The Great Debate

When James Bennett, his executive and members of Toronto Toastmasters organise their next event make sure that you don't miss it.

Wednesday 1st August, apart from being Horses Birthday, was also the day of the GREAT DEBATE between Toronto and Charlestown Toastmasters.

As the time of the meeting drew near, people continued to arrive and arrive and arrive. Members of Toastmasters from Charlestown, Newlake, Wallsend, Port Hunter, Alpha and Toronto streamed into Toronto's small meeting room, but like the Tardis from Dr Who, it magically seemed to accommodate us all.

"That Being Single is Better than Being Married" was the topic for debate. The atmosphere intensified as the teams lined up at the front of the room.

Toronto team was speaking for the Affirmative with Andrew (recently married) Eastwood - first speaker, Jeff Bull - second speaker and Jackie Bartley - third speaker.

Members of the Negative team from Charlestown were Phil Dorse - first speaker, Andrew Lewis - second speaker and Robert Bath - third speaker.

Chris Hamilton was wonderful as the Toastmaster and kept the debate moving beautifully.

We heard from the Affirmative that being married stifles individual growth, creates false expectations and is frustratingly restrictive. This was countered by the argument from the Negative that being alone, unattached and solitary, results in a feeling of being unwanted, etc...

I didn't write down any more gems because I was so enthralled by the speakers and their arguments.

We all waited with great anticipation for the result:

Judges were: David Heggart from Port Hunter Toastmasters and a panel of judges from Wallsend: Coral Baldwin, Ian Millar, and David Roberts.

The winners were ...CHARLESTOWN and Toastmasters.

What a wonderful, friendly and fantastic night!!!

Thank you James and the team from Toronto Toastmasters.

Ann Clark
Area 23 Governor
(Left to Right) Graeme Frost, Jackie Bartley, Jeff Bull, Andrew Eastwood, Phil Dorse, Andrew Lewis, Robert Bath, Ross Kelly and Chris Hamilton