By  Ronald D’Souza and Joe Andrade for Daijiworld News Network

Bahrain, May 5: ‘Variety is the spice of life” was the theme in which the 5th anniversary celebrations was coined – and there was plentyful. On a casual Labour Day holiday, 01st May 2007, members of the Karnataka Club Toastmasters, gathered at the august premises of the Bapco Club, Awali, with all its sports, games and other facilities in the campus that included bowling alleys and badminton court,  in a true spirit of fellowship and camaraderie that they always do every year…..this time but, a bit differently. A day-long program from 11.30 am to  5.00 pm ably compered by TMs Lionel Mendonca and Joe Andrade who spared no time and effort in organizing the event to keep all member Toastmasters and their guests on their nimble toes as with something for the asking or liking of everyone In fact, a picnic in disguise

The program commenced at 11.30 am with a welcome beverage and munchy snacks followed by a dashing splash together in the swimming pool for more than an hour.    Children and ladies and gentlemen in the right swimming attire made the best of the day’s warmth in the cool waters of the swimming pool.   One lady guest who was seven months into her maiden pregnancy was one of those graciously swimming along with the others enjoying themselves in the pool!

The main program commenced as soon as all returned to the hall drip-dry at 1.30 pm when the VP-PR, TM Joe Andrade welcomed the gathering and introduced the DJ, Sydney Correa and  chief anchor TM Lionel Mendonca.    TM Lionel then took over the program agenda in his inimitable style through the length and breadth of the program .

KCT president, TM Joti Ruben addressed the gathering and along with the Executive Committee members sliced the KCT 5th Anniversary cake to the melodious tune of  “Congratulations”.    This was followed by the Toastmasters annual march to the tune of  rhythmic beats, all around the hall and then onto the centre-stage for some ballroom dancing.      Games were organized thereafter for the children and adults in succession where all  participated energetically bagging attractive complimentary prizes.

Lionel and Sydney, both expert musicians, entertained the gathering with songs and music that reverberated the hall and gyrated everyone on the floor.  

After a sumptuous luncheon that included chicken biryani, vegetable dishes and dessert, the added attraction was a round of Bingo and a Raffle draw with many attractive sponsored prizes kindly donated by our valued sponsors and well-wishers.

In the midst of all this, there were some who played badminton, others table tennis and still others bowling their way merrily knocking down the nine pins in one stroke at the Bowling alleys!

It was fun and frolic all the way.   Everyone went home with something in their hand and of course cherished memories of a day well spent in entertainment.   Thanks to the sponsors who made it possible for all the members and guests to spend the day  together in the spirit of goodwill that Toastmasters movement always teaches.

Karnataka Club Toastmasters is affiliated to Toastmasters International, Santa Ana, California, U.S.A., registered as TI Club No.2888 since October 2001 and operates in Bahrain under the auspices of the Karnataka Social Club.    Prospective members who would like to join may contact the following mobile telephone numbers in Bahrain: 39084973 (TM. Vijay Naik, VP-Membership) or 39063953 (TM Joe Andrade, VP-Public Relations) who would be able to give further details.    There is surely more to it than public speaking in our involvement with Toastmasters International.