Cainscross WI: With guest speaker James MacLeod, a Professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies

WE MET on a lovely evening in early June for our Cainscross meeting.

We thanked Linda for her very pretty, red, white and blue arrangement which scented the table for the whole evening.

Apologies were received from Pam Clapp and Sheila Shipton.

We kept business to the minimum, apart from discussing a few outings that could be undertaken and arrangements for the forthcoming 90th Birthday Party next month.

Our guest speaker, James MacLeod, arrived nicely on time and looked really resplendent in his ‘livery’ of red tailcoat, white shirt and black trousers.

This is the uniform of a Professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies and he certainly looked the part with even his ceremonial sword to hand.

We are very lucky in this area to have the only Toastmasters trained by The Conferie du Sabre D’or’ in the art of Sabrage.

The other Toastmaster is his wife, Barbara Anne Maggs.

Toastmasters and Masters of Ceremonies can be employed to add distinction to any occasion however formal or informal.

From weddings and civic functions to corporate events and charity balls.

James was a fund of information on the etiquette (or ticket from the French) which is needed on important occasions and he gave a fascinating and lively account of some of his encounters.

He had a lovely clear voice and it was a pleasure to have his company for the evening.

After refreshments, and the calling of the raffle, the monthly competition winners were announced as:-

First - Tina Hewgill

Second - Val Dalby

Third - Mary Jarrett

As already mentioned, our next meeting which falls on Tuesday, July 5, to take place as usual in St Matthew’s Church Hall, Cainscross, will be the birthday party, for which reservations will be needed.

We will have Baily’s Beads performing for us during the evening and more details if necessary can be obtained from 01453 762812.