"New CL Jt. Meeting" of 13 clubs (13/10/08)

Our "mammoth" joint meeting at AFC on Monday was indeed a great success...

It was "mammoth" because, to my knowledge, it was the first time that 13 clubs had got together for a joint meeting -- not a workshop, not a seminar, not a convention... just a Toastmasters meeting !

It was hugely successful because it was touted for "a minimum of 5 from each participating club" -- meaning therefore that there should have been at least 65 attendees. But the head count was more than 100. That makes it a 150% success !!

The idea had initially sprouted as an imploratory request from AG Walia, who felt it imperative to educate and enlighten her Area W6 members on the new CL Manual. She was willing to organize a joint meeting of her clubs if a knowledgeable TM would facilitate.

When sounded at the Division Council meeting, the idea appealed to our receptive and perceptive ADVGET Soh, who felt that it could (and should) be expanded to encompass all Division W clubs.

Our servant-leader, DVG Dr Sharon, ever-adroit in accepting good suggestions, sounded the idea of securing a suitable venue to our Club Extension Chair, DTM Francis Ng.

The efficacious doyen of TMs that he is, Francis broached the concept to the power-packed newest club in District 51 -- the AFC TMC... and they spontaneously offered their clean and classy meeting hall for this purpose.

The extent of their hospitality was extended to the ultimate... the food was ooh la la on the one hand, and wow-o-wow on the other !! The number of items in the super savoury spread easily exceeded 40, not including the variety of beverages provided !! The catering was done by a premier hotel in Kuala Lumpur... and their service was faultless and flawless. Omigosh ! It was really worth much much more than the time, effort, and money to go all the way to Bukit Jalil.

Too bad for those of you who missed it. Next time, when Francis says something is going to be good, we need to believe it without question.

But do not be mistaken that the fun was only through fabulous food and fancy facilities !!

This fledgling Club produced its own core of brand new Toastmasters who equalled, and even excelled, the experienced ones in several ways. Their standard in both the Table Topics as well as the prepared speeches was well above average. TM Carlo Nohra (their VPPR) received such a resounding ovation for his Icebreaker... that even a spectators' roar from a football cup final would be no match to it. And the overwhelmingly-voted Best Table Topics Speaker at this 13-clubs joint meeting was from Tiger Toastmasters Club -- TM Ramsee !!

This AFC TMC is all gung-ho about Toastmastering ( if there is such a word ). They meet at 6:00 pm every week... on Mondays. Wow !! Talk about super charge and turbo speed ! Other clubs who are now preening over their present pole position need to be on the lookout... or be overtaken.

The one and only tinge of regret for all of us was the absence of their President, TM Mohamed Hammam, who had valiantly cut short his overseas trip to be back for this occasion -- only to be thwarted by circumstances beyond his control.

In conclusion, it was more than a good meeting... it was a jolly good meeting !

Our thanks are extended to the prime movers n shakers -- Organizing Chair AG Walia, and "Operations Manager" Francis. The chemistry between them actually added impetus to the organization of the event.

Our thanks also go to AG Dr Devi (in whose Area 3 AFC is in) and DVG Dr Sharon. And of course to our judicious and discerning ADVGET Soh, whose steadfast counsel has been invaluable to our Council time and again. (Poor Soh is now down with chicken pox.)

Many thanks to all who helped in one way or another.

And syabas, SYABAS, SYABAS to the super great guys and gals in AFC.

Sincerely,

Singam.