Allen Paul

District 91 Welcomes Region 10 Advisor – Lilian Shaftacola

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We were excited to welcome our Region Advisor, Lilian Shaftacola DTM to District 91 this November! Her visit was filled with great conversations, shared insights, and plenty of encouragement for our members and leaders.
She joined our District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting as an observer, giving her a chance to learn more about our goals and the work our leaders are doing this year.
 
She also cheered on contestants at our November District contests, adding to the energy and excitement of both events.
One of the highlights of her visit was spending time with several of our clubs. She connected with members, shared helpful perspectives, and enjoyed seeing the unique spirit each club brings to the Toastmasters experience.
 

We’re grateful for her visit and the positivity she shared throughout her time with us. Her support helps keep our district motivated and moving forward!

From Stage Fear to Buckingham Palace – How Toastmasters helped me

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When I first walked into a Toastmasters meeting, my goal was simple, beat stage fright. I never imagined that journey would one day lead me to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Over the years I said yes to roles that stretched me, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Club President, Area Director, District Public Relations Manager and so on. I entered contests and reached the District stage. Step by step, those experiences earned me my Distinguished Toastmaster award and, more importantly, the confidence to serve beyond Toastmasters.

For a long time, I had not applied these skills outside our organisation. That changed when I started helping my local Indian association and started to help them as a volunteer. Apart from taking on MC roles, I joined their executive committee and shared what I had learned about structure, teamwork, and good governance, and members elected me President.

I remembered how there is a Club Constitution for Clubs of Toastmasters International. With help from my AI assistant, I drafted a constitution tailored to our association, then worked with our local council to get it formally approved. From that day, our meetings ran on a clear constitution, agendas were published, decisions were recorded, and debates followed a parliamentary style. We voted the way I had seen at club and District councils. Clarity replaced confusion, progress replaced politics.

The association grew in membership and credibility. We were recognised as the Best Community Group in the county. I had the privilege of meeting leaders from across sectors, including council leaders. Most of all, volunteers found their voice and new leaders emerged.

One day an email arrived, an invitation to a Royal Garden Party. I thought it was spam and nearly binned it, then paused. Who would know my full name and address. A quick search confirmed it was genuine. I attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, and it was an experience like no other. It was a profound honour, and a moment to reflect on how far a simple yes had taken me.

What I learned

  • The leadership skills that we learn in Toastmasters to build strong clubs can also be used outside.
  • A clear constitution and fair process create trust and momentum.
  • Say yes to roles, projects, and contests, and doors begin to open.
  • You are not alone: mentors and peers across Toastmasters will guide you.

Standing in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, I realised this wasn’t just my achievement, it was the result of every speech, every role, every mentor, and every meeting I said “yes” to.

Toastmasters didn’t just help me overcome stage fear, it gave me the courage to lead, the structure to serve, and the vision to build something lasting.

So when the next opportunity comes your way – a club role, a project, a leadership position, say yes. Because you never know where that “yes” might lead…

 

Spotlight on Division J – From Buckinghamshire to South Wales

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Division J consists of 5 Areas and 22 Clubs from Buckinghamshire to South Wales, along the M4 corridor, about a distance of 180 miles one way. 

  1. J4 is in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and is being looked after by Helyn Ashford, who was our Division Director last year and previously Area Director for J10. She has been in Toastmasters since 2020 and really immersed herself in District roles. This is shown by her taking on this AD role whilst living in Wales. 
  2. J7 is in Oxfordshire and being looked after by Dominic Heaney who has been in Toastmasters since 2019, he has nearly completed 2 pathways and has been a member of 3 clubs. 
  3. J10 is in Wales and is being looked after by Sarah Pantry who has been in Toastmasters since 2019 and having immersed herself in club roles, has taken the plunge to Area. 
  4. J11 is in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire and is being looked after by Adrian Lane who has been in Toastmasters since 2015, the area has been blossoming, and last year won 3 out of the 4 speech contests at Division. 
  5. J22 is in Oxfordshire and is being looked after by Andrew Graner, who has been a Toastmaster since 2018, unlike the other Area Directors Andrew doesn’t live in or near his Area, in fact he is in California. Andrew was J22 AD last year and kindly agreed to continue this year, for which we are very grateful. 

Alison Morris is the current Division Director and has been a member of Thame Speakers since 1998. Having been involved in a vibrant club which has hosted a few District Conferences. She has been an Area Director 3 times, this is her second stint as a Division Director and she has also been District Administration Manager. We cannot finish without mentioning her husband who has been a member of Toastmasters since 1991 and great support to Alison in her roles, so much so, it is said you get 2 for 1 whenever she visits. She is also a member of the District Trainers Bureau and received Area Director of the Year for 2024/25. 

We have several people who have been members since before 2000, with the longest serving member joining Oxford Speakers in 1980. Currently our membership is 544, which has increased over 10% since the beginning of the Toastmasters year. As with all clubs we have renewals coming up and are doing our best to encourage all members to renew.  

In respect of potential Clubs we have one that is currently pre chartered and are working to get them over the line. One club is struggling to get over the good standing line but we are determined to revitalise this club, with the help of District. Otherwise all clubs are either 20 or above members or very close to achieving that goal.  

Clubs have been working very hard to meet the deadline of submitting Club Success Plans and completing Club Officer Training, with a 100% take up within the timescales. However they don’t get any time to “sit on their laurels” as they need to organise and run Humorous and Table Topic Competitions.  

The Area Directors are busy doing their visits and preparing their Area Contests, which the Division Director will be supporting and to help as required (apparently bring cake is a re-requisite). We have set the Division Contest for 1 November at Sudbury Hall, Chepstow, from 10am till 4pm. This is a venue we have used for a few years as it is ideal for competitions and training. We will be holding not just Division Competitions but also training workshops for both members and Club Committee Members, so do think about coming along. Details will be on D91 calendar soon. 

For the last 3 years we have had the Distrct Area Director of the year awarded, a testament to the work that the Area Directors have put into the Division. We have also had someone on the District Committee since Division 71 has been formed. 

Alistair Driscoll from J22 has attained the top accolade of DTM this year, so congratulations to him   

Since the formation of District 91 Division J has been Presidents Distinguished 5 times and  Select Distinguished 4 times.  

Our Division has a can do attitude and this was shown last year by Gloucester and Worcester Speakers, thinking out of the box, with unusual break out rooms. See picture for Gloucester but as we had to put 2 of the table topic competitors at Worcester in the disabled toilet, as this was the only room available as it was raining outside, I decided not to give pictorial evidence of this. 

We are very proud of Jean Gamester DTM, who has been voted in as 2nd  International Vice President for this year. Jean started her Toastmasters journey in 2006 at Thame Speakers being a very active member both at Club and District, she moved to Cardiff in 2018 continuing her meteoric rise. We wish her a continuing journey at International level and are appreciative of her also taking on the role of President at Cardiff Speakers, when does she sleep???? 

As a Division our members are not only involved in their Clubs and Area there are a number of us who have been involved in the BETA COT training as well as CSP and other training sessions. There are many more wonderful things I could mention but I don’t want to make any other Divisions under pressure.  

Division J has a great team of enthusiastic and dynamic leaders 

All Hail Division J  

Learn, Compete, Celebrate: Your Next Steps – Program Quality Update – September 2025

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Club Success Plans (CSPs)

Congratulations to the 160 clubs, 91% of our District, who have submitted their Club Success Plan as of last night! These clubs are firmly on the path to becoming Distinguished. An incredible 130 clubs submitted by the 7 September deadline (Full list below), thanks to the dedication of Division and Area Directors working hand in hand with club officers.

Training Success
With the first round of COTs complete, I’m proud to share that 21 clubs achieved 7 out of 7 officers trained, these clubs will receive Club Officer pins from the District in recognition of their commitment to leading with excellence. Similarly, we achieved a 100% turnout at District Officer Training, with all the District Officers trained across June, July and September.

Learning & Development

Contests & Conference

As we enter contest season, I look forward to seeing our clubs, areas, and divisions shine with talented Toastmasters bringing their very best to every stage, at every level.

I’m thrilled to announce our District Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest will take place on Sunday, 23 November 2025, at London South Bank University, themed “Flow with the Fall.” Please book your place once details are out, it promises to be a day of inspiration and celebration.

Looking further ahead, save the date for our District Conference “Root to Rise” on 2–3 May 2026.

Celebrating Achievements
Congratulations to our newest Distinguished Toastmasters:

  • Elaine Kelly, db Toastmasters Canary Wharf
  • Massimo Guadagnino, Beckenham Communicators

And to our Triple Crown winner in September:

  • Jane Houghton, Sussex Online Speakers

All recognitions and pins will be awarded at Flow with the Fall in November.

Tools, Incentives & Opportunities
We’re making club life simpler and more rewarding:

Get involved:

No Division Area Club Name
1 A 1 Shilling Speakers
2 A 1 Solent Speakers Club
3 A 1 Spinnaker Speakers
4 A 17 Ascot & Bracknell Speakers
5 A 17 Reading Speakers Club
6 A 17 Reading Verizon Toastmasters
7 A 17 Wokingham Speakers
8 A 19 Armada Speakers
9 A 19 Casterbridge Speakers
10 A 19 South West Speakers
11 A 42 Chaseside Speakers Toastmasters Club – J.P.Morgan Chase empl
12 A 42 Ferndown Speakers
13 A 42 Hallmark Speakers
14 A 42 Salisbury Online Speakers
15 A 46 Basingstoke Speakers
16 A 46 Microsoft Speakers Club
17 A 46 Newbury Speakers Club
18 A 46 OpenText Speakers Club
19 A 46 Wessex Speakers Club
20 A 62 Bath Spa Toastmasters
21 A 62 Bristol Central Speakers
22 A 62 Northavon Speakers Toastmasters Club
23 B 6 Berkeley Square Speakers Toastmasters Club
24 B 6 Centurion Toastmasters
25 B 6 London Corinthians Toastmasters
26 B 6 London Olympians Speakers Toastmasters Club
27 B 6 Polish Your Polish
28 B 8 Clapham Connectors
29 B 8 Experience French
30 B 8 Legacy Speakers Brixton
31 B 8 LSBU Public Speakers Club
32 B 9 Central London Toastmasters
33 B 9 Excalibur Speakers
34 B 9 Kings Cross Speakers
35 B 18 104 London Debaters
36 B 18 London Cardinals
37 B 18 London Victorians
38 B 18 PA Consulting London
39 B 52 Data Science Speakers Club
40 B 52 Grosvenor Square Speakers
41 B 52 Holborn Speakers
42 B 52 VMO2 Toastmasters Club
43 C 2 City Limits Speakers
44 C 2 Deutsche Bank Toastmasters London
45 C 2 LSEG London Toastmasters Club
46 C 5 Accenture Speakers (London)
47 C 5 Bloomberg London Toastmasters
48 C 5 Columbia Threadneedle Investments
49 C 25 City of London Toastmasters Club
50 C 25 ION Group EMEA Toastmasters
51 C 25 Springer Nature Toastmasters
52 C 34 Connected Speakers London
53 C 34 FTI Consulting UK
54 C 34 Lloyds Banking Group Toastmasters
55 C 34 St Pauls Speakers
56 C 58 Bayes Toastmasters
57 D 14 Camberley Speakers
58 D 14 Farnham Speakers Club
59 D 14 Godalming Speakers
60 D 14 Guildford Speakers Club
61 D 14 Woking Speakers Toastmasters Club
62 D 20 London Athenian Speakers Toastmasters Club
63 D 20 Medidata EMEA
64 D 20 Richmond and Wandsworth Communicator’s Club
65 D 20 Sustainable Speakers Online
66 D 20 West London Speakers Club
67 D 21 Burnham Speakers
68 D 21 Windsor Speakers Club
69 D 29 JAL Richmond Leaders
70 D 29 Riverside Communicators
71 D 29 Sky Osterley Toastmasters Club
72 D 29 Trojan Speakers Club
73 D 53 Epsom Speakers Club
74 D 53 Sutton Speakeasy
75 D 53 The Reigate Rhetoric
76 D 53 UK Speakers and Leaders Toastmasters
77 D 61 Harrovian Speakers Toastmasters
78 D 61 HOD Speakers Club
79 D 61 TJXpressions
80 D 61 Watford Speakers
81 D 61 Wembley Stadium Speakers
82 H 15 Croydon Communicators Club
83 H 15 Liberty Speakers Club
84 H 15 Purley Speakers
85 H 15 The Speakers of Croydon Club
86 H 32 County Communicators
87 H 32 Worthing Speakers
88 H 35 Beckenham Communicators
89 H 35 Lewisham Speakers Club
90 H 37 Experience Yoruba
91 H 37 Kent Speakers Club
92 H 37 Tunbridge Wells Speakers Club
93 H 55 Brighton & Hove Speakers Club
94 H 55 Eastbourne Speakers Club
95 H 55 Gatwick Communicators
96 H 55 Lewes Speakers Club
97 J 4 Aylesbury Speakers
98 J 4 Berkhamsted Speakers Club
99 J 4 Thame Speakers
100 J 7 Bicester Achievers Toastmasters Club
101 J 7 North Oxford Speakers
102 J 7 Oxford Orators Club
103 J 7 Oxford Speakers Club
104 J 7 Witney Speakers Club
105 J 10 Cardiff Toastmasters
106 J 10 Valleys and Vale Speakers
107 J 10 Voice of Wales Speakers Club
108 J 10 Wye Knot Speakers
109 J 11 Cheltenham Speakers
110 J 11 Gloucester Speakers
111 J 11 Malvern Speakers
112 J 11 Worcester Speakers
113 J 22 Abingdon Speakers Club
114 J 22 Didcot Speakers Toastmasters Club
115 J 22 Infineum Milton Hill Speakers
116 J 22 Melting Pot Toastmasters
117 J 22 Toast Titans
118 L 16 PMI UK Toastmasters Club
119 L 23 Canary Wharf Communicators Club
120 L 23 HSBC 8CS London Toastmasters Club
121 L 23 London Toastmasters
122 L 23 MLP London Bridge Speakers
123 L 23 Moody’s Europe Toastmasters
124 L 27 Barking Toastmasters
125 L 27 db Toastmasters – Canary Wharf
126 L 27 Romford Speakers
127 L 27 Woodford Green Speakers
128 L 47 Wharf Speakers
129 L 56 Northern Lights Speakers Club
130 L 56 Winchmore Hill Speakers

As we celebrate these successes and prepare for the months ahead, let’s remind ourselves that every step we take, every role we embrace, every speech we give has the power to be a spark – a spark that inspires others to grow, to lead and to shine.

Celebrating Club Successes and Growth: September Update From Club Growth Director

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Dear District 91 Toastmasters, 

Can you believe it, we are already three months into the Toastmasters year, summer is just about over and we are transitioning into autumn.  The changing season brings with it a renewed sense of energy and momentum.  

Let’s take a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come and look ahead to what we can still achieve in the final days of Q1 and into a powerful Q2. 

 

Celebrating Your Successes 

Congratulations to the following clubs:-  

Renewing a 100% of their membership base by the 15th September    

  • EBRD Toastmasters 
  • FM Communicators 
  • HSBC 8CS London Toastmasters 
  • Northern Lights Speakers Club 
  • PMI UK Toastmasters 
  • UK Speakers and Leaders Toastmasters 
  • Wharf Speakers 

 

Adding 10 or more members since 1st July 

  • 1st London Toastmasters 13 
  • Central London Toastmasters 14 
  • Holborn 16 
  • London Victorians 10 

 

A special shoutout to our newest Club Coaches, Nick Ronald and Barbara Saph. Thank you for stepping up to support our clubs.   

A massive welcome to our 232 new members who have joined us this quarter.  

 Do you have a ‘win’ to share with us, do send it through, they inspire others and show what’s possible. club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk  

 

Renewals 

is always so much to gain from being a Toastmaster, from building confidence to learning new skills as well as building a great network and lasting friendships.  Do remember if you are participating in a Contest you need to have renewed to be a member in good standing and your club has to be in good standing. Have you renewed yet?  Renewals close on 30th September.  Don’t miss out.  

 

Last few days of the Smedley Award! 

Clubs have been busy adding new members and if your club adds 5 new, dual, or reinstated members between 1st August and 30th September, your club earns: 

  • The Toastmasters International Smedley Award 
  • A special ribbon for your banner 
  • 10% discount code for Toastmasters supplies 
  • Plus £25 from D91 

 

Looking Ahead to October and Q2 

My Why 

This season, we’re creating a series of “My Why” reels to showcase our amazing members and we would love to feature your story.  You can also post these on your clubs socials as this is a great way to attract new members. 

Here’s how to do it (20–30 seconds):  

  • Start with a challenge e.g. 
    • “I used to freeze during presentations…” 
    • “Networking events made me nervous…” 
  • Share how Toastmasters helped 
    • “My club gave me a safe space to practice…” 
    • “I built confidence and leadership skills…” 
  • Show the result 
    • “Now I present at work with ease…” 
    • “I’ve made lifelong friends and mentors…” 
  • End with a call to action 
    • “That’s why I renewed and that’s why I stay and I encourage you to do the same!” 
    • Send your reel to allen@d91toastmasters.org.uk
  • Keep it natural, keep it YOU –  short, real, and inspiring. 

Together, let’s show why Toastmasters is worth saying YES to! 

 

Starting a club 

We’ll be running ‘how to start a club’ webinar to include both community and corporate clubs for those that have an interest and just want to find out a little more.  Dates to be advised shortly.   

We are here to Support You 

Whether you are a VP Membership looking to run an Open House, a Committee member considering running a Speechcraft session or a Toastmaster ready to coach a club, myself and the Club Growth team are just an email away. club.growth.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk  

Warm Regards 

Lynne 

Lynne Gayer 

Club Growth Director