Iris Mahony, Matt Patterson, Stewart Dowe, Ken McKenzie and Bob Kirchner...

All dressed in (or with) various Australia Day garb (or parts thereof)...

Tamworth Toasties Christmas meeting

Clockwise from above: Chairman Marg & President Alice do their best to keep Tamworth Toasties Christmas Trivia under control... Narrabri visitors Denis Toms (Area Gov) and Richard Busby with Matt & Katie Patterson... Carol (centre) with David & Chris McKinnon... Santa Ian delights Eisapeta and Iris with their presents.

Eric wins club evaluation contest

Eric Elsley won the club’s evaluation contest in late 2008 and now goes on to compete in the Area Contest in March.

Pictured here with Eric (left) are (from left) runner-up Ken McKenzie, third placegetter Catherine Taylor and contest chairman Rob Philp.

 

 

 

John excels at District

John Taylor excelled at the 2008 District 70 Table Topics Contest at Campbelltown on October 18 but did not place.

Well done, John!

John is pictured here with Contest Toasmaster Rhonda Hookham

 

John wins Northern Division Table Topics Contest

Congratulations to John Taylor who went on from Area to win the Northern Division Table Topics Contest at Cessnock on September 7.

John "blitzed" the opposition with his answer to the question, "Life is a process of..." and will now go on to represent Northern Division at the District 70 Semi-Annual Conference at Campbelltown, October 17 and 18.

Rob Philp, Area 18's (and our) entrant in the Humorous Speech Contest did a wonderful job but did not place. A good number of Tamworth members and guests ("cheer squad") travelled down to support John and Rob.

John is pictured here with District 70 Governor John Inglis (left) and (from left) Contest runner-up Andrew Hughes, Northern Division Governor Judy Clark and District 70 Lt Governor Education & Training Ian Chick.

John and Rob win Area 18 Table Topics and Humorous Speech Contest

Rob Philp and John Taylor have taken out the 2008 Area 18 Humorous Speech and Table Topics double.

Rob won the Humorous Speech Contest with his hilarious “24 Hours With Mick” while John won the Table Topics Contest in a tight competition.

The contests were hosted by Gunnedah Club on Saturday (August 23). Eleven Tamworth Club members attended the event.

Both Rob and John go on to represent Tamworth and Area 18 at the Northern Division Contests in Cessnock on Sunday, September 7.

Jenna Wood from Quirindi was runner-up in the Humorous Contest while Neville Mammen came second in the Table Topics Contest. Jenna and Neville will also compete in the Division Contest in Cessnock.

Rob won the Club contest on August 11 from a strong field comprising runner-up Narelle Langfield, Carol Brodbeck, Rex Grout and James Suttor.

Pictured (from left): Area 18 Governor Denis Toms, John and Rob.

Club changeover 2008

Congratulations to our annual award winners, as announced at the Club Changeover in June.

Outgoing President Eric Elsley was awarded Toastmaster of the Year.

John Taylor won the award for Best Contributor for the Year.

Stewart Dowe was announced as winner of the Best Evaluator for the Year.

Michelle Thomson won the Best Speaker award for the second year running.

Nick Broadbent won the award for Table Topic Speaker of the Year.

Elisapeta Tevaga was named Most Improved for the Year.

And Narelle Langfield was presented with the Community Service Award.

Photos from our 2008 Changeover show, anti-clockwise from top left: Eric presenting Narelle with her award for Community Service, John Taylor with Carol Brodbeck and Ian McEachern, Eric presenting Stewart wih his Best Evaluator award, Eric presenting Nick with his award for Table Topic Speaker of the Year, Catherine Taylor and Elizabeth Hingstone, Alice and Ken McKenzie with Stewart Dowe, Stewart making the Toastmaster of the Year presentation to Eric, Quirindi President Pauline Stewart and Margaret Rowland, John Taylor presenting new President Alice with the gavel of office, Eric presenting John Taylor with his award for Best Contributor for the Year, Anne Elsley, Jeff Garraway and Alison George.

Elisapeta and Michelle were not present on the night.

Club officers for 2008/09

Congratulations to the new Club Executive for the 2008/09 Toastmasters year.

Alice McKenzie was elected President and will lead the Club for the 12 months.

Bob Kirchner was elected Vice President Education, Elizabeth Hingston Vice President Membership, Narelle Langfield Vice President Public Relations, Carol Brodbeck Secretary, Rob Philp Treasurer and Margaret Finucane Sgt At Arms.

Eric Elsley, as Immediate Past President, will round out the Executive Committee.

The new Executive will be installed at the Club’s Changeover Dinner which will be held at the Frog & Toad Restaurant, Goonoo Goonoo Road, on Monday, June 23.

Photo above, from the Changeover (from left): John Taylor, Past President and Past Area 18 Governor John Taylor conducting the installation of the new Executive, Alice, Bob, Elizabeth, Narelle, Carol, Rob and Margaret.

Tamworth Toasties "at the movies"

Tamworth Toastmasters second meeting in May '08 took the form of a movies theme night with a number of members taking the opportunity to dress for the occasion.

As our picture shows (from left), we had Margaret “Monty Roberts” Finucane, Matt “Blues Brother” Patterson, Ian “Peter O’Toole as Lawrence of Arabia” McEachern, Alan Alderson (our “usher”), David “Indiana Jones” McKinnon, Eric “Clyde Barrow” Elsley, Rex “Charlie Chaplin” Grout and Bob “Harry Potter” Kirchner. (We won’t mention the “ring-ins” – were they all guests???)

Two members – Rex and Bob – took the opportunity to change roles during the evening... Bob originally turned up as an Indiana Jones understudy but this was revealed as a magical trick when he became none other than the wizard Harry Potter.

Rex originally attended the gathering as “the Don” before changing dramatically to present his “Timewarp” report, finally to re-emerge as the legendary Chaplin.

All in all, a good night was had by all.

Rob excels

Tamworth's Rob Philp, who won his way through to the 2008 District 70 Evaluation Contest Final, excelled in his attempt but did not place in the competition.

The experience was brilliant, he said, coming away from the event.

Rob is pictured at right with Evaluation Contest Toastmaster Rhonda Hookham.

The competition was won by Nigel Bryan from Enthusiastic Epping Club in Sydney with Robert Bath from Charlestown Club in second place.

Tamworth Toasties win District 70 Travel Gavel for 2008!

Tamworth's intrepid team of District 70 Annual Conference attendees has been successful again in "bringing home" the Travel Gavel.

The Gavel is awarded annually at the Conference (on a complex but specific formula, basically to the Club with the most members/travelled biggest distance).

And we say "bringing home" as the Gavel was donated originally by Tamworth Toastmasters "way back" to help encourage distant clubs to attend the Annual Conference.

"The team" is Carol Brodbeck, Eric Elsley, Narelle Langfield, Alice & Ken McKenzie, Rob & Julie Philp.

Congratulations, Rob!

Congratulations to Immediate Past President Rob Philp on winning the 2008 Northern Division Evaluation Contest in Cessnock on Sunday, March 30.

Rob beat a number of impressive challengers to take the title and win his way through to the District Final in Sydney on April 13.

President Eric Elsley also represented the Club and Area 18 in the Division International Speech Contest final and acquitted himself admirably.

Photo: the Tamworth team who travelled to the Cessnock event (from left) Ian McEachern, Eric, Naralle Langfield, Iris Mahony and Rob (plus Carol Brodbeck taking the picture!).

Rob and Eric win at Area

Congratulations to Eric Elsley and Rob Philp, winners, respectively, of yesterday’s Area 18 International Speech and Evaluation Contests in Narrabri.

Eric and Rob excelled themselves to take “the daily double” and now progress to the Division final in Cessnock on Sunday March 30.

Eric won the Club International Contest on February 11 in a close tussle with runner-up CAROL BRODBECK and also featured in the Evaluation Contest coming in second place behind Rob on February 28

If successful at Division level, Eric and Rob go through to the District final in April where the Evaluation Contest concludes.

If Eric were to get through to, and win, the District final, he would get a free ticket to attend the International Convention in Calgary, Canada, in August where he would compete in the non region contestants’ speak-off for a place in the World Championship of Public Speaking.

Runner-up in the Area International Contest yesterday was Tom Bartlett from Gunnedah while Sandy Findaly from Narrabri was second place-getter in the Evaluation contest.

Pictured (from left): Sandy, Rob, Area Governor Anna, Eric and Tom.

Officer Training 2008

Tamworth Toastmasters hosted the 2008 Area 18 Advanced Officer Training Session in February.

Our pictures show...

Left (from left): Area 18 Governor Anna van Netten, District 70 Lt Governor Marketing Ian Chick, District 70 Lt Governor Education & Training John Inglis.

Right (from left) Ian McEachern, Carol Brodbeck, Anna van Netten and Andrew McFarlane.

   

Celebrating Australia Day

Yee hah! Australia day and Country Music were reflected in outfits worn by Tamworth Toastmasters at the January 28 meeting.

There were many jeans, hats and flags among those present celebrating our national day and the giant Tamworth Country Music Festival which had just concluded...

Pictured (from left): Iris “the cowgirl queen”, Ron “the posse”, Andrew and his mini flag, David and Michelle )in the spirit), Ian “the English cowboy”, Elizabeth, our newest Aussie, “R M Williams” John, Rex “the dinkum Aussie” and Margaret, “the Australia Day cowgirl pointed in the right direction”.

Our theme meetings provide members with an extra special atmosphere for learning in moments of enjoyment.

Christmas Party 2007

Some very different things were happening with Tamworth Toastmasters as the 2007 year drew to a close, including our annual Christmas Party!

A special “investigative” round robin was the order of the day.

As our photo shows, it was somewhat of a motley crew who “battled it out” to discover "where the missing trophy was".

And then, they all wanted a piece of the action (from left)... Darryl Murray, Margaret Finucane, David McKinnon, Ian McEachern, Rex Grout, Alice McKenzie, Bob Kirchner, John Taylor and Ken McKenzie.

Speechcraft Graduation 2007

Eleven Speechcrafters graduated through Tamworth Toastmasters 2007 course in November.

Jenny Alwell, Danny Capel, Rebecca Capel, Jenny Hall, Alan Hansen, Leonie Hansen, Justin Hathway, Carl Learson, Derek McIntyre, Leanne Reading and James Sheather.

The course was co-ordinated by President Eric Elsley and Elizabeth Hingston.

Pictured (from left) ... Danny & Rebecca Capel, Alan Hansen, Jenny Alwell, Carl Learson, Leonie Hansen, Justin Hathway, Leanne Reading, Derek McIntyre, James Sheather and Co-ordinators Elizabeth and Eric. Absent: Jenny Hall.

Vale – George Nethery

Former Toastmaster George Nethery has lost his battle with cancer.

George fell ill about five weeks ago – the first illness many say he ever had in his life – and died in Nioka on Saturday, November 10.

George will most likely best be remembered for the enormous amount of community work he did as a volunteer with Tamworth’s community radio station 2YOU FM, a facility he helped to establish in 1983.

He was known by many as the city’s “audio historian” recording historical events and activities for posterity and for broadcast over 2YOU FM.

George was also involved in many other activities including the New England Film & Sound Archive and the News on Wheels service.

His service to the community was recognised when he was awarded Tamworth’s Citizen of the Year in 1998. In 2000, he received an Order of Australia Medal and in 2001, a Centenary Medal.

Member for New England Tony Windsor said George would be greatly missed. “He was a great contributor to Tamworth. He would tape nearly everything of a historical nature... he was the ultimate volunteer.”

International night

Tamworth Toastmasters hosted an "international" them night in October 2007.

Pictured (from left) Margaret Finucane, Michelle Thomson, Margaret Rowland, John Taylor, Narelle Langfield, Eric Elsley, Bob Kirchner, Ian McEachern, Rex Grout, Allan Alderson and Elisapeta Tevaga.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

 

 

 

Northern Division Humorous Speech & Table Topic Contest 2007

Tamworth Toastmasters hosted the 2007 Northern Division Humorous Speech and Table Topic Contests.

Pictured (from left) Hugh Hamilton (Quirindi), Tom Bartlett (Gunnedah), Nick Broadbent (Tamworth), Margaret Rowland (Tamworth), Narelle Langfield (Tamworth), Stewart Dowe (Tamworth) and Kevin Doolan (Quirindi).

All of our local entrants acquitted themselves well but did not win through to the District final.

 

Humorous Speech & Table Topic Contest winners 2007

Nick Broadbent and Rob Philp are Tamworth Toastmasters' Humorous Speech and Table Topics contest winners, respectively, for 2007.

Nick(second from right) won the Humorous Contest from a tough field... runner-up Rex Grout (right) and fellow contestants Elizabeth Hingston and Iris Mahony.

Rob(second from left) beat runner-up Eric Elsley (left) and fellow contestants Elizabeth Hingston and Catherine Taylor to take out the Table Topic Contest.

Both contests were conducted on Monday, August 13.

Officer Training

Six Tamworth Toastmasters travelled to Quirindi on Saturday for the first session of officer training in the 2007/08 year. They are pictured here with trainers Northern Division Governor Jim McNickle (left) and Area 18 Governor Anna van Netten (second from right).

Club awards 2006-07

Congratulations to winners of Tamworth Toastmasters annual awards announced and presented at the Changeover Dinner on June 25.

Carol Brodbeck was named Toastmaster of the Year for high achievement across many areas of activity (see more info below). Carol was still convalescing from her car accident, of course, so her trophy was accepted by Narelle Langfield and (by then) Immediate Past President Rob who rang her to tell her the news (photo).

Rob Philp won the annual Best Table Topic Award, Michelle Thomson took out the annual Best Speaker Award, Stewart Dowe (above right) won the annual Best Evaluator Award and shared the annual Best Contributor Award with Bob Kirchner (above left).

Allan Alderson (above centre) took home the trophy for Most Improved.

Immediate Past President Rob and Immediate Past Vice President Education Alice McKenzie presented the awards and spent a few minutes outlining how the Club’s Toastmaster of the Year award is determined.

It runs on a points system which takes into account each member’s overall contribution to the Club, including such factors as attendance, participation in competitions, presentation of speeches, conducting of programs like Youth Leadership and Speechcraft, serving as a Club officer and much more.

This is coupled with an assessment of each member’s attitude, enthusiasm and commitment to the Club to determine the winner.

So now you know, it doesn’t just happen by chance!

    2007 Changeover photos!  
   
   

Above (from left): Deb and Traynor, Darrell Murray, Stewart Dowe, Ken and Alice McKenzie, Catherine and John Taylor.

Below: Narelle Langfield, Nick Broadbent, Margaret Rowland and David McKinnon.

Above: Hugh Hamilton (Quirindi Club), Bob Kirchner, Shirley and Allan Alderson and Leanne Kirchner.

Below: Elizabeth Hingston, Margaret Finucane, Kevin Doolan (Quirindi) and Iris Mahony.

   
   

Club Achievers

Then incoming President Eric Elsley achieved his “Advanced Communicator Bronze” (ACB) at our last regular meeting in June.

And three toastmasters have achieved awards at the Tamworth Eisteddfod...

Margaret Finucane received first place in Public Speaking and Bible Reading and second place in Story Telling and Prose Reading...

Elizabeth Hingston received first place in Story Telling and third place in Bible Reading...

Iris Mahony received second place in Poem Own Composition, Poem Own Choice, Australian Composition and Spiritual Poem.

Congratulations to all!!!

Photo (click on image for a larger version): then President Rob Philp congratulates high achievers Alice McKenzie (Speechcraft co-ordinator), Margaret Finucane (Youth Leadership co-ordinator) and Eric on his ACB at the changeover dinner on June 25. Congrats also extended to absent co-ordinators Carol Brodbeck (Speechcraft co-ordinator) and Michelle Thomson (YL co-ordinator).

New Executive

Executive members for the 2007-08 year were elected in May.

Eric Elsley will serve as President, Ian McEachern as Vice President Education, Bob Kirchner as Vice President Membership, Carol Brodbeck as Vice President Public Relations, Allan Alderson as Secretary and David McKinnon as Sgt-At-Arms. In lieu of an elected Treasurer, Immediate Past President Rob Philp will act in this position for the time being.

Photo (from left): David, Rob, Allan, Narelle (standing in for Carol), Bob, Ian and Eric. Click on the pic for a larger image.

Youth Leadership 2007

Tamworth Toastmasters 2007 Youth Leadership is coming to a conclusion.

Youth Leadership is a “crash course” in communication for senior school students where they learn through eight weeks of training and doing, the basics of public speaking.

Fourteen students signed up for this year’s course at McCarthy Catholic College. They are  pictured here...

Back row: Mitch Wheaton, Myles Gunter, Fallon Gomesz and Alex Jenkins; front: Georgina Barrett, Eryn Williams, Sally Rafferty, Lauren Ham, Patrick Flynn, Danielle Banson, Gabby Lord, Gus Bruno, Danielle Forbes and Adrian Wood. Co-ordinator Margaret Finucane is at right.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

Co-ordinators Margaret Finucane and Michelle Thomson report everything going extremely well for the course which will conclude with a graduation presentation night next Tuesday.

Speechcraft

Tamworth Toastmasters 2006 Speechcraft ran through October and November.

Seventeen Speechcrafters took part the program...

Kerry Adams, Cate Allen, Todd Allomes, Greg Bourke, Abby Butler, Angie Calumpiano, Luke Collins, Kevin Curran, Sister Elisapeta, Deryk Flynn, Paul Macrae, Nadine Pevy, Carly Sims, Tracey Urquhart, Minakshi Vishnoi, Andrew Walmsley and David Winnick.

This year’s program was co-ordinated by Carol Brodbeck and Alice McKenzie.

The course ran on consecutive Monday evenings at 7.30pm for two hours. Sessions that co-incided with normal Club meetings had a dedicated half-hour Club program between 9.30 and 10pm.

The course concluded with a graduation dinner on Monday December 11.

And what a great night it was!

Almost 100 members, former members and guests packed into the Tamworth Community Centre to celebrate Tamworth Toastmasters 40th Anniversary on Saturday, September 23, 2006.

A selection of photos from the night can be viewed here.

Carol wins Area Humorous Speech and Table Topic Contests

Immediate Past President Carol Brodbeck took “the daily double” when she was named winner of Area 18's 2006 Humorous Speech and Table Topic Contests on August 26.

Carol will represent the Area in both contests now at the Division finals in Cessnock on November 4 and, if successful there, at the District finals on November 18.

Congratulations, and good luck, Carol !!

Photo: Club Table Topic Contest runner-up Rob Philp, in his capacity as Club President, congratulates Contest winner Carol.

 

Tamworth hosts Area Training Day

Toastmasters from all over the north west converged on Tamworth on Saturday August 5 for the first round of training in this Toastmasters year.

Trainers from Sydney and the Hunter travelled to the city to help new club officers get more of a handle on their roles.

During the day, long-standing Tamworth Toastmaster Narelle Langfield was presented with an award for Distinguished Service, especially for undertaking the role of Northern Division Education Officer 2005-2006.

John Taylor was also presented with an award for Distinguished Service for his work last year as Area 18 Governor.

Photos at right DG Nick and NDG Judy present Narelle Langfield and John Taylor with their citations for Distinguished Service.

Presenters on the day (pictured left from left) were Judy Clark DTM (Northern Division Governor), Joan Rinaldi DTM, Damian Coorey ATM-B, Juliana Jamal ATM-S and District 70 Governor Nick Rinaldi DTM.

Tamworth Vice President Public Relations Karissa Burrows said it was a great day with topics covered including the new educational recognition system (by Damian), achieving success as a club officer (Nick), charting a course for success and motivating achievement (Juliana) and attracting new members (Joan).

2006-2007 Executive elected

Tamworth Toastmaster has elected its Executive for the 2006-07 year...

Rob Philp – President

Alice McKenzie – Vice President Education

Ian Lobban – Vice President Membership

Karissa Burrows – Vice President Public Relations

Catherine Taylor – Secretary

Debbie Traynor – Treasurer

Darryl Russell – Sgt-At-Arms

Immediate Past President, of course, is Carol Brodbeck.

Eric wins Division Evaluation Contest

Tamworth Toastmaster Eric Elsley competed in the District 70 Northern Division Evaluation Contest on behalf of Area 18 at the weekend (Saturday, April 1) and won! (No fooling!!)

Eric now goes on to represent Northern Division at the District Final in Wollongong in May.

Northern Division Governor Judy Clark said: “What an accomplished and excellent performance Eric presented. He is a credit to the Tamworth Club and to himself.”

Congratulations, and well done, Eric !!

Eric is pictured second from left with Mal Gurr (runner-up in the Evaluation Contest), Edwina Cellier (winner of the Division International Contest) and Ben Ferris (International Contest runner-up).

UPDATE!! Eric attended and acquitted himself very well at the District Final on behalf of Tamworth, Area 18 and Northern Division, but did not place.

Narelle wins Nancy Gray Award

Long-time Tamworth Toastmaster Narelle Langfield has won the Area 18 Nancy Gray Award for 2006.

The win was announced at the Area 18 International Speech and Evaluation Contest in Narrabri.

Narelle's honour was presented in recognition for Narelle's major contribution over 17 years to Toastmasters, especially in Area 18. The roles she has fulfilled since joining the organisation in 1988 have been many and varied, from Sgt-At-Arms through to Club President (in two clubs) and everything inbetween, to Area 18 Governor, Northern Division Education and Training Officer for a number of years to Northern Division Governor.

Throughout this time, Narelle has conducted and assisted with numerous Toastmasters programs from Youth Leadership and Speechcraft (many times) to other Success Leadership programs, club officer training sessions and much more.

For many years Narelle worked very hard to try and establish the City of Light Toastmasters Club.  She has given tremendous support to the activities of other clubs in the Area and in Northern Division.

Narelle has used, and continues to use, her Toastmasters training to promote other activities, and Toastmasters, in the community, such as Lions Youth of the Year, Rotary Exchange Student education sessions, general organisational communication education programs and, currently, such activities as Relay For Life.

She also heavily promotes the awareness of the needs of country clubs through her regular involvement in District and city Toastmasters activities.

In recent years, Narelle has continued in all these activities despite heavy personal health trauma.

If we have had more than a million people benefit through their membership in Toastmasters, Narelle Langfield is certainly “one in a million” – indeed, she has had a hand, over the years, in helping thousands of Toastmasters.

Truly, a marvellous (continuing) contribution!

International Speech & Evaluation Contest winners

Congratulations to our 2006 Evaluation and International Speech Contest winners!!

Eric Elsley won the Club’s International Speech Contest while Rob Philip took out the Evaluation Contest.

Congratulations to Iris Mahony, runner-up in the Inernational Speech Contest and Eric Elsley, a close runner up to Rob in the Evaluation Contest.

Rob and Eric go on to the Area Speech Contest in Narrabri on March 18, and if successful there to the Divisional Speech Contest and then on to District. The Evaluation Contest currently stops at District but the International competition goes on to the World Championship of Public Speeking held during Toastmasters International Conference to be held this year in Washington in August.

Rob (right) and Eric are pictured with Club President Carol.

Stewart gains AL

Toastmaster Stewart Dowe was presented with his AL (Advanced Leader) Award in February.

To achieve this award, Stewart had to have already achieved Competent Leader; served a complete term as a district officer (District Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Public Relations Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, Division Governor, Area Governor); completed the High Performance Leadership Program; served successfully as sponsor or mentor for a new club or served successfully as a club coach or club specialist.

A highlight of the night was the attendance, for the first time at an ordinary Toastmasters meeting, of Stewart’s wife, Margaret.

As if to prove his capability (!), Stewart went on to conduct the Club’s 2006 Evaluation Contest and was voted by members as the Biggest Contributor on the night.

President Carol reads out Stewart's AL citation while Margaret Dowe looks on.

 

Congratulations on your 20, Ian McEachern

Another major milestone was reached this month by Toastmaster Ian McEachern who has notched up 20 years in Toasties.

Ian was a “bitsurprised” on the night, especially when wife Dot turned up, and he immediately thought he must have forgotten something!!

President Carol made a special presentation to Ian as a small token of appreciatikon from the Club for the enormous contribution he had made to the Club, and to the organisation, during that time.

As well as serving in most executive positions in the Club, including President, and helping to get City of Light Toastmasters off the ground, Ian has also served the organisation as Area 18 Governor.

President Carol presents Ian with a special certificate while Dot joins the applause.

2005 Speechcraft graduates

Fourteen Speechcrafters graduated from the 2005 course... Robert Bruce, Karissa Burrows, Kiele Green, Terese Johnston, Meg Larkin, Michael Pauling, Brett Potter, Lynne Sheather, Peter Soles, Michelle Taylor, Michelle Thomson, Debbie Traynor, Dean Whitely and Karen Wilkinson.

And as President Carol says in her report in this issue, already we have welcomed six Speechcrafters who have joined now as members – Karissa, Kiele, Michael, Michelle Thomson, Debbie and Karen, with a few more still signalling their intention to do so.

Congratulations, all! And welcome aboard to those who have joined.

 

Photo: graduates on the night, from left, back:Co-ordinators Rob Philp and Donna Morris, Lynne Sheather, Michelle Thompson, Meg Larkin, Dean Whiteley, Karen Wilkinson, Karissa Burrows, Kiele Green, Robert Bruce, Peter Soles, Graeme Robertson (2004 graduate) and, front: Debbie Traynor, Michelle Taylor, Terese Johnston and Michael Pauling (absent, Brett Potter).

2005-2006 Executive installed

A very well attended changeover dinner saw Carol Brodbeck installed as Tamworth Club President for 2005-06.

Eric Elsley is the incoming Vice President Education, Ian McEachern VP Membership, Andrew Murray VP Public Relations, Catherine Taylor Secretary, Thea Agnew Treasurer, Bob Kirchner Sgt-At-Arms and Nick Broadbent Immediate Past President (that's, from left, Nick, Ian, Carol, Andrew and Bob in the picture).

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Speechcraft graduates

Another 16 people have graduated from Toastmasters Speechcraft in Tamworth.

Robyn Ballantyne, Peter Cruickshank, Jo-anne Flemming, Jacqui Hudson, Warren Johnson, Amanda Leonard, Theresa Moulynox, Donna Morris, Jodie Richardson, Debbie Roberts, Graeme Robertson, Darryl Russell, Jerrod Shields, Bev Smith, Jim Taggart and David Turnbull all successfully completed the eight week program.

Speechcraft is a “crash course” in communications providing an opportunity for participants to improve their basic communication skills and discover areas where they may improve and, indeed, where they already excel.

Impromptu speaking, prepared speeches and the Toastmasters evaluation process form the basis for Speechcraft which is conducted in a supportive atmosphere of fun and learning.

Tamworth Toastmasters conduct at least one Speechcraft course each year.  The next one is scheduled for the second half of 2005.

The most recent course was co-ordinated by Toastmasters Carol Brodbeck and Rob Philp.

Meanwhile, Tamworth Toastmasters has its club level round of Toastmasters’ International Speech Contest on this Monday night (February 14) and a special invitation is extended to members of the public to attend.

At least six Toastmasters will compete for the opportunity to progress through the competition for a chance to take part in the World Championship of Public Speaking in America in August.

The open night is running to co-incide with the annual Toastmasters Week promotion.

Monday night’s meeting gets underway at 8pm sharp at McCarthy Catholic College in Tribe Street.

Further information can be obtained from Bob Kirchner on 0419 998 386 or Alison George on 0407 954 671.

Top table topic talker

Tamworth Toastmasters' Table Topic Champion for 2004 is John Taylor.

John took out the contest from a tough field of nine competitors, one of the biggest in the Club's history.

Andrew Murray, Tamworth Toastmasters' newest member, was announced as runner-up.

Table Topics is the part of Toastmasters where members practice impromptu speaking, or speaking "off the cuff".

It's one of the most challenging, but also one of the most important, ways Toastmasters learn to develop communication skills.

The topic for this year's contest, conducted by the Club on Monday night, August 9, was "If Only I Could Run".

John will go on to represent Tamworth at the Toastmasters Area 18 final in Quirindi on Saturday, August 21.

Next Monday night (August 16), Tamworth Toastmasters is conducting a special open night featuring the Club's annual Humorous Speech Contest.

Another strong field of contenders will line up for this competition, the winner of which will also go on to represent Tamworth Club at the Area contest.

If successful there, winners continue on to Division level (northern NSW) and then to District taking in most of NSW and the ACT.

Guests are welcome to attend next Monday's open night commencing at 8pm at McCarthy Catholic College in Tribe Street, Tamworth.

Enquiries can be directed to 6762 2993 or email info@tamworthtoastmasters.org.au.

Picture shows John (centre) and Andrew (right) being congratulated by Club President Nick Broadbent


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