New Toastmasters committee installed

The Florida Toastmasters had great fun during their committee installation dinner on Tuesday, 18 June.

The theme for this meeting was ‘Change’.

The meeting was called to order by Matthew Knights, who was Sergeant At Arms. Matthew took to the podium and said, “This is the last time I am opening the meeting and it is a very sad moment for me”.

Vivien Katzav, the former president, welcomed the guests and introduced the Toastmaster of the evening, which was Michael Glencross.

He started the evening with a quote from George Bernard Shaw, which reads, “Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”.

The first toast was proposed by Vivien, and it was a loyal toast. The second one was proposed to Toastmasters International by Njabulo Thela, who was a guest from Toastmasters International. The third toast was to the evening by Brad Cassell.

Roger de Kamer was given the task of Timer, while William Kelly was the Evaluation Chair.

The meeting consisted of one prepared speech, which was delivered by Robert de Kramer, titled The Past President.

After the speech, Vivien presented her Outgoing President’s address and thanked everyone for the support they have shown her.

Njabulo took to the stage and told a very touching story, which was part of his Club growth director’s speech. He went on to do the installation of the 2019/ 2020 committee. The committee took the oath and pledged to do their best in their assigned positions.

The Incoming President’s address was delivered by Robert de Kramer, who started by thanking everyone.

“Tonight is very momentous for me; it is a very special meeting. I thank all the past presidents for the amazing work they have done. Thank you for your time and dedication,” said Robert.

He acknowledged Vivien for putting them on the right path and asked the members to allow him to make mistakes.

“To get to the top is nothing, but to stay there is something,” Robert concluded.

The new committee will be taking over officially on Monday, 1 July. Here is the list of those who were installed:

• President – Robert de Kramer

• Vice President – Education – Victor Chewe

• Vice President – Membership – Mandy Gobisang

• Vice President – Public Relations – Dawn Hemming

• Secretary – Kay Glansbeek

• Treasurer – Matthew Knights

• Sergeant at Arms – Ntombi Phaledi

• Immediate Past President – Vivien Katzav.

A number of awards were handed over for various categories. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 2 July.