The inaugural meeting of the in formation Glenbrook Toastmasters Club was held at the Blaxland Library early in 1990.
This followed a most successful recruitment campaign by Ian Schleter and Trevor Lloyd from the Springwood Toastmasters Club (the host club). The Club reached charter strength rather quickly as a result of the excellent work carried out by Ian and Trevor. A saturation letter box drop and poster display was reinforced with face to face contact. Many a cold morning (in the early hours), was spent on Glenbrook railway station talking to commuters about the benefits of membership. This proved to be a winning formula with over 40 people attending the demonstration meeting.
The demonstration meeting was well supported by both the prospective new members and a strong representation of existing Toastmasters. District 70 representatives included Ray Wiles (Western Division Governor), Pamela Barton (Area 4 Governor) and John Bulliss (District 70 Secretary). Blue Mountains Council was represented by the local alderman, Bob Clarke.
There were ten members of Springwood Toastmasters on hand to assist in the demonstration with the president of Springwood, Chris Parker, chairing the meeting. Phil Simpson from Springwood delivered the table topics session.
John Bulliss delivered an address wherein he spoke of the opportunities available with membership and how an individual’s goals can be attained. Alderman Bob Clarke also addressed the gathering and noted the eclectic group of people attending which indicated the need for such a community based organisation such as Toastmasters and felt that such a group would provide an enjoyable, friendly venue for training for the community of Glenbrook and surrounding areas. Other roles were carried out on the night by Graham Taylor, Neil Sookee and Richard Watkins.
On 17 October, 1994, Glenbrook Toastmasters hosted another demonstration meeting to seek further members. This was during the time when Barbara Hill was Glenbrook’s president. In preparation for the Club’s Table Topics contest that year, club member Helen Douglas gave a workshop on impromptu speaking.
We are currently gathering the Club’s early history. Please contact Geoff Manzi (Please click here to send an email) if you have information, artefacts, old agendas etc.
Initially Glenbrook Toastmasters Club met at the Glenbrook Bowling Club. In 1996, the club then moved venues to Blaxland Community Centre. In 1998, the club met at Blaxland High School. The following year the club returned to the Blaxland Community Centre.
In 2003, the Club moved to the Glenbrook Guide Hall, Cnr Hare St and Moore St, Glenbrook.
In February 2011, the Club moved from Glenbrook Guide Hall to Blaxland Library – Room B, Short St, Blaxland.
In March 2014, due to increased club grow the Club moved to Blaxland Public School.
