Speakers evening
PETER Minshall, the newly elected President of the Loughborough Speakers’ Club, started the meeting with a warm welcome to everyone.
In his address he said that apparently most people found the prospect of speaking in public even more fearful than death. By gaining experience at Speakers’ Club you will be ready for that occasion when you may get a tap on the shoulder and be asked to give a presentation at work, chair an important meeting, or even proposing a toast. Speakers’ Club will give you the ability and self confidence to excel in any speaking situation.
Peter told the visitors that they had made an important and courageous move by coming through the door, and that Loughborough Speakers’ Club can offer additional assistance and support to those whom English is not their native language.
The first main speaker of the evening was James Gibson whose speech title was “Windows & Wig Power”.
His subject covered taxation, both complex and simple, with a brief history going back to 1798 when Income Tax was 2d in the pound.
He explained why ‘Stealth Tax’ was introduced because the political situation at that time would not allow Income Tax to be increased, so stealth taxes were manipulated to enable an increase in Government revenue.
Some ridiculous rules applied, such as the number of windows in homes, which were used to determine the tax payable.
So many large houses had several windows bricked up so that the owners’ taxes would be lower. He told us that there are many of these still visible on the older houses in Loughborough to this day. More examples were given in a very informative and entertaining speech.
Next up to the lectern was Arthur D. Murray with a speech titled “Making Choices”. He told us that his facts had been learned from a lifelong interest in all aspects of health.
The system of ‘Nature-Cure’ was covered, also the natural wonders of the human body, together with an explanation of the modern processes of food manufacture. The health benefits of Nature-Cure were illustrated where food was grown organically from a healthy soil structure as this is where the real nutrition comes from. To maximise the benefit, food should be eaten whenever possible fresh and raw, but in moderation. An explanation of the modern processing methods, along with manufacturing techniques, were given where food is taken apart and then re-assembled so it lasts longer, tastes different, and often results in over indulgence and ill health.
The conclusion was that if you want to maximise your full health potential then the correct and sensible option is all about making the correct ‘Life Style Choices’.
The Topic session was presented by James T. Davies on the theme of ‘Favourites’. He used the famous book “Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie as his inspiration for the choices he presented.
In the book were a series of alternative topic subjects, so members selected a slip of paper on which a relevant word or phrase had been written. First up was David Hopkins with ‘Favourite Piece of Music”. As a children’s entertainer he used music choices that he used in his job to continue his chosen topic.
Others followed with a variety of topics such as ‘Holidays’, ‘Sport’ and ‘View’. We were extremely pleased that all of our visiting guests took part and that one of them, Hafiz Wasif, won the ‘Golden Gavel’ with the subject “My Favourite Meal”.
Peter Minshall summed up the evening by declaring that it had been a success, whilst also being both educational and entertaining.
So to practice these skills and have an enjoyable evening, join us at John Storer House on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the Month at 7.30pm.
The next meeting is on the 10th October 2017 so do come along - you will be made most welcome.
For more information visit: www. loughboroughspeakers.org.uk