Well Yamba Yabbies’ 2016 Toastmasters’ year commenced with a ‘bang’ when 14 members and two guests (Cate and Kellie) attended meeting No 198 Monday February 1 at Yamba Bowling Club. Our Toastmaster, Jan Coleman, chose ‘age’ as the theme and wonderful quotes were given during the meeting. Michael was also welcomed as a new member, and Andrew was presented with his badge. Each role was explained with Ilma as Timer, Michael as Meeting Listener, Belinda B as General Evaluator and Annie as Grammarian who gave ‘Erudite’ – (just a little bit geekie) as word of the night. In the speech segment, Andrew delivered his ‘Ice Breaker’ where we learn a little about the speaker. He received a standing ovation for his first speech titled ‘Dreams v Reality, which will prevail?’ Brendon’s speech from Interpretive Reading Manual, titled ‘12 Days in Van Demon’s Land’ gave us an insight of his ‘house sitting/pet minding in Tassie. With her speech from Competent Communicator Manual titled ‘Local connection’, Caz inspired her audience with knowledge of all local plants and trees and the benefits of a number of them. These speakers were evaluated by Belinda S, Pam and Maureen. Lots of laughs were forthcoming. Jan C celebrated her birthday with a ‘bee sting’ birthday cake which members enjoyed in the break. This was followed by Avoid the word “very”. Each member was asked to give one word for e.g., very cold -chilley. This was a lot of fun. Jeanette was Table Topic Master in the impromptu segment and the questions were ‘age’ related. From Belinda B, Ilma, Joy, Jan B, Michael and Cate, much comedy was delivered by a couple of the speakers and some serious speeches. The evaluators of this segment were Noel and Joy. ‘Soap box’ speakers Cate on ‘not enough shade’ to be enjoyed in parks and shopping centres etc. and Jan B on tourists being banned from the chocolate factory in Tassie were ours. Jan is a choc-o-holic. The executive members will be attend training at Lismore on February 13. Meetings are held 1st and 3rd Monday of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing 7pm sharp. Visitors always welcome. For further information phone 6646 1124 or check out our Facebook page. Next meeting February 15. Joy Lauder