From Vancouver to District 91: Now It’s Our Turn

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There are moments in leadership that stay with you.

For me, one of those moments happened in Vancouver.

Standing alongside Toastmasters from around the world, each carrying a flag representing a country at the Convention opening ceremony, I was reminded of the extraordinary diversity of our organisation. Hundreds of people from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, united by a shared belief: People can become more confident, capable communicators and leaders when they are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to grow.

That is what Toastmasters means to me.

And after an inspiring week, I have come back with one thought firmly in my mind:

We have an incredible opportunity in District 91 this year.

The International Convention gave us a chance to step back from the day-to-day running of our clubs and District and see the bigger picture.

There are now 13,708 clubs and 265,512 members across 93 districts, with more than 101,000 education awards achieved in 2025-26.

Behind every number is a member.

Someone who found the courage to speak. Someone who learned to lead. Someone who became more confident at work. Someone who found friendship and connection. Perhaps someone who walked into a Toastmasters meeting feeling nervous and walked out thinking: Maybe I can do this. That is the impact we should never lose sight of.

 Proud moments for District 91

Alongside Lynne and Alison, I had the privilege of attending two days of District Leader training before the Convention. It was an intense and inspiring opportunity to learn, share ideas and connect with leaders from across the world.

We were incredibly proud to see District 91 recognised as a Distinguished District, as well as being recognised in the top three Districts with the highest number of clubs with 20+ members. Debbie, our Immediate Past District Director, led the team to receive the award on behalf of District 91.

 And then came another very special moment:

Jean Gamester, DTM, from District 91 was elected First Vice President of Toastmasters International for 2026-27.

A tremendous achievement, Jean, congratulations!

It is a wonderful reminder that members from our own District can make an impact far beyond their individual clubs.

 The World Champion is from our Region!

One of the highlights of Convention is always the World Championship of Public Speaking. Eight speakers, having progressed through the Toastmasters contest journey from Club to Area, Division, District and Region, reached the World Championship stage.

This year’s World Champion is Dirceu D’Silva from District 59, Region 10, with his winning speech, “Best Decision Ever.” And I love that he is from our Region.

His journey began, just like every other contestant’s, with a decision to stand up and speak. Perhaps there is a future World Champion sitting in one of our District 91 clubs today.

When we create the environment and provide the opportunity, we encourage members to step forward. And then we support them to discover what they are capable of achieving.

 Turning strategy into action

 Over the past few weeks, we have been developing our District Success Plan and Budget. But a strategy on a page doesn’t create success. People do.

Our strategy comes alive in our clubs, in the welcoming meeting, the first speech, the completed Path, the new leader and the member who asks for help and finds someone ready to support them.

That is why our immediate priority is Club Success Plans. Just as we have a plan for District success, every club needs a meaningful plan that creates its own trajectory towards excellence. These are due by the end of September, with special recognition for early submissions.

We are also focused on new club growth, with recognition opportunities for clubs chartered before the end of September. If there is a gap at your workplace or community for a toastmasters club, let’s work together to make it happen.

 Your Voice Matters

 On 19 September, we will hold our first District Council meeting of the year, following the District Executive Committee meeting on 6 September.

District Council is an important part of how District 91 is governed and gives our clubs a voice in District business. I encourage every Club President and Vice President Education to register and attend. If you have questions, please speak to your Area or Division Director, or contact me.

 The people behind the progress

 Every District leader has chosen to give their time, energy and expertise to serve our members.

To our District Leadership Team, Area Directors and Division Directors – thank you for everything you do, most of which happens quietly behind the scenes.

A special thank you to Violet Karamagi, our Finance Manager, for her expertise and commitment to our budget work.

And to Deborah Williams, our Administration Manager and Suhas Kumar, our Public Relations Manager, thank you for the incredible collaboration over these first few weeks. You have helped us communicate effectively and make the District run smoothly.

I am genuinely proud to lead this team.

 1-1-3-1 Challenge

At the Convention, we were challenged to embrace the 1-1-3-1 Challenge:

1 – Invite someone.
Invite 1 person who could benefit from Toastmasters.

1 – Ask for help.
Ask 1 person to support you. None of us has to do everything alone.

3 – Recognise people.
Recognise 3 people for the contribution they make.

1 – Celebrate one success.
Stop and celebrate 1 thing you or your club has achieved.

Then do it again.

 Vancouver reminded me how big Toastmasters is. District 91 reminds me why it matters. And let’s make this a year we can all look back on and say:

We made a difference.

Are you ready?

I am.

Club Growth: Building on Our Momentum

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Toastmasters International are giving an award to any District that Charters a minimum of  3 or 5 and above Clubs before the end of September 30th 2026. As well as the option to pay 6 or 12 months fees at the old rate (as long as Chartered by 30th Sept). The District is also offering between $150 and $200 of materials to these clubs. What could be more enticing!

Why is this important? Because it reinforces the need for the District to grow. At one time we were looking at the possibility of a 3rd District within the UK and Ireland.  Then came along COVID and everything was turned upside down. We are getting back to the pre – COVID numbers of Clubs and Membership but we are not keeping our members, why not? Currently we have about 34% of clubs under 20 members and 68 Clubs with no new members so far this year. Well done to those 5 Clubs who have already gained 8 or more members. 

We know we will lose members at renewal and we need to be working out how to recruit new members and where possible encourage members who are undecided to renew their membership. As a Club Member we need to think, what are we doing well? What are we not doing enough of? As a Member you should be asking yourself what you can do to help your Club remain or become a vibrant Club.

Are there too many members turning up and not getting a chance to speak? What about a second Club, held on the alternate weeks when you don’t meet?

What about spawning a club from your own one for people who are retired or do coffee morning meetings (with or without a children’s play area)?

Speak to your Area or Division Director, they can pass on any ideas to me and my team, who are eagerly awaiting your ideas.

Further to last month’s Newsletter, no one achieved the Trophy incentive, but we still have two incentives currently available, and these are reiterated below;

Any club that adds 8 new or reinstated members paying up to 31st March 27 by 31st August 26 they not only complete 2 of the DCP points, but they also achieve Smedley Award and in addition will get a Superstar Trophy and a Certificate.

5 clubs who have got the 8+ new members till now:

Club Name  Division Area
Clapham Connectors B 8
1st London Toastmasters C 58
Toasted Sandwich Toastmasters Club H 37
London Business School Public Speaking Club L 16
London Toastmasters L 23

Clubs that charter by 30th September 2026 and pay for 6 months up to 31st March 2027 will get $150 worth Goodies. Clubs that charter by 30th September 2026 and pay 12 months up to 30th September 2027 will get $200 worth of goodies for the club.

Even better Charter clubs can use the old renewal rate if they charter before the 30th September 2026.

More incentives will be advised once approved by the DEC District Executive Committee and the District Council on the 6th in September and we will send these out to you as soon as possible thereafter after that date.

Are you on Pathways Level 4 or 5 or even going for your DTM, do you need to be a sponsor or mentor for a club? Do you want to be a coach? We need you!

If anyone has any ideas for Club Growth or Membership Retention and Growth please contact me.   Alison Morris DTM  clubgrowthdirector@d91toastmasters.org.uk 

The Three C’s of August: Club Officer Training, Club Success Plans and Contest Planning

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August is the month of the three C’s: Club Officer Training, Club Success Plans and Contest Planning. 

All the District Leaders from Club Officers to Area, Directors, Division Directors and the District Leadership Team have been busy settling into their roles, planning & budgeting, planning & strategising and planning & scheduling.  There is a lot to do in the first few months, and it is great seeing everything coming together as members and leaders work together.   I am delighted to introduce the Program Quality Team supporting the District Mission; ‘To build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence’. 

Meet the PQD team

Club Officer Training (COT) 

Congratulations to all those Club Officers who have attended Club Officer Training (COT) through July and August.  Will your club have all seven Officers trained?  This year TMI provided global, standardised training, and several District 91 members contributed to the content and production of the slides.  Well, done guys, great work. 

 District Trio Training at Vancouver, Canada

In August it was the turn of the Trio; your District Director – Seema Menon, Program Quality Director – myself Lynne Gayer and Club Growth Director – Alison Morris to attend our training. 

There was a big emphasis on Club Excellence and Club Quality this year and TMI provided a few tips on how to improve the member experience, I’m sharing three of these below. 

Does your club read out the Club Mission at every meeting?  If not here is a reminder as to what it says:

‘We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth’.

Does your club introduce a word of the day?  It is a great way to help members expand their vocabulary and practice using expressive, impactful language in real-time.  

Does your club have an ‘AH counter’? The purpose is to track filler words and sounds so speakers can become aware of their habits and speak more clearly.  

Club Success Plan

As we close August and enter September, each Club Committee needs to complete a Club Success Plan.  Officers may well be asking you which Pathways levels you will be completing this year, helping the club to achieve a Distinguished Status.  

Triple crown winner is Celia Edwards,DTM from Purley Speakers.  She has completed three levels in one year.  That’s a fantastic achievement. Well done.  Will you be next. 

Contests

I love a contest.  Your clubs will be busy preparing for one as will your Area and Division Directors.  The District Humorous and Table topics contests will be held on Saturday 21st November 10am-4pm in London. The November Contest Director is Jill Segal and she needs a team to support her in organising and running this.  Would you like to be involved?

The District conference will be in the 2nd weekend of May.  Ideally in a District central location

We need a District Conference Director. 

This is a fantastic leadership opportunity, a prestigious event and an opportunity to create something memorable.  Whoever steps up get to make a real difference as members from across the district come together to connect learn and celebrate together. No one does it alone.  There will be a supporting team, plus myself with overall responsibility.  It is a fantastic opportunity with so many skills to learn and develop. It’s also an opportunity to put one’s own stamp on the event, from speakers to workshops and the gala event. Plus build relationships across the District. 

It’s not a case of ‘Am I ready to run a district conference’  it’s more a question of ‘Am I ready to lead a team of talented people who can help make it happen’ let the answer be YES!  

Would you like to step up to the challenge, not because you know everything but because you want to discover what you can achieve when you bring people together around a shared vision. This can be an incredibly rewarding experience. 

If interested please contact me; program.quality.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk

Beat the Clock

Following on from 2025-26 year end I am delighted to announce the winners of Beat the Clock.  Those clubs adding five or more new, dual or reinstated  members between 1st May and 30th June 2026. All the winning clubs have been advised and received their vouchers. 

A Strong Finish, A Stronger Beginning: Building on Success in 2026–27

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I am delighted to be kicking off Toastmaster year 2026-27 by closing out 2025-26. At the 11th hour we chartered two new Clubs:

  • UK Speakers and Leaders 2 Toastmasters Club
  • Bouncing Onward DTM Toastmasters Club
  • AND reinstated Amazon UKIR Toastmasters

These three Clubs helped us to achieve our Club Growth targets.

                            

In total we chartered 10 new clubs and reinstated two.  We were second in the world for new membership payments. Third in the world for total membership payments. Not bad for a District that is not even in the top ten size wise. We are also third globally for clubs with the highest percentage with 20 or more members which is fantastic achievement.  Credit to our members and leaders for all your efforts. A great end to a somewhat challenging year. We did it together.

At the end of June it was wonderful to bring our Division and Area Directors together for District Officer Training. A chance for them to get to know their new teams through team building activities, educational sessions and general networking.  It was a full two days of interaction, fun and learning, providing our leaders with the best possible information to support their clubs and members.

Topics covered included the new and exciting Club Officer Training materials, developed for Toastmasters by Toastmasters, many from our District, D91.  This is being rolled out globally to standardise the process and for consistency across Districts. With new materials there is no excuse for Officers not to attend, new or more experienced. In-fact experienced Officers can support the process by offering to run one of the sessions.  Divisions and Areas are scheduling their COTS, so if you are a Club Officer please do sign up.   Let us aim for all seven Officers in all Clubs trained so we can give all our members the best experience possible,

Another key topic was Area Visits which is a key part of the Area Directors role, do welcome them when they pop in to say hello.  They are there to support the clubs in their development.

We also covered in some depth Success Plans; Club, Area, Division and District. You may find your Club Officers asking you what you want to achieve this year as they set about developing the Club Success Plan.

Now is a great opportunity to rethink and refocus, both as individuals and as clubs.  What do you want to achieve this year?  Did you complete a few speeches last year? Then go for a level completion this year.  Achieved less than 5 Distinguished Club Points last year, go for Distinguished this year.  Whatever we did last year let’s raise the bar and go for the next level.  Just think how much more we can achieve this year.  We are an education organization after all so when we stretch ourselves we learn more and achieve more.  That’s a win win to me.

Let’s challenge ourselves to have 90+% members on Pathways versus the current 82%.  That’s almost 800 members not having the opportunity to develop and grow with the guidance of a structured education programme and the incredible peer support that we offer.   More members on pathways, more levels completed will allow us to have even more distinguished clubs.  Let’s hit Smedley again for Distinguished clubs.  Let’s also go for the number one slot with percentage of clubs with 20 or more members, the recommended minimum number for club health and sustainability.

It’s a new year, a new start and a great opportunity to develop and grow and achieve more than we ever thought possible, individually and collectively.

We can do this together.

PQD Targets for 2026-27
90+% on Pathways   106+ Distinguished clubs

Its all about Learning, Leadership and Leading the way forward  DOT 2026

 

We’re Looking for Passionate Volunteers!

District 91 is looking for enthusiastic members to join our leadership team and help shape another successful Toastmasters year. We currently have the following volunteer opportunities available:

  • Incentive & Analytics Lead (2026–2027)
  • May Conference Director (2027)

If you’re ready to develop your leadership skills, make a meaningful impact, and contribute to the success of District 91, we’d love to hear from you. Get involved and be part of the team that helps make great things happen across our District! 

email to program.quality.director@d91toastmasters.org.uk

 

Building the Road Together

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There is something special about the start of a new Toastmasters year. It isn’t just a change of roles or a new calendar, it is an opportunity to build on the amazing work by our predecessors while creating something even stronger for those who follow.

Thanks to the vision of last year’s Trio led Debbie Williams, unrelenting focus and dedication by Lynne Gayer as the CGD and me as the PQD along with our incredible District Leadership Team, our extended Club Growth and Programme Quality teams and every leader across District 91, we have so much to celebrate. Together, we achieved Distinguished District status, grew to 176 clubs, reached 9,573 membership payments and celebrated 110 Distinguished Clubs. These are not just impressive numbers; they represent thousands of members who found confidence and opportunities to grow. They remind us of what is possible when we have a shared vision, remain focused on our purpose and work together as one team. 

I am delighted to be kicking off the 2026-27 Toastmasters year from such a strong foundation. 

As we begin this new chapter, I find myself reflecting on the story of Dashrath Manjhi, the “Mountain Man” of India. After losing his wife because there was no direct access path to medical care, he made what seemed like an impossible decision. Armed with nothing more than a hammer, a chisel and an unwavering belief, he spent 22 years carving a road through a mountain. People laughed at him. They questioned him. Many thought he would never succeed. Yet he kept showing up – one strike, one day, one step at a time – until the impossible became reality.

His story reminds me that extraordinary achievements begin with unconditional belief. Believing in a future that others cannot yet see. Believing that every small action matters. Believing in one another, even when the destination feels far away. 

Our vision this year is based on the following principles:

Supportive. Simplify. Sustainable.

Supportive – because no leader or member should ever feel alone. Leadership can be demanding, but kindness towards others and towards ourselves matters. When we support one another, we create the confidence for people to step forward, grow and lead.

Simplify – because when we remove complexity, we create space for clarity and action. The simpler we make leadership, the more time we have to focus on our members and clubs.

Sustainable – because our greatest legacy is not what we achieve this year, but the leaders we develop, the clubs we strengthen and the culture we leave behind.

I’m pleased to say this vision is already in motion with the vision and planning by my Trio leaders, Lynne Gayer (Program Quality Director) and Alison Morris (Club Growth Director).

District Officer Training visualised by Lynne, has equipped our district leaders to serve with confidence, while Club Officer Training is well underway, preparing club leadership teams for a successful year. Our immediate priority is supporting clubs through the membership renewal period especially with the changes effective 3 August. Alison has designed incentives to recognise clubs that build early momentum while helping members continue their Toastmasters journey.

On 19 July, many of you joined us for our first District Town Hall, where our International Director for Region 10, Francesco Fedele, answered members’ questions regarding the recent Toastmasters International subscription price increase. Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and shared your thoughts respectfully. Listening to our members and ensuring your voices are heard is one of our most important responsibilities as district leaders. While many questions were addressed during the session, we’ve also captured the additional questions raised and will be forwarding them to the Toastmasters International Board to seek further guidance and clarification.

We’ve also launched monthly leadership sessions led by Yogendra Paranjpe creating regular opportunities for our Division Directors across District 91 to learn from successful toastmaster leaders and continue growing as one leadership community. 

As we look ahead, it is also important to acknowledge those who continue to strengthen our district in different ways. I would like to thank Past District Director Andy Hammond, who has graciously taken on the role of our District Harmony Officer. Andy brings a wealth of experience, wisdom and a calm perspective that will help us foster a culture where every leader feels heard, respected and supported. Harmony isn’t simply about resolving differences, it’s about creating an environment where we can have honest conversations, learn from one another and move forward together.

Before I close, I’d like to remind our Club Presidents and Secretaries that you should have received the request to assign your club’s proxy vote for the upcoming Toastmasters International Annual Business Meeting in August. I would be honoured if you would assign your proxy to me so that I can represent your club and cast your vote on your behalf. To help us prepare for the Annual Business Meeting, please complete your proxy assignment by 12 August. Thank you for ensuring that District 91 has a strong voice in the governance of our international organisation.

Simon Sinek says, “When people are emotionally invested, they don’t need to be managed, they want to contribute.” That is exactly the kind of District we will continue to build. I had the opportunity to visit our clubs and see leadership in action. On the final day of my journey as Programme Quality Director, I celebrated with our corporate club, HSBC 8CS London Toastmasters Club as they achieved Distinguished Club status within a year of chartering, a wonderful testament to belief and commitment.

On 1 July, my first day as District Director, I visited Kent Speakers Club and experienced the culture of excellence that has made them a Smedley Distinguished Club. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of inducting the new leadership team at Wembley Stadium Speakers and visiting Cheltenham Speakers and LSEG London Toastmasters Club. Every visit has reinforced the same message: our district’s greatest strength lies in our clubs, our members and the leaders who bring Toastmasters values to life every week.

The year ahead will undoubtedly bring challenges. Every worthwhile journey does. I have complete confidence that if we continue to believe in one another, support one another and work together as one team, we will not only maintain the excellence District 91 is known for, we will elevate it even further.

Dashrath Manjhi built a road through a mountain because he believed it was possible. We have a different road to build through service, leadership and the lives we touch every day. And unlike Dashrath, we won’t be building it alone. Every club, every leader and every member carries a hammer and chisel of their own. Every meeting, every speech, every mentoring conversation and every act of encouragement chips away at the mountain before us.

Thank you for placing your trust in me. It is an honour and a privilege to serve as your District Director and I look forward to serving you keeping the 3 guiding principles of Supportive, Simplify and Sustainable for decisions made.

Together, let’s keep building the road ahead.