Our club meeting on 20th November 2025 took the form of a debate – on the subject of an organic lifestyle. Debates test not only your speaking skills but also your listening skills.

As chair, Sheryl introduced the audience to the motion “Organic – a way to a better world or just a buzz word?” This was tackled with conviction and persuasion by Justin (arguing ‘for’) and Tracie (arguing ‘against’).

Justin implored us to remember that organic was more than just a label, it was a commitment that we should all undertake to shape the future of our planet. Adopting an organic lifestyle meant valuing people and the planet above financial gain.

Tracie dismissed this in no uncertain terms. An organic lifestyle was an exclusive club she argued, only available to shoppers who could afford to buy organic products and those farmers and growers who could afford to participate in organic accreditation schemes. It wouldn’t lead to a better world – just a hungrier world.

After their speeches, Justin and Tracie fielded questions from the audience – defending and strengthening their arguments admirably. Simon, then evaluated the speaker’s speeches and their handling of the questions and as usual presented comprehensive and insightful feedback. The vote that followed was extremely close but with just one extra vote for ‘against’, the motion was rejected.

Thalha then surprised us all by chairing a topics session that took the form of mini debates. Topic takers were put into pairs arguing for & against. They were each given 1 minute for their argument, a further minute for a rebuttal and finally 30 seconds to sum up. It was different, challenging and very entertaining as mini arguments were presented on the themes of smart phones and working from home. It also kept our timekeeper, Andy, on his toes!

We were excited to have 3 guests at this week’s meeting and full of admiration as 2 of them participated – extremely competently – in the topics session.

Paulette rounded off the evening – in her own unique style – with her double role of Topics Evaluator and General Evaluator. She provided some excellent feedback and also included the audience in her GE.

It’s fair to say that everyone’s impromptu speaking and listening skills were tested – and improved – at this meeting,