Report & Pics by Ronald D.F.D’Souza and Joe Andrade
For Daijiworld Media Network – Manama (CN)
Manama, May 28: The members of the Karnataka Club Toastmasters, Bahrain, along with their families and guests, celebrated their seventh Annual Day in a different way recently. The celebrations were held at a private villa in Tubli village, a 15-minute drive from Manama.
The event succeeded in laying to rest the belief that Toastmasters is only about preparing speeches and delivering them. With a poolside venue for the singing, dancing, and games, spirits remained high despite the hot and humid weather.
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The day’s activities were kicked off with a hot breakfast of ‘appams’ and ‘rasam’ in addition to tea. VP-Ed TM Joe Andrade welcomed the gathering of about fifty people including children. A cool dip into the pool at about 11.a.m helped the fun begin with a splash. After self-introductions, games for children and adults were held in the pool and attractive prizes given to the winners.
The Executive Committee, led by President TM Leroy Saldanha cut the anniversary cake to the tune of ‘Congratulations’ and applause. Youth Leadership Program (YLP) attendees had been extened a special invitation to the celebrations and all the youth leaders present were given attractive pen sets sponsored through the efforts of the Club’s Treasurer TM Zishan Beg.
These were distributed by the club president who commended the youth on their participation and excellence. Two of the YLP participants—Shamir Joseph and Helisa D’Souza—have won laurels in the all-Bahrain Youth International Speech Contest held during BTAC 2008.
Around 2.30 p.m. a sumptuous buffet lunch was served while the merry-making continued. The talent show segment turned out to be very popular with everyone. After lunch a round of ‘Bingo’ was held with complimentary gift hampers donated by well-wishers as the prizes. However, there were no takers for the prize associated with the first number which was a free return ticket to Baghdad!
A raffle draw was also held and winners walked away with lunch at Windsor Tower Hotel and Bapco Club. All good things must come to an end and hence the vote of thanks was given by the club’s VP-PR TM Rufus Pinto who was also the chief organizer.
The flamboyant TM Charles D’Mello was the master of ceremonies, ensuring that everything went on smoothly. Talented musician and the club’s VP-Membership, TM Lionel Mendonca, made sure the music never stopped and catered to the tatstes of the young and old alike.
Karnataka Club Toastmasters was founded as Club No.2888 in October 2001 and is affiliated to Toastmasters International, Santa Ana, California. It operates independently under the patronage of Karnataka Social Club, meeting at their premises every second and fourth Wednesday (also the fifth Wednesday provided there is one), each month.