Once upon a (prehistoric) time, Toastmasters ran an Oral Reading Competition. Some of our longer-toothed members — dinosaurs blessed with elephantine memories — decided it was high time for a revival. And like most ideas hatched in the Mesozoic… it turned out to be spot on. Young hatchlings and seasoned fossils alike dusted off their tree-product reading devices and trundled down to this week’s meeting, clutching everything from high literature to lyrical lunacy. T-Rex Jillia

Sunrise meeting 5 February They say this is summer. This is not summer!  Summer struts golden days, bending harvests, while sunflowers burst toward welcoming skies. Happy waves lap golden sands, while joyous tanned bodies bounce beach balls. Such is summer. But Land-slips, bridges washed to oblivion, thunderous skies threatening heaven’s deluge and air conditioners reversed to heat pump temperatures, not to mention that jersey you threw onto the back seat in the car ‘Just-in-

Friends, Kiwis, rugbymen, lend me your ears; I come to farewell Razor, not to praise him. The rugby that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred upon the screen; So let it be with Razor.  The noble David  Hath told you Razor, was not up to it. If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Razor, answer'd it. Here!  Under leave of David and the rest… For David is an honourable man; So are they all,      all honourable men— Come I  to speak on Razor’s fa

The three speakers for the 30th January Meeting The third week into the new year. Sunrise Toastmasters is humming with full agenda, a capacity audience, and Area Governor Maria and a visiting guest sussing us out. With the rostered speaker out of town, Scott stepped up at the last minute to fill the Inspiration role. His message was clear and timely: ‘ Say yes to opportunities. Growth doesn ’ t come from comfort. Toastmasters is about being willing speakers. Say yes.’ Kathy t

Table Topics - 25th September 2025, Humorous Speeches - 16th October 2025, Evaluation Contest - 6th November 2025, International...

Beyond naked, Napoleon Bone-Apart led the way, while Doggy Liza came a clothes-less second at Sunrise Toastmasters Clothing Optional...

We are now into our humorous speech competition season. I believe that Surprise and Connection are the main attributes of humour....

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Sean Joyce is one of our senior Toastmasters. He’s a master of phrase-turning, gentle humour and immaculate dress sense. There is nothing...

Suddenly I hear a snap and stop still. So do they. In silence, they sense my presence but cannot tell where I am. Time is on my side....

Yin and Yang held balance at today's meeting. Toastmaster Gemma held sway without sway on one leg. Paul began with inspiring tones and...

Every evening Lyttleton’s Time-ball Tower stars above the port in a glow worthy of a prima donna. Sunrise Toastmaster, Lighting Designer...

This morning, a Tornado ripped trail greets us at 28 Bealey Avenue. Sun rises, casting rays along a Pathway to Somewhere. But no, surely...

Don't look into the Sunrise. “But mama, that's where the fun is.” (Springsteen) Sunrise Toastmasters pushes physics toward Scotty’s,...

How does one note roaring success without sounding boastful? Rather difficult I discover as I sit down to write this blog. I mean, three...

Improve Your Communication Skills with Sunrise Toastmasters Club Do you find yourself struggling with communication in everyday settings?...

Today at Sunrise Toastmasters, Christchurch, an International Speech Competition was held. But only locals take part. There was 5...

When she was 5 years old Jessica Patterson began her karate journey at Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) achieving a black belt at 13 years of age. She...

Out in the sun on a glorious spring day, Kate and I decided ice cream would add to our joys. For decades, Tip-Top Boysenberry Trumpets...