Speak Easy kicked of 2006 with a reflective look over the shoulder and a positive look forward to the New Year ahead.

Liz Parker was Toastmaster for the evening and no one would have guessed it was the first time in this role. Liz kept the members in order and during the introductions asked members to give a highlight of 2005. The most memorable in my opinion was Jeff Short ... 'waking up in hospital'.

Raj Mistry then looked forward during the Topics session and asked 'what we would change?' about various aspects of our life. If New Years Resolutions last beyond January then some of these may come true.

After the break the Prepared Speeches showed that members take their development seriously even over the Xmas holiday. Three well prepared and delivered speeches from Phil Zoio, Deb Lawrence and Jeff Short were given.

Phil shared his experience of meditation and pointed us in the right direction for inner peace and calm. Very much needed in today's world.

Debs speech, from the ATM Manual 'Interpretive Reading,' showed the attention to detail she puts into her speeches. Taken from the Willy Russell book and play 'Shirley Valentine' the speech made excellent use of props and Deb talking to herself and the wall ...

Jeff Short dusted down his debate winning speech from a few years ago. I say speech, but is was actually a poem that Jeff used to explain that Computers will not be the ruin of the human race. Used as a tool, the computer provides human with time. This means we have time to read, paint, write etc ...

The focus of the Club Business was the planning for the Open Evening on the 26th January. I worry about all sorts of things, this week it was what should I wear tot he Open Evening. Not wanting to be too formal I asked about 'dress' ... the very helpful members advised 'a little black number ...'. It's not all serious at the club !!!

Turn up on the 26th to see what I do wear

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Jeff Bartrop