58 March 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com happeningsclubssocieties Toast The Speakers! A breeding ground for eloquent speakers in the Kingdom, this club proudly enters into its Golden Jubilee year this month. From its humble beginnings in a small room in Awali in 1964 to developing a network of over 150 branches across the GCC, we trace the eventful journey of Manama Toastmasters, with the club’s president, Dr Thuraya Juma Abdulla. “It is a great feeling to see our club celebrate 50 years, especially for those who have been members for as long as three decades, such as Kawther Taitoon, Clement Vinayak and Vijay Baloor,” says Thuraya. The early years were primitive by today’s standards – no mobile phones and no Internet. “All communication happened through post, and the responses were not as swift as they are today. Today, Toastmasters International is only an email away. However, the core mission of supporting each other as we strive to become better speakers and better leaders remained.” Back in the day the club was not open to women. It was not until the early 70s that women were allowed to join. Today they constitute 43 per cent of the members, including the president. When asked about the club’s most noteworthy achievements, Thuraya says, “It has to be giving rise to almost 167 toastmaster clubs in the Gulf region. This is why we are also called The Mother Club.” Some of the prominent members who became successful leaders and speakers include Vijay Boloor, Ponnuchammy, Clement Vinayak and one of Kingdom’s noted humorous speakers, Khalid Al Qoud. On the topic of great speakers, she said the club idealises the likes of Martin Luther King Junior and Winston Churchill along with Mark Brown and Albert Mensah, who even visited Bahrain thanks to the Manama Toastmasters. “Great speakers are evolving every day, and in the Manama Toastmasters, we believe that anyone who has taken that first step and joined Toastmasters is a great speaker in the making,” she says. The club operates over two terms each year and, during each term, one principal activity is planned. Last year they organised ‘Funfest Friday’, which had a general knowledge quiz that was followed by karaoke and activities for kids. The road ahead Looking at how the club hopes to evolve in future, Thuraya says, “In today’s technology driven world, we find that children are more comfortable talking to their friends on social media, but the same cannot be said when it comes to addressing a group of people. We believe that advancements in technology cannot replace public speaking; the two need to go hand in hand.” With this in mind, Manama Toastmasters works with the younger generation in their Youth Leadership and Speechcraft programmes. They have previously collaborated with Sacred Heart School, National Evangelical Church Youth, Asian School, Indian Ladies Association Youth Wing and General Organisation for Youth and Sports. E Call 39 170-832 When? Throughout March | Event? Golden Jubilee celebrations | Venue? TBA The British Club hosts a St Patrick’s Day bash on March 20, shifting it to the weekend for the convenience of members. The party will be in true Celtic flavour with freeflowing ales, a variety of food, and music from the band, Dragda Mor. Come prepared for fun games and to have a great time with your friends and family. On March 8, the club organises an open jam session, where you get a chance to play with the club’s in-house band or be their lead singer. Seeing Green! Discover the world of French Celebrate the Week of the «francophonie» with the Alliance française! March 14th - 22nd Consult our program! 17 683 295 [email protected] www.afbahrain.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==