“Flipe my socks!” could replace “Shiver my timbers” as the pirates' oath of choice, following last week's meeting of Malvern Speakers club. Flipe (an old word meaning to turn inside out, as when preparing to put a clean pair of socks in a drawer) was chosen as the word of the day, which speakers were invited to work into their talks. Members responded brilliantly, at least half a dozen using the word once. Sergeant-at-Arms Dave Evans managed several times, also coining the exclamation above, which could be a handy cuss when in polite company!

First prepared speech came from Adrian Lane, who mused on the expression “Less is more” with examples from his own experience, ranging from his teenage daughter's wheedling for a pizza to the contrast between two museums in Egypt where he worked until recently. Next up was Jackie Preuss, who explained in her talk “Money doesn't grow on trees” how a frugal single-parent upbringing had made her nervous of spending money unless absolutely necessary, but how more recently, now better off, she had relaxed into being able to enjoy splashing the cash. Lastly came Roger Granville, with a real-life tale of a still unsolved mystery. While living in Texas, he was once asked to drive a stretch limo (memorably described as “great long thing with the normal bits of a car stuck on each end”) for a young couple on their wedding day. They spoke not a single word to each other throughout the journey – and to this day he does not know why!

Jen Cashmore conducted an Olympics-themed session for impromptu short speeches. First-time guest, Ledbury-based vet Zara Heaven, charmed the audience and won the night's best Table Topic award for her joyful account of her most romantic moment, which she claimed had happened while calving a cow! Jackie Preuss's was voted best prepared speech, and Dave Evans best evaluator for his appraisal of Roger Granville's story.

The meeting had begun with the presentation to founder president Steve Birch of a Toastmasters International Leadership Excellence Award, in recognition of his outstanding and sustained efforts since the formation of the club three years ago. Next meeting will be at the Great Malvern Hotel at 7.30pm on Tuesday September 13th when members can compete for best humorous speech and

best table topic awards, with the winner moving on to the next stage in an inter-club, national and international contest.

Colin Jackson