Well, hello again Blog readers, last night there was one of my favourite, if most challenging activities at the Speakers' Circle.  Members had been circulated with a choice of five titles, at the last meeting, and, as usual  the aim was to speak interestingly  about their selected topic for up to five minutes.   Well, that's a scary idea for some, but it wasn't obvious in listening to our members wax eloquent on such titles as : ' If only', ' Manners maketh man ', ' I know that's what I said, but that's not what I meant'.  There were two other titles on the list - 'The history of the world is the history of wars' and 'With all the resources we have why is there so much inequality in the world? '  Members chose topics from the first three, so I guess to express thoughts on the last two, in all of five minutes, was more than an impossible task.
Anyhow, I have to say, I was most impressed by to-nights speeches and the standard of presentation just seems to be getting better and better in the Circle.   I particularly liked the way in which some members talked about their memories of choices made in their lives, and the pattern of events which arose from these.  As regards myself - I thought I'd chance taking on the topic 'I know that's what I said, but that's not what I meant'.   Isn't it funny how the words just seem to come out of your mouth, without any feeling of strain, when you're really identifying with the subject.  I just loved this topic, and could have spoken for ages on it!  Finding humour in a subject that used to stress me out, and having the audience laugh along with you, now that's a worthwhile  activity.

Hoping to see you all again next Monday evening, when the theme will be a reading from a favourite foreign writer or poet.  Then the week after that, the 7th April, the annual dinner at Ormeau Golf Club.  Until next week..............

Charmaine outlines the evening's activities to rapt attention from a selection of our members ( the many others in the room, not shown in the photo were attending too.)

Think of an image that illustrates something about you, and act it out.........

Charmaine explaining to-night's activities.


We were pleased to see a very good turn-out of members and guests for this absorbing event.   There won't be a meeting next Friday, because it's St.Patrick's Day, begorrah.  Hope to see you all at the next meeting on 24th March, where the activity is a prepared speech (up to 4 minutes) to be adjudicated - and the winner presented with the cup at the Annual Dinner in Ormeau Golf Club on Monday April 7th.  Bye for now.............

Hello Blog readers - I'm a little later in reporting last Monday evening's activities because my last blog seemed to disappear?  Anyhow speaking of strange happenings, maybe you know the story about Pandora's Box,  but if not just briefly.....  Pandora's Box is an artifact in Greek mythology - Zeus entrusted Pandora and her husband, with the safekeeping, in his absence, of a jar which contained, unknown to her,  all the evils of the world.  She was told not to open it, but of course being gifted with curiosity, as you might say, she went ahead, and as she did so, ghostly forms gushed out - Pandora had unleashed all the evils known to man.  At the bottom of the jar, was the last thing to come out - something that wasn't evil.  We call the good that Pandora unleashed last, by the name of hope.
So, having summarised the story, President Barry welcomed members to the meeting and three newcomers who we were pleased to see.   He outlined the activity - participants would select a wrapped item from a box and would have a maximum of four minutes to invent a story around the objected selected.
Once again members surpassed themselves with ingeniously creative stories about their objects and even mimes.  The jury is still out as to which was the best presentation, but I gather Evelyn's rendering of an elephant walk was one of the most amusing!  It was certainly an inspiration to hear how members were able to conjure up amazingly imaginative stories without any preparation.
Next Monday, we look forward to a guest speaker give a presentation on theatre skills.  Maybe we might see you join us?  You would be most welcome.  Please see our website for venue and time details.