More than 70% of the role players were changed. The meeting started only at 7.30pm instead of 7.15pm. However, we finally had 19 members and guests, most of whom came in cowboy suits. I supposed they came in horses too as we could hear the cries of horses everywhere throughout the meeting! That also explained for the delay!

Let's introduce the guests. Connie and Georgina were brought in by Grace. They are both in the IT line. Then Mr. Lee Kon Fah came in after discussing with me for a few months about Toastmasters.

Area Governor Yalah Munur came back and brought with him the President of IEM Sarawak, James Pang. Together with him were Ms Lim Yat Lee and Mr. Ooi Soo Kang. The three were on a business trip, and found that our club meeting coincided with their schedule. Hence, they came to join our meeting. James had contacted Grace and me earlier. Our former member, Zaharah, was trying to introduce the club to her daughter but unfortunately they were held back due to the flood near her house in Balung. She sent her apologies and regards to everyone.

Among the cowgirls who made a special appearance was our Past President Eleanor Pang. She even helped Dr Isaac Thomas, who agreed to be the last minute Toastmaster of The Evening, to warm up the audience with her line dance skill. Vera Yap led the song, Hipeyaya. This was how all the cries of horses started.

The meeting went on well despite the initial worries. The atmosphere was right with the effort of natural audience puller, Dr Thomas. President James Pang volunteered to take over the role of Timer although the signal lights had been locked in the cupboard by the Mandarin club. So he had to be the "ting-ting man," hitting the empty glass to remind. Lee Nyuk Moi put in her best effort to conduct the Table Topic Session. She managed to get good participation from the audience. She later continued with her prepared speech, "The Fun of Reading." Another cowgirl, Vera Yap, spoke on names. If you have been trying to name your own newborn or those of your children, then you have missed a good speech from her. Ask her about why Dennis Soh Kah Yu wants to name his daughter Dinah Soh?

Past President Elizabeth Goh finally took the floor again to deliver her much awaited speech. She spoke about her wonderful experience attending a course in Kundasang. She shared her secrets too. One member even made invisible presence at the meeting. She sent a cake for the meeting. Of course she was none other than Hew Kim Foong. We had good food too.

Words are just not enough to describe everything that happened during the meeting, but in short it was a wonderful meeting. Our guests generously offered their comments, praises and suggestions, which we all took in good faith. Since this is the last meeting of the year, I am taking this opportunity to wish everyone Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2005 and Happy Holiday. Our next meeting will be on 10th January 2005. Please come and give your support with renewed spirit and energy.
Together We Excel.