Sparks fliedat meeting
Two contrasting speeches gave the audience much to engage their attention at the last meeting of Renfrew District Speakers Club, chaired by Mary Phillips.
Evelyn Haughey had researched the history of fire and fireworks, beginning in ancient China with bamboo fireworks, writes Joan Millburn.
Evelyn challenged the audience: “Who knows the difference between an arsonist and a pyromaniac?
”This led to a mention of fires in Pasadena where arson was suspected. She noted the invention of gunpowder, the use of fireworks in religious festivals, and more.
In contrast, Jess Cross entertained the audience as she recalled that, as a child, watching fireworks, she was never cold or wet. She enjoyed rockets, Roman candles, Catherine wheels, sparklers and many others.
“Have you seen the size nowadays?” she asked.
“The Roman candles would light up half of Rome.”
She waved a bundle of current health and safety guidelines for handling fireworks.
Detailed subsections emphasise wearing a helmet, a fireproof suit and gloves.
“This year, I’ll stay warm and dry and watch TV”, she concluded.
Speech evaluators, Joan Milburn and Irene Thom found much to praise.
An introductory speech by John McGurk was next. He described a childhood with much music and storytelling.
He spent time roaming with children and dogs amid Glasgow’s greenery and bluebells.
This led to a lifelong interest in the natural world and to a degree in science and botany.
His career began in teaching then he moved to working in the pharmaceutical industry – and 30 years later he was teaching pharmacy.
His evaluator, Sheina Ross, enjoyed the descriptions and humour. “This was not a first speech,” she noted.
Dorothy Hamilton, as topics chair, invited impromptu speaking about what to do with the money if you win the lottery; is a firework display preferable to fireworks in the garden; would you volunteer to go into space; should Christmas gifts be only for children?
Cate Donaldson gave a general evaluation of the evening, and its thoughtprovoking content.
A spokeswoman said: “Why not come to a meeting and share your ideas, or just listen?
“We meet fortnightly on Thursdays.”
The next meetings are in Sherwood Greenlaw Church, Glasgow Road, on November 18 and December 2. For information, phone 01505 325062 or 01505 229759