Food For Thought

 Last Thursday’s meeting was a very enjoyable one, and as usual, this was due to a combined effort. Thank you to Brendan Foley, who acted as our genial host/Toastmaster for the evening, and to Frances Lowry, who performed the demanding role of Timer very efficiently.

Michael Cronin began the contributions by titillating the interest of the audience with an extract from a poem by John Donne, written over four hundred years ago: ‘To His Mistress Going to Bed.’

‘That’s Why I’m Here’ was the title of veteran Toastmaster Pat Sexton’s speech. Pat admitted to never having suffered from glossophobia but attributed his skill in coping with daunting and intimidating situations to his involvement in Toastmasters. He expressed his continuing satisfaction in seeing people blossom and grow in confidence through their experience at Toastmasters.

Rachel Liston shared her yoga journey with us in a speech entitled ‘Balance.’ Finding that her coordination and short height were causing her difficulties, she decided to embark on a yoga course for fitness and balance. She shared the joy of finding herself feeling rather inflexible in a room full of yogis and a super supple instructor. But she persevered and signed up for a yoga retreat. Here, she succeeded in doing the most difficult task of all, according to the instructor: she learned to lie utterly still and quieten her mind. At the end, she showcased her skill at the tree pose for us all!

In ‘A Girl Called Happy,’ Claire O’Connell assured us that the true source of happiness and contentment comes from within. It is not to be found in having possessions or the perfect body. We are constantly being ambushed by ads telling us what we need. If we could take control and learn to be thankful for all we’ve got, she argued, we could all find our happy selves.

In ‘Do the Right Thing,’ Marie Lynes gave us a timely reminder of the long struggle it took to win universal suffrage for us. In a world where only a minority of people enjoy democratic rights, she urged us to value our vote and use it wisely.

Jillian Harris had a food theme running through the topics she posed for members to speak on, off the cuff. “What food could you imagine living on for the rest of your life?” Helsa’s roast chicken dinner seemed a far more attractive prospect than Michael’s choice of tapioca or Don’s choice of quinoa! The topic of palm oil aroused strong feelings and helpful suggestions on how to avoid it. Brendan admitted his ability to cook but expressed his aversion to culinary snobbery.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to another evening full of cheer and variety.

Our final meeting for 2024 will be on Thursday, 12th December. Why not come along? Everyone is welcome!

The Top Table

The Speakers

The Evaluators