Memories relived at speakers club meeting
President Mary Phillips welcomed members to the latest meeting of Renfrew District Speakers Club while Dorothy Hamilton gave a brief thought for the day and reminded those present to be thankful for what they had.
Joan Milburn, as chairman, briefly noted the club’s long history dating from the 1960s and, in recent years, becoming Renfrew District Speakers Club, open to men and women.
Sheina Ross chose the theme of‘Gold and Silver’. She said:“I like expensive things, but perhaps I prefer silver.”
She described a silver teapot with intricate patterns, adding,“It could look vulgar in gold”. Her wedding ring “would be ready in 2 days”, said the jeweller.“But I need it. I’m getting married, tomorrow.”
She described a visit to the British Museum to see the Sutton Hoo gold treasures. She spoke of Mrs Pretty who owned the land where the treasure was found and of Basil Brown, the selftaught expert who was first to excavate some of the treasure.
“It was a golden weekend,”she said. Her evaluator, Joan, praised Sheina’s animation and her pauses to let people imagine the images created by the many interesting facts about gold and silver. The audience enjoyed it.
Mary spoke of her club memories, after joining 12 years ago.“I needed the confidence to speak at work,”she said.“I was welcomed. I was never bored; I was entertained; I learned new things.”
She remembered getting lots of help from members about speaking and evaluating.“I enjoy the fun and friendship,”she said. She spoke about being a guest at a wedding where there was a speaker missing.
She filled the spot with an impromptu speech.“I had reached my first goal in speaking,”she said.
Irene Thom evaluated the speech and empathised with Mary’s journey.
A brief time was given to impromptu speaking by Norma Murray, Mary Phillips and IreneThom. Cate Donaldson was general evaluator and praised the confidence and ability of the speakers and preparation and comments of the evaluators.
The club meets fortnightly at 7.15pm at Holy Trinity & St Barnabas Church halls, Paisley. The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 21.