THE LEICESTERSHIRE SPEAKERS JUNE 2009

THE JOY OF SOCKS, CUBA, LUNDY AND THE MOON

Mark Glover began his speech The Joy of Socks by presenting a plastic bag full of odd ones. They were all samples of presents his family have given him on Father's Days – many with entertaining slogans running up the legs of the socks. A little more seriously, he offered the view that the earliest socks probably were the earliest footwear, being tubes of animal skin wrapped around feet with the fur on the inside. Then Mark took a brief look at centuries of technical innovation that had enhanced socks up to the arrival of nylon in 1938. An amazing statistic was that our socks absorb half a pint of sweat a day!

Ten days in Cuba was Hiten Vyas' way of celebrating a ‘big' birthday. (30th birthday a ‘big' one? He should be so lucky!) He shared with us a mixed bag of memories. An outstanding one was a stay at an hotel where Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra had been previous visitors. Old Havana's mix of Spanish Colonial architecture, vintage American cars and the compulsive beat of the Cuban music were also memories to treasure. The awful poverty of local people was less pleasing as was the ‘open wallet surgery' demanded for admittance to a cabaret where even an extraordinary female contortionist was not quite worth the £80.00 he had to pay!

Most of us have only heard Lundy as a place mentioned in the shipping forecast. It is, as Heather Mawbey told us, an island about two hours sail from the north Devon coast. At only half a mile wide and three miles long, it is a perfect place to visit if you want time to stand still while you enjoy utter peace and calm. Lots of wildlife to see, a lighthouse, a castle, a radio room to investigate and a little church where there is an invitation to polish the brass, (if you feel like it) before you go - the ideal antidote to hustle and bustle.

Stan Barrett anticipated the fortieth anniversary of the moon landing. He recalled a hill top childhood where he wondered about the mystery and magic of the moon. Many years later, he roused his own eleven-year-old son in the middle of the night so that they could watch the televised landing and that historic first step. Even more years later, he and his now middle-aged son discussed it again. They agreed that the moon landing was their most vivid lifetime memory.

Life changing inventions were the subjects for instant three-minute speeches organised by Morag Wilkes. These included all manner of items from paper clips to Clingfilm and lawn mowers. Jo Northam picked her way through the minefield subject of toilet rolls without a shred of offence and with great humour.

The Leicestershire Speakers welcome anyone who would like to learn the art of speaking in public. Our meetings are supportive, informative and entertaining. We offer enthusiasm and encouragement to help turn nervous wrecks into confident speakers. We meet at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blaby Drop In Centre. For more information ring Anne Jones on 0116 2772295, or visit our website www.leicspeakers.co.uk.

We are also available to give entertainment and talks to other societies and groups.

From Stan Barrett 01455 29011