On the 11th November, 23 attended the meeting, six of them guests. Jon Hutchinson, a new member, opened with a poetry reading, a comic parody of John Masefield’s ‘Sea Fever’ it was well received and set the tone for the evening.
Sylvia Wilson’s maiden speech, a delightful social history, covered early life in London, living in many English towns and blissful retirement in Spain. Sylvia showed such a light humorous touch. Hiten Vyas’ passionate speech told of his struggles to overcome stammering and his support for present day sufferers, whilst Frank Kovacs dealt with ‘one man and his dog’. Not the English sheepdog, oh no, but a dog running off with a stick of dynamite whilst Icelandic Hunters were blasting their way through ice. Monty Python lives and breathes!
Fittingly on Remembrance Day, Wyn Glen spoke of the power of a good memory bank opening with the instance of a daughter of an Alzheimer’s sufferer who communicated finally through shared memories.
Convivial coffee and chat followed, after which Dot Barnard invited ten people to take a sealed paper. Each was to speak for three minutes on applying for a job in the Public Sector. Carol Hayward as a non driving paramedic with common sense would save the NHS thousands. Two guests gamely took part, one hoping to be appointed as a Park Keeper had big plans for Bradgate Park, which included Lions. All the three minute speeches were excellent and hugely entertaining.
Mark Glover as host for the Evening then summed up and expressed everyone’s pleasure at seeing Heather Mawbey again, still wheel-chair bound having suffered a bad accident with serious consequences to her knee. The meeting closed just before 10.00pm in a warm atmosphere of shared enjoyment.
The Leicestershire Speakers welcome anyone who would like to learn the art of speaking in public. Our meetings are supportive, informative and entertaining. We offer enthusiasm and encouragement to help turn nervous wrecks into confident speakers. Members are available for speaking engagements. We meet at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information ring Anne Jones on 0116 277 2295 or visit our website www.leicspeakers.co.uk
