Annandale Speakers--24 November 2016
Annandale Speakers had their fifth meeting of the season on The Queens hotel on the 24th of November where President Michael Dickie warmly welcomed everyone in attendance before handing the Gavel to David Bell. David entertained us with his witty introductions of the speakers and tied them well to their topics for the evening.
First to the rostrum was John Kerr speaking on “one over the eight” John captivated his audience from the off relaying his recent trip to Cowdenbeith football ground, not to tell us about football but about the stock-car racing that encircles the football pitch. John’s enthusiasm for the sport was conveyed into the room and we could almost smell the octane burning!
Jack Macartney kept up the calibre of speech with “Value the memories” he spoke about his personal journey through the world of work, both in and out of employment and what you could achieve when the pressure was on. It was in interesting speech and the Club will miss you when you when you move out of the area.
Topics section can put members under stress when they are asked to give a two minute reply on a given subject. George Gilhooly was tasked with asking the questions but all the members answered admirably without any outward signs of stress. The topics ranged from; The truth about Santa, Buckingham Palace Refurbishment costs, pre-school communication in children, Xmas lights switch on and finally to the legality of modern day Hunting.
Laurie Howell picked up the baton to continue with an informative speech on “No Trumps.” After a very brief synopsis of the American presidentiary election results Laurie settled into his usual eloquent self and regaled us with tales about the card game “Trumps” He told us about the history of the game through the last centuries and how the game evolved.
Our penultimate speaker for the evening spoke briefly on his new found passion for rugby which was apt given his title “grand slam.” Bruce Edensor then moved his speech on to tell us about his first job as a bank clerk, everyone in the room was captivated as he relived some of the humorous stories for our benefit.
Last man standing at the rostrum John Cannon took us on a humorous and fact filled journey on his title “Flush” we were educated how to flush pheasants and the toilet! John also informed us that you would only have a 39000 to one chance of getting dealt a royal flush in poker, everyone should be wary of this card shark if playing him.
Normally the night would draw to a close after the last speaker but tonight was a special night because it marked the 25th anniversary of joining for John Reid. The club President Michael Dickie presented a pleasantly surprised John with a certificate, John did a short acceptance speech and we all look forward to another 25 years of contributions from him, well done to him and all the speakers who contributed to a thoroughly memorable and enjoyable evening.