[A summary of this post appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser of 25th February 2010]
Maidenhead Speakers Club held its 27th Annual Dinner on Saturday 20th Feb) 2010 at the Pines Hotel in Burnham. Around 50 current and former members attended including Norman Fox, one of the founding members of the club and who went on to become President of the Toastmasters clubs of Britain and Ireland.
After a drinks reception and a welcome by Club President Ian Rees, members enjoyed a three course dinner before being raucously entertained by a Tall Tales speaking contest. Guerrillas in Guatemala (Monica Horton) rubbed shoulders with a brave James Bond (Steve Catchick) , a wooden Casanova (Keith Clarke), the Fairy of Magic Coins (Karen Szulakowska)and the King of Merseyside (Eric Elliott). Keith Clarke was judged the best speaker by popular vote and was presented with the winner’s trophy by Gerard Pillai, the previous year’s winner.
Norman Rhodes presented an Norman Fox for his long-standing services to the club, on the occasion of his membership lapsing after so many years.
Adrian Sutton was Sergeant at Arms , Jacqui Hogan made the Toast and Mary Fraser said Grace.
Mireia Fontbernat and Jacqui Hogan counted the votes for the Tall Tales Contest.
Ben de Candole did an excellent job as Tall Tales Contest Chair.
On behalf of the club, Ian also thanked Joyce Rhodes and her helpers (she says there weren’t any!) for organising the whole evening.
Mr. Keith Clarke, Tall Tales contest winner; Mrs. Joyce Rhodes, Event Organiser; Ben De Candole, Contest Chair at Maidenhead Speakers Club Annual Dinner, 20th Feb 2010
The next club Event is our International Speech and Evaluation Contest on March 8th.
