When Milton Hill Toastmasters gathered to celebrate its 10th anniversary, it was more than a milestone for one club. It was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of helping colleagues build confidence, strengthen communication skills and develop as leaders.
The anniversary meeting brought together current members, former members and guests to celebrate the club’s journey since its launch in 2016. During the event, founding member Adnan Siddiqui shared memories of the club’s very first meeting, when around 200 colleagues filled a lecture theatre to learn about Toastmasters for the first time. Inspired by the courage of another volunteer, he stepped forward to take part in an impromptu speaking challenge. His mind went completely blank, but the experience sparked a Toastmasters journey that continues today.
The celebration also featured a special full-circle moment. Former Area Director Mary Robson, who supported the club during its early years, returned a decade later to present the club’s official 10-year anniversary certificate to current Club President Alice Marten. Describing the event as a “lovely, warm, delightful meeting”, she helped mark a milestone she had witnessed from the very beginning
The significance of Toastmasters within Infineum was highlighted by Rebecca Oldfield, EVP Innovation & Technology, during the anniversary celebrations. Reflecting on the programme’s impact over the past decade, she noted that more than 100 colleagues have participated in Milton Hill Toastmasters and said: “It’s helping to amplify the voices of people who might not otherwise be heard. It’s helping people build confidence to participate in debates and discussions, whether that’s at work or at home, and it’s helping them to grow and develop in a safe environment.”
The club’s achievements over ten years help tell its story. Following a demonstration session attended by more than 100 colleagues, Milton Hill Speakers became fully chartered in 2016 with 35 members, making it the largest Toastmasters club in the Oxfordshire area at the time. Since then, the club has developed into an established community and celebrated its 242nd meeting during the anniversary event. Club records document at least 28 contest competitions across the International Speech, Evaluation, Table Topics and Humorous Speech categories, with members progressing to compete at Area and Division level.
Members have also embraced Toastmasters’ education programme. The club’s education records show 61 awards earned by 23 past and present members. These include 51 Pathways level awards achieved by 20 members, with two members completing an entire Pathways journey, alongside ten achievements from Toastmasters’ previous education programme.
The Impact Beyond One Club
The experiences of Infineum Toastmasters members around the world reveal a consistent theme. Members describe gaining confidence to contribute in meetings, improving their ability to communicate in a second language, developing leadership skills and building professional networks across teams and functions. Some have used techniques learned through Toastmasters at home with their families, while others have applied them in technical presentations, supplier negotiations and leadership roles. Regardless of location or role, members consistently point to the supportive environment, constructive feedback and regular practice as key factors in their personal and professional growth.
Ten years after its first meeting, Milton Hill Toastmasters continues to provide a place where colleagues can learn, practise and grow together. What began in 2016 with 35 charter members has since welcomed more than 100 participants, reached its 242nd meeting, organised and participated in at least 28 contest competitions and supported members in earning 61 education awards, including 51 Pathways level awards and two completed Pathways journeys.
The anniversary celebrated the achievements of one club, but it also highlighted a wider story. Across Infineum’s Toastmasters community in the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United States, members continue to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, develop meaningful connections and find their voices through Toastmasters.
Last Updated on 27th October 2026 by Suhas Kumar