FORUM was a winner on the night....

Seventh  Ashes Debate (not counting the Toowoomba debate) ... and sixth in a row as WINNERS. Congratulations to the Bremer Team. A close call by the adjudicator, but a win is a win is a win. Well done Rex, Leanne and Jannene ... sounds like the `dream team' to me and you certainly convinced us `that the future of Australia is in good hands with Gen Y'.

It was a great night to be at Bremer Forum with our 100th Inducted member very aptly welcomed by President Jannene.  Looking forward to Karen, a long-standing friend, being part of our fabulous speaking group.



Lettie Morelle - happy to present Trophy to Bremer Forum TeamCould it be that FORUM was the winner on the night - especially with Forum Treasure - Lettie Morelle OAM - with us to present the winning trophy.  A special moment in Bremer Forum's History.

Special thanks also to our other `dream team' who did the work behind the scenes - before and after... Lisa and Wendy.

Cannot wait until the next Ashes Debate...



Happy members of Ashgrove and Bremer Forum Teams with adjudicator

The Delights of Debating

Congratulations Ashgrove on a valiant effort - arguing the failings of Gen Y to keep the future of Australia safe in their hands, you did well but it was great to see Bremer Forum come out on top ....  what a great night of viewpoints, waving hands, passion and the odd sledging!  Can't wait until next year.  The trophy stays with Bremer, and the new Ashes urn will be brimming with the notes of both teams, adding to the wonderful history between these two clubs.  Viva the heart of public speaking at Forum, Viva the art of debating.

The future of Australia is in good hands with Gen Y - Why?

This important question will be decided at Bremer Forum tonight - so excited about this topic for the Ashes Debate against Ashgrove Forum. Come and support the teams -  GO the Bremer Team... 

Working with our youth is an investment in the future ...

A privilege once again to gain a glimpse into the future with some of our local youth in a workshop on public speaking. There was little time available to perform miracles - but it was pure magic when they stepped outside of their comfort zone, used their imagination and accepted the challenges we threw at them.

Leanne and I enjoyed encouraging them to take simple steps towards overcoming their fears - which finally led to using persuasive language in order to be accepted for the ... job, TV role, Uni, sports team, etc. 

Well done to all the students - hope we convinced them that if they gain the skills and confidence as a speaker - they will not only change their own lives - they will also have a greater impact on others.

Congratulations Ipswich on the great venue  - Studio 188 in Brisbane Street
Congratulations Ipswich City Council on providing such a program to develop our youth
Congratulations Bremer Forum members - for investing time and experience for benefit of the youth of our City

Ashgrove Forum ... be very afraid

Another very vibrant stimulating meeting at Bremer Forum last night. 

Topics included - Reflecting on the many joyful experiences and culture discovered in a trip to Finland;  Plans for the Canberra War Memorial - the Soul of our Nation;  Emotional memories of a family's iconic mountain climb in honour of a Dad; Those prophetic words by JFK that led to the space race and the outcome;  Exploring John O'Groats in Scotland when Princess Dianna died - and our Blind Date was Hans Heysen (born 8 October) - a comparison of styles of early Australian painters - John Glover and Hans Heysen.

Anyone who missed the meeting - our chosen team (by default) for the Ashes Debate is (1) Rex (2) Jannene (3) Leanne.  These three brave members have been hard at it for at least the past 4 months (well - since last night anyway) deliberating their arguments in the affirmative for our annual challenge against Ashgrove Forum for our next meeting on 22 October... That the future of Australia is in good hands with Gen Y. 

Looking forward to the return of Tom, Narrelle and Pam at our next meeting. 

Still celebrating Bremer Forum's success at Conference

 

 

This is photographic evidence that Bremer Forum loves to celebrate the success of our members.  Toni Risson does not usually come to Forum with coloured curly ribbons dangling from her locks - this is the aftermath of the members setting off their loud poppers and Rex (not) lighting the candle on a celebration cake - our way of saying CONGRATULATIONS TONI!  We love your style as a speaker - thanks for bringing home the trophies from Conference.  

Great way to celebrate Jannene, Leanne and Rex...  Toni must feel very special by now.

No Bull.... this was a great experience

After an early morning drive through the countryside, Bremer Forum members, Toni and Lorraine, were inspired by the large group of youth - who gathered this weekend at Thornton (near Laidley). They came from as far afield as Sydney to North, West and Central Qld -... to participate in the camp coordinated by the Ausline Cattle Assoc. LEAD Program.

No bull ... the future of the Cattle/Beef industry and Australia generally, is in good hands with this generation ... that's what I believe. Especially if they take our advice `not to be satisfied to run with the herd' and add the skills of `public speaking' to their list of qualifications.

This was a great opportunity as workshop presenters to pass on helpful hints and practical experience to help these budding cattle experts to overcome their fear of public speaking and a privilege for us to work with such a bright and fun group of teenagers.

Toni and Lorraine were happy to be involved and after a much needed caffeine boost at the newly opened `Eagle Rock Café' in downtown Laidley - we headed home down the Warrego Highway in the dark - weary but satisfied that it was time well spent.