Presiding at the annual Presidents Dinner at The Kent International Hotel, Ramsgate on May 29th, Ron Sheldrake reflected on his year in Office; one of continued pursuance of the ideals cherished by the club; the practice and improvement of the art of speaking in public, and his pleasure in the duties of Presidency and planning of the working and the social programmes.
Stephen Burt spoke about how he was inspired to set up Action Stations
Guests at dinner were from Toastmaters International,and Chaucer Speakers Club and as always, members` friends and family. The enjoyment of a fine meal was followed by the speeches in the form of Toasts; firstly, To The Club: by guest speaker Stephen Burt with an account of his inspirational enterprise, Action Stations. Stephen Burt spoke about how he was inspired to set up Action Stations which offers people the opportunity to fly with a Spitfire. As Spitfires are only two seaters and cost a fortune t keep in the air, he is able to offer a helicopter flight which flies along side the Spitfire which comes down from Duxford. The whole experience takes in flying over Battle of Britain sites. Gail Sheldrake has done this and says that it is exhilarating.
The President responded with thanks for an entertaining speech. A Toast to The Guests was delivered with the quintessence of after-dinner speaking by Trevor Kenning, encapsulating curteous sincerity with humour. Eric Jones,responding, a personal guest of his wife,Margaret, was applauded for a most appropriate recollection of his flying experiences, continuing in the pervading vein of absorbing interest and humour.
This social event is an opportunity for all members and their friends to wine and dine together and listen to the very best of entertaining speaking. The club, where we learn and practise,offers a standing invitation to visitors, on the second and fourth Thursday evening of each month.
Please contact Doug Weale 01843 592221 or dougweale@dougweale.plus.com or visit website www.thanetspeakers.org.uk