Wairarapa Promotions 2012

Toastmasters in the Wairarapa is being promoted during February and March with a series of events. We'll be at the Masterton A&P Show, (Friday 17th – Sunday 19th February), and you may hear us on Arrow FM during Toastmasters week (1st – 14th March). We're also planning to have open/demonstration meetings in Masterton, so if you are interested in finding out more about Toastmasters, pop along to any of these events or listen for us on the radio. We'd love to welcome you at any of our meetings.

WOW elects new Committee for 2011-12

WOW elected a new President and committee for the 2011-12 Toastmasters year, beginning on 1 July 2011. President Glynis de Castro is a school principal who enjoys public speaking in a different forum from addressing school pupils, parents and her Board of Trustees. Glynis has been a long-standing member of WOW Toastmasters, and has presented some fascinating insights into the world of teaching and managing a large rural co-educational school in the Wairarapa.

Vice President Education Lynn Bushell is a keen contestant in the club, and national speech competitions, having fared well in recent years, as evidenced by the news item below.

The club welcomes the new committee, whose task it is to continue the good work of previous committees and club members, helping to build a strong club which meets the needs of its members.

WOW member places third in national champs

Lynn Bushell of Greytown and member of WOW (Wairarapa on Weekends) Toastmasters Club won Most Entertaining Speech at the recent Toastmasters Conference at Waipuna in Auckland. It is the first time in eleven years a woman has won the Entertaining Speech title and the sixth time in the 40 years of the Cup's history. She was also placed third in the International speech contest. Lynn is pictured above receiving her cup from Steve Bullock, Lieutentant Governor of Education and Training, NZ Toastmasters.

WOW Toastmaster clinches Division Title

WOW Toastmaster Lynn Bushell clinched the Division International Speech title on Saturday 9 April. Lynn's speech entitled "Oh, Yeah" was a clear winner on the day. Now Lynn competes with other Division winners from around New Zealand in the District Championship to be held in Auckland on Sunday May 15. Good Luck Lynn!

WOW Toastmasters congratulated on achievements

Four WOW Toastmasters were singled out for congratulations on their educational achievements by Area Governor Keith Morris during his Area Governor visit on Sunday 20 March. Keith called them up to the front of the room and individually listed the educational goals they had achieved.

From left: Area Governor Keith Morris, WOW Toastmasters Anna Simms, Rita Stirling, Caroline Jamieson and Justin Vincent.

WOW Toastmaster wins Area speech contest

Lynne Bushell won the Area E8 International Speech Contest held on Saturday 19 March in Upper Hutt. Lynn's speech entitled "The Fool" now sees her attending the Division E (Wellington) contest to try her luck with 8 other contestants on Saturday 9 April.

WOW Toastmaster receives Civic Award

WOW Toastmaster Maureen McEwen was recently presented with a Civic Award from the Masterton District Council for services to the community.

Maureen is involved in a wide range of community activities and clubs, and is well known in the Masterton region for her dedication and service to local people.

Congratulations Maureen on this wonderful achievement.

WOW Toastmasters Flag

The WOW Toastmasters club now uses a specially designed flag as a meeting location marker for visitors and club members at outdoor venues, and to identify the meeting room at the club's indoor venue at Cobblestones Museum in Greytown. The flag is visible from quite a distance and flutters gently in the Wairarapa breeze!

The flag has the word Toastmasters printed vertically in blue lettering on a white background. It is on an extendible pole with the base designed to fit around a car tyre or be anchored to the ground. The flag comes with a bag for easy carry and storage.

Approval from Toastmasters International was sought to use the word Toastmasters on the flag, which was made by Flagmakers in Wellington. (Visit the Flagmakers website and follow the Flexipole link to view more information.)

For more information, please contact WOW Toastmasters Club on email wow@toastmasters.org.nz.