Margaret Hooper, Australia

One of the best things I’ve ever done was to join Toastmistress, that was back in June 1971, Doncaster ITC commenced with thirty very nervous members. In those days being shy and tongue-tied was common, even though many of us had management skills.  To be able to speak up in public at any time was the ultimate goal of all of us.  Our Extension Assistant, Judy, was an excellent instructor and  helpful (except when she insisted all thirty of us had to enter the Speech Contest !! moist palms and shaking legs) I’ll never forget my Evaluation “you have missed your vocation, you should be on the stage!” .  I had been, but behind the scenes.

Having business and accountancy skills the Club Executive assignments were all familiar to me so I had something to offer which did not require me to be out front very often.  The aims and ideals of the Organisation, the strict procedures, education and love of the language opened up a myriad of adventures from serving at Club level, Council, Australian Region and Flinders Region Boards. My Extension assignments certainly brought me out of my shell, loved every minute, the teamwork was superb, the friendships formed unforgettable, the many miles travelled to set up units, support and supervise their training and the excitement of so many Charters.   If we had been able to charter with 12 members instead of 16 there would have been twice as many clubs.   I received the International No.1 Pin for Extension work in the Flinders Region two years running.

Over the years I have actually enjoyed addressing Groups on the benefits of joining the Organisation (my favourite subject – Evaluation) and being involved at Church, reading scriptures, Congregation Chairman, Secretary and Elder.

Monthly Newsletters “Through the Hoop”

Spent 10 years  : first Secretary then Treasurer on the Executive Board of the Camberwell Community Centre.

Chaired two Public Forum meetings in the City for W.E.L. (a political lobbying group)

Speaking up and out front – with grace and facility – in difficult circumstances.

Eight years Organisor of Speech Contests for High School Students in the City of Doncaster

Coaching Migrants with English.

Editor of the book “First Ten Years of Flinders Region”

Mentor to several Club members.

I have been extremely fortunate to have attended about 13 Conventions in USA, Canada and Australia.

Thanks to Flinders Region and my club I am a Life Member of this Organisation which has opened up opportunities to expand my world.  Having just had my ninetieth birthday (to everyone’s surprise) I am still active – currently CLO and Treasurer for Doncaster, mentor to new member, and Speech Contest Chairman for 2009/10.

Thanks a million Toastmistress, ITC and POWERtalk International.

Margaret Hooper