Covering South London, Kent and the Sussex coast, Division H brings together a diverse mix of clubs – from city-based corporate clubs to long-standing community clubs and newer specialist clubs. What unites them is a shared commitment: helping members become more confident communicators and more capable leaders.
This year, Division H is focused on one clear aim: to connect our clubs, grow our members, and develop leaders at every level.
Who We Are
Division H is made up of five Areas, each serving a distinct part of our geography:
Area H15 – Area Director: Celia Edwards, DTM
Croydon Communicators, Liberty Speakers, Purley Speakers, The Speakers of Croydon
Area H32 – Area Director: Johnathan Kaye
Arun Speakers, County Communicators, Sussex Online Speakers, Worthing Speakers
Area H35 – Area Director: Andrew Smith
Beckenham Communicators, Bromley Speakers, Connected Speakers Bromley, Lewisham Speakers, Meridian Speakers
Area H37 – Area Director: Rosemary Dzikunu
Canterbury Communicators, Experience Yoruba, Kent Speakers, Toasted Sandwich, Tunbridge Wells Speakers
Area H55 – Area Director: Malcolm Braganza
Brighton & Hove Speakers, Eastbourne Speakers, Gatwick Communicators, Lewes Speakers
The Division is led by Division H Director, Monica Dragnescu, supported by this Area Director team and many dedicated club officers and members who give their time to keep meetings running and members progressing.
Our Focus for 2025–2026
In alignment with District 91 priorities, Division H is concentrating on four key areas:
Club Quality and Member Experience
Supporting clubs to deliver structured, engaging meetings with clear opportunities for members to speak, take roles and progress through Pathways.
Education and Pathways Progress
Encouraging members to choose paths that support their professional and personal goals and helping clubs track and celebrate educational achievements throughout the year.
Leadership Development
Identifying and supporting current and future leaders at club, Area and Division level, ensuring they feel equipped, connected and recognised in their roles.
Inter-club Collaboration
Promoting cross-club visits, shared events and joint workshops so clubs don’t run in isolation, but benefit from each other’s ideas, strengths and experience.
Division H Highlights
Despite busy lives and changing work patterns, members across Division H continue to step up, compete, serve and grow.
Some key highlights so far:
District Champion – Table Topics
Division H is proud to celebrate District 91 Table Topics Champion, Chris Billington, who brought the Table Topics trophy back to Division H. His achievement highlights the standard of impromptu speaking and the strength of our contest culture.
Strong Contest Participation
Clubs across all five Areas have fielded enthusiastic contestants and full contest teams at club, Area and Division level. Contests are still a valuable development platform for speakers, evaluators, contest chairs and functionaries alike.
Growing Confidence in Leadership Roles
Many members have taken on club officer roles for the first time this year. With the support of their Area Directors and experienced past officers, they are gaining practical leadership experience that directly transfers into their workplaces and communities.
Diverse Meeting Formats
From traditional evening clubs to lunchtime and online options, Division H offers a range of meeting formats. This flexibility helps attract and keep members with different schedules and needs, while preserving the core Toastmasters learning experience.
Addressing Challenges Together
Like most Divisions, Division H faces familiar challenges:
maintaining membership momentum throughout the year
balancing online, hybrid and in-person formats
supporting officer teams who are juggling Toastmasters with demanding work and family commitments.
Our response is collaborative and practical:
Area Directors are holding regular check-ins with club officers.
Clubs are encouraged to use the Distinguished Club Programme as a live planning tool, not just an end-of-year report.
Best practices, from guest follow-up to mentoring and role rotation, are being shared across Areas so no club feels it has to “reinvent the wheel”.
Looking Ahead
Over the rest of the year, Division H will:
Continue to develop leaders by encouraging members to step into club and district roles, with mentoring and peer support.
Promote joint events such as workshops, open houses and themed meetings across Areas to increase visibility and member engagement.
Highlight success stories from clubs and individual members, highlighting how Toastmasters is impacting careers, businesses and communities across South London, Kent and Sussex.
A Final Word from Division H
Division H is built on the efforts of its members, the people who show up, take roles, give feedback, run meetings, and keep welcoming guests through the door.
To every member, officer and volunteer in Division H: thank you for the time, energy and commitment you bring to your clubs and to District 91.
Together, we will continue to connect, grow and lead and ensure that Division H stays a strong, supportive and vibrant part of District 91.
It is hard to believe we are almost six months into the Toastmasters year. I wish to thank every one of you for your time, energy and commitment to Toastmasters. Every speech you do, every meeting you facilitate, every Club, Area or Division you support helps the District grow in some way. We have had the pleasure of welcoming three new clubs into the District. The latest being Wells Fargo who joined at very short notice in December.
Congratulations and welcome Nicola O’Brian, Miran Fernando and the rest of the Wells Fargo team. With a big thanks to Ramesh Halai, the District Demo Lead, for helping to bring this over the line
January, February and March are going to be BIG club growth opportunities not only are we running more ‘Grow your Club’ Drop-in sessions, we have not one, not two but FOUR campaigns to help clubs grow, Bus, Tube, Digital and Global LinkedIn. See below for more information.
These campaigns will lead to many prospects searching for ‘Find a Club’ so please make sure your clubs details are up to date so you don’t miss the opportunity to welcome guests. See below for how.
PLUS, yes there is more, we will be holding a Corporate Summit on 20th January in person, in London to introduce Toastmasters to large organisations who do not yet have a Toastmasters Program. We will share with them the benefits of being able to build communication and leadership skills consistently, at scale, and at low cost, while also strengthening culture and collaboration. Many of our members work in large organisations. If yours does not yet have a TM program please pass on the contact details of the Learning and Development manager or a relevant person to Arnaud Sartre, the District Corporate Lead, who will send them an invite. arnaud.toastmaster@gmail.com
Growth is always top of mind and we have continued the ‘Grow your Club’ Drop-in Sessions. The latest was with Kevin Harrington, Area Director for A17, sharing proven strategies for membership growth. If you missed it you can catch up here.
Don’t miss January’s ‘Grow your Club’ Drop-in Sessions. You can register via the link below.
7th January – Grow your Club – Marketing – with Maria Pardo
18th January – Grow your Club – How to run an Open House – with Florian Bay
15th February – Grow your Club – From Prospect to Guest to Member – Nadya Hamedi
Clubs can expand their membership by running an Open House. Do join the Drop-in session in January. In the meantime see below for the benefits of an Open House and hear reasons why your club should run one from both Tunbridge Wells Speakers Club and City of London Toastmasters. Let’s have every club running an Open House, however big or small. Let’s make a difference in people’s lives. For an Open House pack please email Lynnecantorgayer@gmail.com with your name, role and home address four weeksin advance of the event.
As well as an Open House, how about a themed evening. It was a delight to join London Public Speakers on their Alison in Wonderland theme. The Toastmaster was the White Rabbit and the Table Topics Master was the Mad Hatter. (See picture above) Having a themed evening brings fun, energy and provides for an engaging, memorable atmosphere for all, members and guests.
I was joined by Lilian Shaftacola the Districts Regional Advisor who took time out of her busy schedule to visit D91.
She is responsible for Region 10 which covers eight Districts that stretch from Ireland to Russia. See below for her top meeting tips.
There has been lots of activity to help our clubs grow which included incentives for ‘Early Renewals’ and ‘Smedley Award’. Not all the incentives have been claimed, your club has until 31st December to do so, so don’t miss out, claim now.
Once again thank you for everything you do for club growth, every prospect is an opportunity, every guest is an opportunity and every new member has loads of opportunities ahead of them to learn, develop and grow. As we head into 2026, lets make this an incredible Toastmaster year, lets grow our membership, lets grow new clubs and most of all let’s have FUN.
Whatever you celebrate at this time of year, I wish you seasons greetings and a very happy and enjoyable 2026.
Lynne
Campaigns
We are very excited to announce four campaigns to help get the word out about Toastmasters in D91; Tube, Buses, Digital and Global LinkedIn. The perfect time for clubs to spread their reach through; Open Houses, inviting friends, colleagues, posting ‘My Why’ and on social media in general.
For the Tube and Bus campaigns, Allen Paul, our District PR Manager will soon be announcing more information on our socials so keep a look out and be ready to take a picture.
Tube – Starting on Monday 12th January for two weeks at London stations as listed below.
CAMDEN TOWN
CORRIDOR FROM PLATFORM 1 NORTHBOUND TO ESCALATORS
CHISWICK PARK
DISTRICT LINE PLATFORM 2 EASTBOUND
CLAPHAM COMMON
CORRIDORS BETWEEN FOOT OF ESCALATORS AND PLATFORMS
EASTCOTE
METROPOLITAN LINE PLATFORM 1 WESTBOUND
ELEPHANT & CASTLE
BAKERLOO LINE PLATFORM 3 [TERMINUS]
EUSTON
VICTORIA LINE PLATFORM 4 NORTHBOUND
EUSTON
CORRIDOR BETWEEN VICTORIA/NTHN CITY NB PLAT AND SB PLAT
GREEN PARK
MID LEVEL INTERCHANGE VICTORIA LINE > < JUBILEE LINE
HAMPSTEAD
WAY OUT FROM PLATFORMS TO LIFTS
HOLLOWAY ROAD
PICCADILLY LINE PLATFORM 2 NORTHBOUND
HOXTON (Overground)
CONCOURSE
KILBURN
JUBILEE LINE PLATFORM 2 SOUTHBOUND
KINGS CROSS ST PANCRAS
NORTHERN LINE PLATFORM 8 SOUTHBOUND
LANGDON PARK
PLATFORM 2 SOUTHBOUND
LOUGHTON
CENTRAL LINE PLATFORM 4 EASTBOUND
MANSION HOUSE
CORRIDOR FROM TICKET HALL TO PLATFORMS
OLD STREET
NORTHERN LINE PLATFORM 2 SOUTHBOUND
QUEENS PARK
BAKERLOO LINE PLATFORM 2 SOUTHBOUND
SOUTHGATE
CONCOURSE AT FOOT OF ESCALATORS
ST PAULS
CORRIDOR AT FOOT OF UPPER ESCALATOR TO/FROM WB PLATFORM
STOCKWELL
CROSSPASSAGE (NORTH) BTWN VICTORIA P1 N/B & NORTH P2 N/B
SUDBURY HILL
CROSSBRIDGE FROM TICKET HALL TO WESTBOUND PLATFORM
TOTTENHAM HALE
VICTORIA LINE PLATFORM 1 NORTHBOUND
WARREN STREET
MID LEVEL CONCOURSE AT TOP OF NORTHERN LINE ESCALATORS
WESTBOURNE PARK
HAMMERSMITH & CITY LINE PLATFORM 2 EASTBOUND
WHITE CITY
CENTRAL LINE PLATFORM 4 EASTBOUND
Buses – Starting on Monday 19th January for two weeks in Brighton, Bristol,Cardiff and Reading. The exact bus routes are not known as these will change daily within the areas.
Digital– Starting on Monday 19th January for four weeksacross websites and social media. Matching the four areas of London, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff and Reading,
Global LinkedIn – Toastmasters international global advertising campaign on LinkedIn in Starting in January for 90 days. D91 has signed up to be part of this and it will run across the District.
No project is managed solo and many players have given up their time to support the Bus, Tube and Digital campaigns be it contractual, financial,marketing or other. Special thanks goes to Diane Richardson for the huge Design effort, Allen Paul for Social Media support, Janet Alkema and Rob Dewing for admin and web support.
How to update club details (for those prospects looking to ‘Find a Club’)
The club officers, specifically the Club President, Vice President Membership, and Secretary, are the individuals who can access and update the club’s contact email address listed in Club Central on the Toastmasters International website. When a prospective member uses the “Find a Club” page to message a club, an automated email is sent to these three officers.
The club itself decides which email address to use for general inquiries, and officers can set this information in Club Central.
Access Club Central: Navigate to Leadership Central and click on “Club Central”.
Edit Info: Select “Club Contact and Meeting Information” to find the contact email field.
Update & Save: Enter the new email and click “Save” at the bottom.
Note: Please allow up to 24 hours for the update to appear on the website.
Next Drop in Session for ‘Grow your Club’ – Wednesday 7th January 7-8pm – MARKETING
From 14 to 53! How did Maria do this?Join the session and get to know more.Register here
Open House – the benefits
Message from Monika Dragnescu, Tunbridge wells Speakers Club
Benefits for the Club
Attract New Members – An open house is one of the most effective ways to introduce Toastmasters to non-members. Guests can experience a real meeting, making them far more likely to join than from a flyer or online description.
Increase Club Visibility – Hosting an open house raises awareness of your club within the workplace or community and positions it as awelcoming, professional, and active organisation.
Strengthen Club Culture – Planning and hosting the event brings members together around a shared goal, reinforcing teamwork and pride in the club. A reminder here that an Open House is best managed as a Team and not just by one person.
Improve Member Retention – A vibrant club with fresh faces feels more energetic. Existing members often feel re-motivated when they help others begin their Toastmasters journey.
Showcase Club Quality- An open house allows the club to highlight strong speakers, effective evaluations, and a supportive environment, demonstrating the value of membership in real time.
Benefits for Club Members
Build Leadership Skills – Members gain hands-on experience which directly support Toastmasters leadership pathways. Event planning / Public relations and promotion / Hosting and facilitation / Mentoring guests
Practice Speaking with Purpose – Speakers learn to tailor speeches to a new audience, a valuable real-world communication skill.
Boost Confidence – Successfully hosting guests helps members realise how far they’ve come, reinforcing confidence in their communication abilities.
Benefits for Guests
Low-Pressure Introduction – Guests can observe and participate without commitment, reducing anxiety and making Toastmasters feel approachable.
Clear Understanding of Value – Rather than hearing about Toastmasters, guests see the benefits in action:-structured meetings, supportive feedback, and practical skill development. Long-T
Long Term Impact
Sustainable Club Growth – Regular open houses help maintain healthy membership levels and ensure long-term club stability.
Stronger Community Impact – Clubs become known as a trusted place for developing communication and leadership skills.
Message from Olga Galaiko, London City Speakers
Top Tips from Lilian Shaftacola our Region 10 Advisor
Whether a Community, Corporate or Specialist club, Lilian recommends:-
Always have someone on the door to meet and greet. Lilian loved all the warm welcomes from all the clubs she visited. She did mention though that not all clubs across the Region do this hence her tip.
If running a hybrid meeting, stand when presenting whether in the room or online as it enhances presence and credibility
Most members see the results – incentives, events, recognition and support, but rarely the systems behind them. District finances can feel complex, distant, or even intimidating.
Behind the numbers is a person who brings clarity, structure and calm to the role. Meet Güler, District 91’s Finance Manager for 2025-2026.
In this interview, Güler shares her story, demystifies district finances and explains how clubs can turn incentives into real momentum.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you based, and what do you do outside Toastmasters?
I am Guler, living in South London, a mother of two beautiful girls, and soon joining the granny club 🙂
I work for The Delta Group, purchasing sustainable materials for large-format printers. We are specialists in delivering premier visual communications in Europe through dynamic multi-channel marketing services, empowering brands to connect with consumers across the retail, consumer brands and film and entertainment sectors.
2. How did you first hear about Toastmasters, and what inspired you to get involved at the District level?
I joined Toastmasters over 9 years ago with a view to spread my “joie de vivre” to others. This came about after uplifting a friend in need, she said “why don’t you become a motivational speaker”? That same night the google search drew me to Toastmasters to my nearest club, The Speakers of Croydon.
3. What’s one fun fact about you that most members wouldn’t know?
I have 3 birthdays – ask me about it when you next see me and I’ll summarise within 2min 🙂
4. Many members may not fully know what a Finance Manager does. How would you describe your role in simple terms?
Compare me to the clubs Treasurer 🙂
I handle the day-to-day accounting and long-term financial health of the district for the year 2025-2026 so that other leaders can focus on membership and educational goals.
5. What does a typical month look like for you in this role?
At Toastmasters?
Daily approvals of expenses, expenses and expenses claimed by our leaders 🙂
Weekly District Leadership Team (DLT) meetings
Monthly bank reconciliations
Supporting members and clubs with financial queries.
6. What is one thing you wish clubs or members understood better about District finances?
As a district we are not here to make money but to use our allocated funds in line with toastmasters protocols and the district mission “we build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence”
7. What has been your proudest achievement in your role so far?
Creating the District Budget. It was a headache to start with but once I was in the zone and with the help of Toastmasters International, it is my bible that guides me through the year ensuring the district is not over or under spending.
8. Is there a financial process or tool you think clubs should use more effectively?
“Making Concur your friend not your enemy” The district has dedicated a large portion of our funds to club growth and recognition in the form of INCENTIVE AWARDS which you, as a club officer can claim back on the Toastmasters Concur Expense portal.
I would highly recommend clubs to visit the District 91 Website and look at the following pages;
9. How does your work help strengthen our District’s overall mission and member experience?
By managing finances effectively, I provide the essential backbone that allows the educational and club-building leads of the district to thrive. Therefore directly contributing to the supportive and positive learning experience for every member.
10. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned while serving as Finance Manager?
Fear of Concur?
I’d love to know what stops leaders and clubs not claiming for their valid expenses or incentive awards.
11. Who has inspired or supported you the most during your leadership journey?
Too many to mention :-).. every one of you!
12. Do you have any advice for members who may want to serve at the District level someday?
Just sign up, don’t think about the what if’s or that you may not be good enough for the role… let your willingness and love to serve our members guide you to some amazing new experiences.
And the final question, do you have a favourite holiday tradition or end-of-year ritual?
Lock myself up inside the house, turn off the phone and binge watch a Netflix series:-)
Thank you Guler. District finances are not about money for its own sake, they are about enabling people to grow. If you’re a club officer, explore the incentives available, claim what you’ve earned and let the systems support the great work you’re already doing.
So next time you submit a claim, think less “paperwork” and more “possibility.” Behind every approved expense is a district investing in its people, and a Finance Manager making it all work.
Where Stories Are Sharpened and Speakers Grow
What happens when experienced Toastmasters come together with a shared focus on storytelling, feedback and growth?
At a recent Excalibur Online Global Speakers meeting, members explored how impactful stories are often revealed by cutting back, not adding more. The session encouraged speakers to uncover the heart of their message, allowing the story to land with greater clarity and emotional impact.
The learning didn’t stop at the speech. High-quality evaluations played a central role, helping speakers recognize where their stories connected most strongly and how simplicity can amplify meaning. This emphasis on thoughtful feedback is a defining feature of the club’s culture.
Excalibur Online Global Speakers is a pre-charter advanced club supported by Excalibur Speakers, offering a space for members who want to deepen their craft. While meetings continue in person in Central London, the online format brings together Toastmasters from across the UK and beyond, creating a truly global learning environment.
For members who have completed at least two Pathway levels or the Competent Communicator award, the club offers an opportunity to refine storytelling, receive high-caliber evaluations and grow alongside like-minded speakers.
If you or your Toastmaster friends worldwide would like to be our guest at Excalibur Online Global Speakers here are some future meeting dates:
Wednesday January 14th
Wednesday January 28th
We meet at 18.50 UK for 19.00 UK start.
Zoom ID 88629076966
Passcode Excalibur
Club Membership is open to all those who have completed 2 Levels of a Pathway or the Competent Communicator Award ( Legacy Program)
Growth does not always begin with motion. Sometimes it begins with a pause, a moment to reset the mind and rise with intention.
As we come to the end of December, we also reach an important milestone in our Toastmasters year six months in. This is a powerful moment to pause, reflect and gently reset before we step into the next stretch of the journey.
Before we rush ahead, we invite you to look back.
Reflect on Your Toastmasters Journey
Take a moment to reflect on your journey so far:
What have you learned about yourself as a speaker or leader?
Which moments stretched you and which ones energised you?
What are you most proud of achieving in the last six months?
Now, set your intention for the rest of the year. Think about the levels you’d like to complete, the Pathway you may want to embark on or the mentoring journey you’d like to explore as a mentor, a mentee, or both.
Toastmasters is a safe space to experiment, practise and grow, so this is the perfect time to set ambitious personal goals not aimed at perfection, but progress.
A Note for Club Officers
To our club officers, this is also a great time to revisit your Club Success Plan:
How far have you come as a leadership team?
What milestones have you achieved together?
Which member successes are you celebrating as a club?
Pause to acknowledge both your efforts and your members’ progress so far.
Rest, Reset and Re-energise
This season is also an invitation to step out of “doing mode.” Allow yourself time to switch off, rest and take care of your wellbeing. A rested mind creates space for clarity, creativity and better decision-making as you plan the next phase of your Toastmasters journey.
Looking Ahead: Root to Rise Conference
We’re excited to announce that the District 91 Conference 2026 themed Root To Rise will take place on the 2nd and 3rd May 2026 at the beautiful De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, HP5 1UG. Set amidst the tranquil Chiltern Hills and steeped in history, this inspiring venue provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of learning, growth and connection. Ticket details will be released soon! Sharing a promo for you to get an initial preview of the venue.
Why “Root to Rise”? Root to Rise captures the Toastmasters journey where meaningful growth begins with strong foundations and purposeful learning. Grounded in our core values of integrity, respect, service and excellence, we strengthen our communication, leadership and self-awareness through practice and feedback. As we rise, we grow in confidence, step into leadership, find our voice and expand our impact within our clubs, communities and beyond. This conference invites every Toastmaster to reflect, deepen their learning and rise to what’s next together, as one district.
Coming Up & Updates
We have some fantastic drop in sessions planned for January’26 including goal setting, marketing your club, open house, pathways, amongst othersPlease visit our District Calendar to view dates and register.The Contest Collective Drop-In Sessionis scheduled for 25 January at 7:00 PM GMT. It offers a great opportunity to learn, ask questions and prepare for upcoming contests.
Congratulations to our December Triple Crown winner, Giota Koulouri from Legacy Speakers Brixton for the achievement.
Club Officer Training round 2 sessions have commenced. We have the last round of Corporate and District Club Officer training in January besides the ones offered by Area Directors. Please visit our District Calendar to view dates and register.
Quarterly Incentives Leaderboard The leaderboard for this quarter will be updated by the end of December on our website
As the year draws to a close, we wish you time to rest and recharge. May the festive season bring you joy, clarity and renewed energy and may 2026 be filled with growth, courage and meaningful conversations. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic year ahead.
