El Shaddai Youth Leadership – 3rd Meeting

Written by Dylan Buckle 
The Toastmasters Youth Leadership was now in full swing after the second meeting of the Club. On our arrival at the third meeting of the Youth Leadership program we were greeted by the smiling faces of our Leadership Leaders Lloyd and Sandra Dicks.
This meeting had been greatly anticipated by the members and it promised to be an another amazing evening. The meeting was brought to order by Martin Rademeyer our Sergeant at Arms where after we were greeted by our Club President Noni Mohlaba. We were then introduced to the study of gestures in our speeches and were given a demo speech by our Leader, Lloyd Dicks, about his dream to run with the bulls. Group 2 now had their opportunity to present their prepared speeches on the topic of themselves. These speeches were then evaluated by Group One who were relieved that they did not have to present another speech. This was followed by another round of table topics where 5 volunteers were selected to each present a 1-2 minute talk on the topic of hair. They did their speeches individually, unaware of the previous speakers speech which allowed a widespread view of hair and also some fun. After the break, we returned to evaluate the speeches given by the speakers. We were greatly impressed by the calibre of the speeches presented that night. We then moved onto the listening post and then to another round of “yes”, “no”, “black” and “white”. The evening was ended off by the final business which was dealt with by Miss May and shortly after, the meeting was adjourned by our President, Noni Mohlaba. The next week is much anticipated as Group One was asked to present a speech about a topic of their choice which will educate them on the element of gestures.

El Shaddai Youth Leadership – 2nd Meeting

Written by Dylan Buckle
The much-anticipated second installment of the Toastmasters Youth Leadership meeting had arrived, and there were mixed feelings in the air as the first official speeches were to be presented. The evening opened with the welcome and apologies from our President, Noni Mohlaba. We were then introduced to the evening’s agenda by our Toastmaster of the Evening: Sandra Dicks.
After this, we were introduced to the concept of “Table Topics” and how to go about presenting these Table Topics. After a few volunteers had the chance to present a Table Topic, chosen from drawing a random item from a bag, we were evaluated on our efforts.
Then the next item was the dread of the first group of speakers as it was time for Group One’s presentation of their prepared speeches. After the speakers displayed their efforts an evaluation was given to them. We ended off the evening with The Listening Post where we were quizzed on the nights facts and events where after the evening was closed my our President Noni Mohlaba.

El Shaddai / Toastmasters Youth Leadership Begins

Our Blanket Bizzare – Home of Hope

Written by Glenn Simpson
On Friday 04 July the heavens opened and pelted the Western Cape with a torrential downpour. It was on this day that we had arranged to meet with Mrs. Eleanor Brook to hand over the blankets which we had collected one cold Thursday night – entitled “blanket bizarre”
Arriving at the venue we were tasked with a mad dash as we tried to outrun the rain. Unfortunately this did not work and we arrived at reception drenched but with smiles on our faces as we handed over the blankets. Beaming from ear to ear Eleanor couldn’t wait to start handing out the blankets. With just under 50 blankets we were bringing a lot of warmth to some needy babies, so while it was cold and miserable outside we were content in the knowledge that our blankets would be warming things up!
Home of Hope is a voluntary association and a registered non-profit organization, which was established as a place of hope for abused, abandoned, neglected and HIV positive children. This ethos of caring is no better encapsulated in their mission statement which sates that “mission of the Home of Hope as an organization is to provide services for the safety, well-being and protection of all children, families and individuals in need of it; this is where hope begins…” Should you wish to learn more or make a contribution please visit the website at www.homeofhope.co.za
Thank you to all who contributed on the night, you are all the reason that this was such a success!
The Home of Hope is a voluntary association and a registered non-profit organisation as well as a public benefit organisation established in August 2005. The reason for our establishment and existence was to create a much needed support system for the local social worker and a place of safety for children:

* Abandoned in dustbins to die
* Violently abused
* Raped
* Hungry and neglected due to poverty
* Victims of domestic violence
* Infected with HIV and AIDS
* Born bearing the effects of excessive drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy

However, as the project developed more needs in the community were identified and the organisation has realigned itself to provide a broader service with the focus remaining on children.

Please find out how you can help by going to www.homeofhope.co.za

Tourists in our own city!

Written by Sandra Dicks
It was a weekend of fun and sun in the Mother City in the crisp winter air. Lloyd and I, the country couple, were privileged to spend the weekend in the bustling city at the Bantry Bay Luxury Suites. I won the 2007 E&Y Toastmasters Participation prize for having the most participation points from assignments of speaking, evaluating, and volunteering for roles available at club (which often happens when you are VPE and filling in for unclaimed roles on the agenda). The reward of the sponsored weekend at the Luxury Suites was definitely worth the effort and a big thank you to Relais Hotels! http://www.relais.co.za
Although we only live in the northern suburbs, we felt like tourists in our own city enjoying the buzz of city life. The Bantry Bay is conveniently located close to the CBD and is a stone’s throw from the sea front. The self catering units are classy and deserve their 5 star rating, yet are also very practical. There is a full continental breakfast bar or full English breakfast to start off a day of activity sightseeing around the city. We decided to visit the Cape Town museum and planetarium which we had last visited as school kids. There is plenty for the curious visitor to keep you entertained for half the day, if not longer, just remember not to fall asleep whilst star gazing in the comfy seats and low lighting! It was back to the Bantry Bay to watch the Rugby – which can be done in the ritzy bar area or the comfort of your luxurious room.
After a walk along the promenade at sunset, instead of availing ourselves of the fully equipped kitchen and mini-bar, we went out on the town to find our dinner. With the V&A waterfront not far away we were able to catch the late showing of Indiana Jones. It really felt like we were on holiday!
The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites was a great place to stay and the staff were friendly and helpful. I can see this place will be fully booked for 2010 so, if you have any friends coming to visit, better recommend the Bantry Bay quick! Check it out here for more information.

Christof Appel wins at TreasureCon

It is with great pride that the E&Y Toastmasters Club announces that our member Christof Appel won District 74′s International Speech contest at the TreasureCon conference held in Port Elizabeth this past weekend. Christof will now be sent by District 74 to represent Southern Africa at the 77th Toastmasters Convention to be held in Canada in August. Congrats Christof…. we are proud of you.

Our club was also recognised at the Maxicon for this website and awarded the Club Website of the year award. Thanks to all the members who have contributed articles for this website over the year.

Congratulations too to these clubs and members for the following outstanding achievements:

Toastmaster of the Year – Adrian Spruyt
Division Governor of the Year – Ruth Goodbrand, Division H
Area Governor of the Year – Graham Nicholls – H4
ICSA Administrators Award – Carol-Ann Louw
Golden Goose Award – Kwazulu Natal Youth Leadership Team
Public Relations Event of the Year – Bankon 2007 Conference Team
Public Relations Quality Award – Division D – Toastmasters Day
Club VP PRO of the Year – Jacques de Villiers
Club Bulletin of the Year – The Tattler – Standard Bank Operations Club (Editor: Phindiwe Ngele)
Triple Crown Award (three or more communication or leadership goals)
Vic Brits, President Club
Lois Strachan, Cape Town Club
Elaine Swanepoel – Umhlanga Club
Linda Tucker Winelands Club
Martin van Zyl – Pretoria East Club

EY Updates and Reminders!

Written by Sandra Dicks
Member, Dave Duarte was on Carte Blanch this past Sunday the 2nd March talking about Web 2.0. and how it is changing the world.
Congratulations to Anton and Sharon who had a baby girl Jenna Rachel, born 23:40
on Saturday the 16th of February. Very cute, 2.13kg, born at 34.5 weeks. Family is all back at home now and doing well!
Justine Davenport and is getting married to Aidan Quinn on Saturday 22nd March 2008. All the best for a wonderful memorable wedding day and bright future!
Lastly, congratulations to all our members who can renew their membership this month at the low price of R235 for a great education and fun social club! Please have your dues paid before the long weekend, 20th March. All payments after this date will be charged at R250. Send your proof of payment to our treasurer Eric Edelstein.

'Stand Up!' – Humour Competition

Written by Sandra Dicks
Congratulations to Cobis Wilson who not only won our Club but also the Area D3 humour competition! If you have not heard him yet, you still have a chance at the Division competition this Thursday the 13th of September at Huis de Nederlands in Pinelands. 6.30pm for 7pm start, contact us for more details.

If any of you have recently visited the Toastmasters International Website, you will see they have had an overhaul and it’s looking great. Simply go to www.toastmasters.org.

Our next meeting is on September the 20th, look forward to seeing you then. Remember to bring along payment for your semi-annual fees if you have not already done so.

Kind regards,

Sandra

Cobis is our Winner for D3 – on his way to 'RockOn'!

Written by Sandra Dicks
Cobis Wilson last night had the crowd in stitches yet again and won the Division D Humour Competition! Well done Cobis!

He will go on to represent the western cape at the annual mini-conference in Johannesburg in October – ‘RockOn’.

Cobis Wilson last night had the crowd in stitches yet again and won the Division D Humour Competition! Well done Cobis!

He will go on to represent the western cape at the annual mini-conference in Johannesburg next month – ‘RockOn’.

The conference takes place Friday 12 and Saturday 13 October at the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park. The website http://minicon74.googlepages.com/ provides more info. Contact person is the Convenor, Dean Teng on 082 530 2001.

Farewell Caroline

Written by Lloyd Dicks
The E&Y Club is heartsore to bid farewell to one of its key members. Caroline Greenway joined the Club in 2001 and has become an incredible asset to our club. She served for two years running (2002/3 – 2003/4) as VPE and in 2004/5 not only did she lead the club as President, but she was also the convenor of the Conference on the Waterfront in the same year. At our club meetings, Caroline has always stood out as one of our best evaluators.

Caroline has accepted a career opportunity in Dubai. She promises however to make a plan to visit our club whenever she is in town.

Caroline, you will be sorely missed by all of us. Please don’t forget your friends here at E&Y TM Club.

Adele Wood and Neil Smith are married

Adele Wood, a longstanding member of our club and past club officer, was married to Neil Smith on the 16th September 2006. On behalf of the E&Y TM Club, we wish Adele and Neil all the love and happiness possible. Congrats to both of you.

Christof Appel beaten by ‘The Greatest’

Written by Christof Appel
“And in second place…”

No matter how proud one feels to represent District 74 at the World Championships you just can’t hide your disappointment when your name finishes that sentence.

My DNAR contest [Districts Not Assigned to Regions, in other words all Toastmasters Districts outside North America] proved to be an amazing experience with some excellent speakers thrown into the mix.

But when I was announced as coming second we all knew who had won – Muhammed Ali. I’m not joking. His name was Muhammed Ali, from Bahrain (District 79).

He presented an extremely emotional speech where he spoke in depth about his three sons, his wife and his near-death electrocution.

My speech flowed brilliantly and I had them in stitches with my humour but on the day the judges decision is final.

The most valuable lesson Toastmasters teaches us is to accept that sometimes things don’t go your way — whether it’s at the world conference or for your CC2.

For the record, the winners were Ed Hearn, Douglas Wilson (2nd) and Rich Hopkins (3rd) – a clean sweep for the Americans.

(For more coverage of Christof and the Convention, see www.christofappel.com )

Area D3 Humour Contest

The Area D3 Humour Contest took place at the Ernst & Young House on the 24th of August. We had a great turnout of about 45 delegates. Toastmaster and Competition Chair for the evening, Mike Clark, used his great sense of humour to keep the evening flowing and kept us all in bouts of laughter. Max Kaizen toasted Toastmasters and humour and how well they work together. Hardly anyone even realized that there had been a communication slipup, and Max had to do this as a complete impromptu. Well done Max.

Sandra Dicks bribed members and guests to participate in the Table Topics session with sour worms and made them spill the beans on when they had played or had others play practical jokes on them. The truth was spilt and lots of laughs were enjoyed, warming up the audience for the competition to come.

Deidre Pluke then shared a thanksgiving with the club and we broke for dinner prepared by our outstanding caterer Lynn Beckwith.

After dinner Chantal Smuts, the evening’s Chief Judge, spent a few minutes conducting a public judges briefing, and then Mike started the competition.

First to speak was Paddy Clark who shared the joys and pains of being an amateur actress. Next, Jason Sandler explained why men would never understand women, and gave plenty of very funny examples. David Duarte made light of our very colorful nation, South Africa, and reminded us all why it is so much fun living here! Stuart Seaton, shared some of his experiences as a bank manager, and made us all realize that big brother is watching us, especially in a bank. Last, but definitely not least, was Pedro Roberts, who spoke on Pedro Roberts and his hat.

All agreed that the speeches were outstanding and that the judges would have a hard time choosing, so we broke for coffee and desert while the tally counters sorted out the decision.

Mike then introduced each of the contestants and thanked them for taking part, and handed over to the chief judge, Chantal Smuts for the announcement.

Jason Sandler, took first place, David Duarte took runner up and Paddy Clark took third.

All that was left was for Lloyd Dicks to thank the many people involved in making the evening run smoothly and call the meeting to a close.

Please don’t forget to support Jason Sandler in the Division Humour Contest that will take place on the 30th September. Watch this space for more information!

Baby Toasties!

Written by Sandra Dicks
Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to pass on the wonderful news that our President, Donna Maclagan, has delivered a healthy baby boy – Daniel Ethan weighing 3.1kg! Poor Donna though is suffering from bronchitis together with the physical toll of giving birth, so she probably won’t be able to take visits or phone calls for a while yet, but I’m sure she appreciates any messages.

Also congratulations to Si and Maria Ekin who, on 15 June, became the proud parents of their baby girl called Thapelo Emily (their first). So be carefull of the water at Toastmasters, it might be catchy what with Guy & Christine Lundy pregnant again, as well as ex Toasties, Gavin & Irene Coetzee! Congrats all round.

Whilst I’m here, at the June club where we announced that July’s meeting is the humorous contest. So anyone who would like to participate in the contest please let me know so we can give you speaking priority (please email me). Club is on the 20th of July.

Thanks and have a great week.

Sandra Dicks
VPE

E&Y Club are playing Paintball.

Written by Patrick Ashworth
Paintball – the Truth
You are invited to join us on Saturday May 27 in Plattekloof
Some people have paintball all wrong – they think it’s just a bunch of testosterone-filled lard heads, running around painfully shooting each other.
There are two common misconceptions about the sport:
1) War and Violence

One is that paintball simulates war and encourages violence, thanks largely to vandalism (most often by non-players), and the small, but noticeable resemblance of markers to firearms and the donning of camouflage by some players. Additionally, paintball has been used for close combat training by both law enforcement agencies and terrorist groups.

The paintball community generally works to dispel this image, increasing the public’s exposure to paintball is seen as crucial to breaking down stereotypes. Paintball fields do not tolerate physical violence (contact with an opponent is usually forbidden) or even verbal abuse.
2) Injury and Danger

Another common misconception of paintball is that it is dangerous. Recent statistics from various insurance companies have proven that paintball is actually safer than traditional sports, such as rugby. As long as the players follow the rules, paintball is an entirely safe sport. Paintball fields require anyone near the field to wear a face mask, and that markers shoot at a velocity of less than 300 feet per second. Paintball, on the insurance tables, is safer than golf, bowling, and tennis.
More reasons to join us on the morning of Saturday May 27 in Plattekloof;
a) Paintball is an exhilarating game of skill, strategy and cunning
b) Good exercise, fresh air and sunshine
c) Great stress relief
d) Ladies – having trouble meeting men in cliquey Cape Town? Typically the male: female ratio in paintball games is 5:1!
For more information, visit: www.dye-hard.co.za

E&Y TM Club Social – Solele Game Reserve

Written by Sandra Dicks
Hi to all E&Y Toastmasters and guests.

It’s been a while since we had a social to get together with our families and have some fun. So we have pegged a date for Saturday the 13th of May at Solele game reserve in Kommetjie.

As response so far has been low, numbers are well below 30 so we will not be booking for lunch. Payment is between yourselves and the reserve.

Although you can take game drives and guided walks throughout the day at your own time, it will be nice for us to go out as a group. I have tentatively booked a game drive for 11am so suggest we arrive at 10.30am.

Prices are below. everyone can eat at the restuarant as and when it suits them or not. Please take the time to visit the website for further prices and information. http://www.solole.co.za/

Just arrive on Saturday with friends and family. Hope to see you there.
Sandra Dicks
Treasurer

Christof off to Washington in August!

Written by Caroline Greenway
Last week the annual MaxiCon conference of Toastmasters District 74, with delegates from eight Southern African countries, was held in Johannesburg.

The highlight of the conference is always the International Speech Contest, which starts at club level, moves on to area, then division, and finally at MaxiCon a winner is chosen from the district to represent us against the rest of the Toastmasters world at the World Championship of Public Speaking.

Many of you will remember Christof Appel, who joined Ernst & Young Toastmasters in 2004 and did his first four speeches at our club. Then he moved up to Joburg and attended four different club meetings before choosing to join the club that most reminded him of his experience with us – Sandton Toastmasters Club.

On Saturday afternoon Christof, by now a CTM and the youngest by far in a field of seven finalists, blew everyone away with his mature, polished and witty speech about facing fear and taking the plunge, bungee-style, to change your life.

In August District 74 will fly our winner Christof to the international convention in Washington DC in the United States, where his next challenge is to face the winners of all districts outside of the US. The person who comes first in that round represents ‘the rest of the world’ in the final against winners of all the North American districts.

Ernst & Young Toastmasters Club in Cape Town is enormously proud of Christof’s achievement so far. We hope that our stimulating and supportive environment has given birth to a super-nova public speaker.

A weekend at the Beachhouse in Kleinmond

Monday, 06 March 2006
For the Toastmaster’s year – 2004 – 2005 – I was lucky enough to win the participation prize of a weekend away at the Beachhouse in Kleinmond thanks to Relais Hotels (who sponsor this prize).

For those who have never been, I can highly recommend it. The Beachhouse is situated just across the road from the main beach in Kleinmond. The rooms are large, comfortable and homely and although there may be a little bit of paint peeling off the ceiling, you get the feeling that you are really in your own Beachhouse and for us, it just added to the appeal.

Breakfasts were fantastic and served overlooking the ocean. By special arrangement, the chef organized a couple of whales to frolic just past the breakers, and this made the bacon and eggs taste even better.

Feeling energetic, Sandra and I took a walk along the beach and were lucky enough to see the wild horses of the area. According to the locals, this is apparently a very lucky occurrence.

Once again, to all those involved, the E&Y Club and Relais Hotels. Thanks so much for the opportunity of winning this prize.

Kind regards

Lloyd Dicks

Guy Lundy wins Area D3 International Prepared Contest

Written by Lloyd Dicks
On Monday the 13th of March, Area D3 held its competition evening, including the Impromptu, Evaluation and International Prepared.

We are very proud to announce that our Past President – Guy Lundy managed to take the honours in the International Prepared contest, with his speech entitled We’re Sinking. Well done Guy.

Mike Clarke from Taverners took the honours in the Impromptu competition and Larry Palk won the Evaluation Contest.

Congratulations go to all participants, the winners and especially Guy. You made us proud.

Next, these three winners take it to the next level – the Division D Contest which will take place on Saturday 22 April. Find out more here.

New website is launched!

Written by Lloyd Dicks
Welcome to the new look and feel website that was launched this month. The club officers commissioned E-Active to develop a new site for us, and we are pleased with the result.

The advantage of this new site is that it is completely database driven. That means that no longer does one person need to be solely responsible for updating and adding content. The club officers can assign rights to different members to manage each area and its contents. This should mean that the site is even more dynamic and new content will be added or modified weekly. So stop by here often to check out the latest photos (see Photo Gallery) or find out what events are coming up (see Calendar) or what happened at the last meeting (see News).

Please leave comments for us in the Forum section and let us know what you think of this new site.

If you would like to contribute to the site by writing articles please contact us to discuss how you can help.

Kind regards

Lloyd Dicks
VPPR / Webmaster

January 2006: Great Expectations

Written by Liz Henry
“GREAT EXPECTATIONS” what a wonderful way to start this meeting! It was great to be back home at our Ernst & Young and premises. Our conference room was filled with members and welcome guests.

Our Toastmaster of the evening JACKY LOURENS started off by introducing the excitement that a New Year brings, and this included the news for our President – Donna Maclagan who is expecting her second child – Congrats Donna!
We had the pleasure of our Area Governor D3 visiting as – Ret Steyn. Ret gave us a very informative talk on our new Leadership Coaching Track. This information was very useful.

Caroline Greenway led the Table Topics with a great idea for the entrant, who had to choose a Cadbury’s chocolate bar with a Yes/No gesture to talk about. There were five entrants and Jenny Taylor won the trophy.
Lloyd Dicks presented an after dinner speech which showed us his transition from the early days of attempting to speak in public to where he is now. As always it was an informative speech with a lot of enjoyable humour.
Greer Blizzard did her Ice Breaker explaining how she made her way into this world. A very strong speech for an icebreaker that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was great to find out more about Greer.
Rickard Chambers gave a speech about the Clock of Life. A very thought provoking speech, and a very interesting topic. It caught our attention, and left us all with a lot to think about.
Max Kaisen spoke about exceeding your expectations. How to keep your New Year resolutions and how to handle expectations that are not met. A great speech relating to the start of the New Year.
Thys Lourens did a speech about his T Shirt, which he had scrunched up in a plastic bag. This shirt told the stories of his travels, how he roughed, his experiences – what a story!
Si Ekin delivered his final speech No 10 so he is now a Competent Toast Master. Well done Si! His speech had to do with a near death experience. A lot of information for us to think about, different experiences, the realisation and the fear of the end.
A wonderful evening with a lot of exciting speeches – well done everybody for holding up such a great standard and making a brilliant start to the New Year!

Welcome to Ernst & Young Toastmasters Club in Cape Town, South Africa.

Written by Administrator
The E&Y Toastmasters Club was established in September 1988 as an opportunity for employees of Ernst & Young in Cape Town to hone their skills as communicators and leaders. The club was also open to friends and family who shared these goals.

Today, the membership consists largely of professional, dynamic people from a wide range of industries… more

Please feel free to browse through our website. Guests are always welcome at our club. If you are interested in attending one of our meetings , please contact our Vice President Membership, and you will be sent an invite to our next meeting.