Mullingar Toastmasters host open night this Thursday
Mullingar Toastmasters host their open night tomorrow, Thursday September 22, at 8pm in The Greville Arms Hotel. They invite everyone to go along to see what it’s all about.
Their last meeting was on Thursday September 8, which was the in-person return to their regular venue, the Greville Arms, after an absence of more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Club president Lorraine Murphy opened the meeting, welcoming club founder Carol White and Toastmaster of the night Pauline McCabe.
Pauline arrived in a pair of slippers, joking she was used to Zoom meetings, and introduced a sense of fun to the evening that continued throughout.
“From Zoom to the room,” she announced to a huge round of applause.
The joy of returning to a live meeting was evident in everyone’s enthusiasm and ‘we’re back in the room!’ was the mantra of the night.
Pauline welcomed area director Charles Malone, and introduced those with roles for the evening.
On the clock as timer was Tom Byrne, grammarian was Derek Walsh and the fáilte officers were Tony Viney and Geraldine Smith.
There were three speakers on the programme, and the first up Lorraine, who outlined her goals as club president for the year ahead.
She pledged to serve the club and be there for her committee, who in turn would support the members.
She then introduced the committee: vice-president of education Mags Healy Donoghue; vice-president of membership Geraldine Smith; vice-president of public relations Damien Rooney; treasurer and Pathways officer Tom Byrne; secretary Derek Walsh; and joint sergeant-at-arms Tony Viney and Brian McLoughlin.
When it was her turn to speak, Mags Healy-Donoghue who encouraged members to get out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves and step up to the mark, a rousing call that had an effect on all present.
Billy Gough then spoke about a life-changing journey he took this summer in a heartfelt and honest speech that proved popular with all in the room.
Pat Cavanagh, Pat Kenny and Brian McLoughlin evaluated the speeches.
Topics master Joan Heduan invited members to pick a topic based on difficulty level. Inspired perhaps by Mags’ message to leave the comfort zone and challenge yourself, nobody went for the easy level, and even a young guest took a topic. She impressed, not only with her answer but with her courage to stand before a room full of people.
The meeting’s General Evaluation was by veteran Toastmaster John Waldron, who steered his way through the proceedings as only someone of his calibre and experience can.
Finally, Charles Malone wished the club a great year, promising to support members in every way he can, and the meeting closed at 10pm.
Mullingar toastmasters do it all again on Thursday, September 22, at 8pm, at the open night, when theyo welcome guest speaker Dolores Brady, division director, who came second in Ireland and the UK in the 2022 Table Topics Contest.
The beginning of the year is a great time to get involved, and the only commitment is to enjoy yourself two evenings a month – maybe it’s time to heed Mags’ call.
If you want to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone or just have a laugh with sound people, contact Mullingar Toastmasters at mullingartoastmasters@gmail.com or mullingartoastmasters.org, or find them on Facebook.
“We hope to see you there!”