It was Forum’s annual club contest evening at Furnays Guest House (in Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria) on 20 April 2005. Another great evening with plenty of commitment by all participants and fun for all present - (Toastmasters’ motto: “Learn while having fun”).

Vice-President Education (VPE) Leon Botha won applause for a very well planned event. The contest ran smoothly, with all necessary details in place (e.g. judging forms, time-keeper’s report, etc, right through to the flowers and winners’ certificates). Well done Leon!

All together 28 people (members, visitors and guests) turned up for this special evening. Visitors and guests came from different clubs in Pretoria to assist Forum as judges. Among the delegates were Willem le Roux (Area A1 Governor), his wife Susan (currently president of Vital Communicators Toastmasters Club), and Mandy McCaskill of Pretoria East Toastmasters Club. The contest chairman was Peter Millar (pictured) and the Chief Judge Tony van der Watt (pictured).

The meeting kicked off on time and was run with lots of fun in Toastmasterly fashion by President, Ab Vonkeman. The main objective for the evening was “Contest Time”.

The contest took place in three categories (Impromptu Speech, Speech Evaluation, and the International Speech Contest [English Prepared]). We had enough contestants in the first two categories (5 and 4), but in the International contest only one member. In time-honoured Forum tradition, four more members rose to the challenge.

The competition level was high, but one member dominated throughout with his experience and elegance. Bruno Schostar ATM-G, CL, demonstrated with his Advanced Toastmaster Gold (ATM-G) knowledge and experience what it takes to be a champion. (A good Toastmasters dictum: Preparation, preparation and once more preparation.)

Bruno must now compete in the next round, namely Area A3 on 30 April. The next levels beckoning to the winners are the Division A contest, and with a little luck the final at District 74 level. We wish Bruno all the best for the next contests. Go for it, Bruno – we will be there to support you!