Halloween approaches and as this meeting is the closest to the ghoulish celebration it was the theme for not only the 60 second presentation but also an excuse for a certain amount of dressing up. Scott Griffiths, as ever an enthusiast for this sort of celebration, turned up with a bolt through his neck and Jane Malyon sported a witches hat and wore a black belt. Whether this was to match the hat or to display her karate prowess was unclear. Such was the anticipation created by our theme that we found ourselves with 21 members present, all raring to go, despite the rather inclement weather and the dark start to match the celebration of dark arts.
The Performance League
At least half the members were over the 80 point benchmark. Out front was Jane Malyon with 203 points followed by Matt Barry with 186 points followed by Paul booth on 168.
Education Presentation
It was Nick Cooke’s turn to educate us. He didn’t look ghoulish; just like Father Christmas as always. His theme was the importance of marketing, to wit the importance of a well managed website that clearly states what you do. In praise of Scott Griffiths he confirmed that he had such a website that did just that and he had an inquiry this week just to prove how good it was. Once he had finished Scott Griffiths was left with the problem of what he could say in his 60 second presentation that would be half as good is what Nick had suggested.
The 60 Second Round
And so the 60 second round began with Vincent Goode, having tarted up the Oscar into Oscarina and making her a Barbie look alike, holding forth on the value of Speed Print because it had a Vince. Paul Booth was the customary stooge although there are signs that he is trying to shake off this particular ‘go t role by holding up a sign for Vince that was upside down, wrong way round and useless as an illustration. Is this a sign that he might not be available for future gigs. We will see!
So far as Halloween themes were concerned Matt Barry told of a Roman Catholic Church he was representing who would definitely not approve. The theme was expanded by Brian Painter whose recent client with a fear of flying was regressed to reveal fear experienced at the age of 5 when he had been separated from his mum in a shopping mall. The fear theme persisted through Toby Acton who uses the fear of failing of his mentees to get the best out of them. Melissa Jackson also finds fear in her clients, namely the fear of insolvency and its consequences. She also themed her attire with a jacket the colour of a pumpkin.
Mike Skinner described his services with the adverb of the day, ‘Spooktacular’. He also laid claim to the phrase of the day, ‘no tricks; all treats’. He must have been a candidate for the Oscar following this contribution but he was followed by Ben Golding who produced a rousing if not spirited theatrical performance in praise of both Halloween and Utility Warehouse. I can reveal at this stage that neither of them did in fact win the Oscar but more of that later…..
Terry Maylin gave examples of nightmare clients who just don’t do the basics to protect themselves and Blake Hammond produced a poem themed to his Ammohive business which was also Oscar worthy.
In anticipation of the her 10 minutes presentation Jane Malyon had brought her better half Roger with her and between them they sang the praises of the English Cream Tea Company and its facilities, there was more to come!
There followed further themed presentations culminating in Paul Booth with his two ghostly references which found favour with the Mayor of Gants Hill village and won him the Oscar. This was not before Scott Griffiths had talked of Frankenstein’s monster and David Roberts electrical gremlins.
10-minute presentation by Jane Malyon (and Roger)
It was the turn of the English Cream Tea Companies dream team of Roger and Jane Malyon that produced a master class in the production of the festive brownie. When I was young that would have meant a cheerful trainee girl guide but in these days off self-indulgence it of course meant that chocolatey concoction of loveliness that is very much the heart of the products that they produce. Operating in twos we all got a mini rolling pin and rolling board to enable us to assemble a Christmas pudding shaped brownie with icing complete with holly decoration. As always there are winners and losers and the two outstanding brownie makers were in order of excellence Leann Reason and Clara Downton. A good time was had by all including our presenters who very effectively got over details of some of their products with the Christmas season in mind.
Referrals and Testimonials
This might be the part of the meeting that is intended to be the culmination of what has gone before and the reasons why we are here but after Jane and Roger’s production it almost seemed irrelevant although there were referrals made and there was business acknowledged.
Congratulations to all members who attended and the efforts that they put into producing a thoroughly entertaining meeting.
Thank you jane for the arts & crafts opportunity.
Unfortunately I can’t help thinking that Leanne & Clara should have been given some kind of handicap for the obvious artistic edge they had in their team.
Is there still time for a stewards enquiry?
We could have a Brownie Off!!
Great meeting this morning! Fab Ed slot from Nick and delicious 10 mins from Aunty Jane – I’ve just eaten my brownie Christmas cake!!!
Though I thought Howard won the Oscar? 🤔- either way I’m just jealous I didn’t get it with the ‘over the top’ Halloween theatricals ha ha!
See you next week!
Thank you for an entertaining blog Aiden. Just to clarify 2 points… Paul Booth and I pre-planned the sign being held up incorrectly, and he loves being my glamorous assistant (I think). Also, the Oscar went to Howard this morning. Thank you Jane and Roger Rog for the Christmas Brownie Pudding. I just ate mine with a cup of tea and having a major sugar rush lol
great meeting and the brownie balls were scrummy
Very entertaining 10 minutes as always Jane, and always a ‘treat’ seeing Rogers hands in the flesh!
Lol!!!
An excellent lively meeting and very entertaining use of her 10 minutes from Jane Malyon
Thanks Aidan for the speedy and sweet blog! Well done Nick too. Thank you to all for joining in the fun today xxx
Great meeting and entertaining 10 minutes from Auntie Jane and sidekick Roger (the hands) plus great ed slot too from Nick. Have a great weekend see you all next Thursday.
Fun 60 second round after a very useful Ed Slot from Nick. And a very fun and tasty 10 minsfrom Auntie Jane too!
Auntie Jane and uncle Roger, the best double act since Jewel and Warriss (who?) A therapeutic and tasty presentation. Could this be the end of term winner?
It was another great meeting. I very much enjoyed making the chocolate brownie Christmas cake with Clara – and winning! Sorry Howard!! Thank you Jane for your excellent 10 minutes and showing us just one of the many possible Christmas gifts for family, friends and clients!
Nick’s ed slot was a great reminder on how your website can sell your products or services and the importance of keeping it up to date.
Well done to everyone who managed to add a scary tale to their 60 seconds.