There was a good meeting in prospect. The first meeting after the clocks go back produced daylight by 6:30 AM; clear skies promised sunshine and 22 in number promised a lively meeting with one visitor new to us and Roger Malyon to help support Jane, or rather the other way round. And of the anticipated goodies.
Performance League
Terry Maylin stood in for Scott Griffiths and confirmed that Sally Waters remained out front with 281 points followed by Scott and Matt Barry.
Education Slot
More conversation than a presentation, it was my turn to emphasise the fragility of our membership numbers. From a laudable 6 new members in the summer, the autumn had brought 5 non-renewals that reminded us all of the needs to keep bringing visitors. The importance of the insurance broker chair was emphasised. Generally, I was calling to arms the members to get visitors over the line as soon as possible. Let’s try and replace our losses!
Membership Matters
Terry in his usual role explained why Joshua Ayettey was not renewing and passed on his good wishes to the meeting. Hopefully, as we leave today, recruitment is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
60-Second Presentation Round
The Halloween theme was a prerequisite for anybody wishing to win the Oscar. Leann Reason was our awarder this week and as with all other contributors, everyone stuck to the theme.
Paul Corrigan was notable in his dislike for the whole concept. He was only alone because one or two others kept their counsel, but he usefully turned it towards things that were not scary, namely his prices. He also declared that he was not against fireworks and in particular the Maldon firework festival that his company are promoting. The theme, of course was meat and drink to Toby Acton, he metaphored himself through his 60. Ben Golding grasped the theme with enthusiasm and was able to compare and contrast how UW at least we’re not scary with all the cost savings they produced for their members.
Scariness was at the heart of most references and Mike Skinner was able to ‘out prop’ everyone with a teleprompter that helps those who were nervous about public speaking. This sub theme was developed by Howard Bullock; what scares him most is a client wanting to take money out of their portfolio which he has so carefully designed for them to maximise its value going forward. Clara Downton categorised the mortgage market as being a scary place. And Dave Roberts claims to be able to make your home environment less scary by ensuring that lights do not flicker or electrics fail you. Of course, it was Paul Booth who was able to produce the scariest scenario as he looked forward to the Budget and also gave comfort in describing his ability to help people save tax.
Jane Malyon was able to highlight something particularly scary, namely the American habit of making tea by sticking a tea bag into milk and microwaving it. Our so-called allies have something to answer for in relation to Halloween itself but let me not politicise this blog further.
Catherine Foley characterised Dickens with a quiz and a very entertaining and inventive 60 seconds won her the Oscar.
Meeting Secretaries Report
Terry Maylin gave us the stats for this week but emphasised that he could improve the monies received by getting more information from us regarding money that had been placed through insurance broker referrals this year. He has received some information from some of you. He requested that you continue to supply him with details of insurance policies that have been taken out over the last year so that we can get our figures straight.
It was with some anticipation that he finished his report, and we all contemplated the next section of the meeting
10-Minute Presentation by Jane (and Roger) Malyon
It was the Jane and Roger show, and we were given a goodies recital. Pride of place was a Harry Potter themed Snowy Owl, a gift hamper, sumptuous for under £100 and the hands of Roger Malyon producing Turkey and Cranberry Mayonnaise sandwiches (with the crusts cut off) and brownies that were passed round, much to everyone’s delight. It’s always a pleasure to see Roger and have the taste of the English Cream Tea Company on our palates to end a meeting.
The meetings are always enjoyable but the addition of lovely sandwiches, brownie and Roger’s hands made it even better!
Excellent themes meeting (from most)
Tasty 10 mins from Jane and cake from Sarah. Yummy!
Those sandwiches were delicious! I am looking at my cheese and pickle sandwich for my lunch now with much disappointment! Well done all on a lively meeting and great to see a visitor who i hope was impressed enough to think about joining!
Inspired by Roger, for my next presentation I’m inclined to product a freshly cut pension made from the finest ingredients. Hopefully I’ll come in at a close 2nd place to Roger!
what a great meeting – I came away 4 stone heavier!
A great meeting as usual, made even better by delicious sandwiches made by Roger’s hands and a birthday cake from Sarah! I do not need to eat for the rest of the day now!
Thank you for the ed slot Aiden, a good reminder!
Excellent meeting and the treats made it even better!
Even more brilliant than usual today with the live demo from Roger/his hands! The brownies were absolutely delicious and I’m really grateful for the special gluten free ones ❣️
A timely reminder about new members from Aiden as well, it’s been sad to lose many fun and lovely people recently.
Thanks everyone…what a fun morning’s meeting together! Nice to see a visitor (Aidan’s tips acted on by Clara!) and cheers to birthday girl – The Lovely Sarah! Xxx I think Roger should make us sandwiches every week! 😀
Such a good meeting and the perfect antidote to what has been a hugely stressful week- especially seeing the man behind the hands (and Jane too, of course!). Have a good week all!
Great and lively meeting people… Could have easily ate all 4 of those plates that went out!
I loved the sandwiches Jane, best ten minutes eve,r unless someone brings cake along.
It was another fantastic meeting .