What a Day, What a Conference! By Paul Rhys-Taylor

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Our last Autumn Conference was held at Gatwick Airport. This one-day event was packed full of value to inform, educate and entertain members and guests from across the District and beyond. Next year, districts will only be required to hold one annual conference, the Spring one in May.

As the Conference was held at Gatwick Airport it had a flight theme and by the end of it we were flying high. The keynote speech was brought by Aletta Rochat who flew in from South Africa to join us. Aletta is the Region Advisor for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Toastmasters International – and what an inspiring and affirming keynote it was! Aletta described and gave value to a range of essential service leadership qualities and then she invited District Director Pedro Casillas, to recognise members in the room who exemplified each one. There were also edifying Communications and Leadership workshops run by well-respected district leaders.

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The D91 Explorers Cup – By Andy Hammond

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The Explorers’ Cup Continues Its Journey

Following its brief stay at the Toasted Sandwich, the Explorers’ Cup quickly returned home to Gatwick Speakers, but not for long. At the very successful open evening on 5th February, the intrepid trio of Catherine Cannon, Mike Mead and Andy Hammond claimed the trophy on behalf of County Communicators in Chichester.

It was a fantastic evening, with many visiting Toastmasters giving their support and several guests, resulting in two new members and three more on the brink of joining. The catering was up to the usual high standard we always enjoy when we have events at Gatwick, although not to be expected at every club meeting!

The Explorers’ Cup has stayed in the south east so far – who will come and claim it from elsewhere in the District? Remember, you need three visiting club members to take on meeting roles at the host club in order to claim the trophy.

County Communicators meets every Wednesday lunch time at county Hall, Chichester. You will need to give advance warning of your visit as it is not open to the public. Email them on County.communicators@westsussex.gov.uk for further details.

My Journey to a Third DTM by Meg Heyworth

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Less than 1% of Toastmasters members go on to achieve their Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, so achieving three DTMs is indeed an amazing accomplishment. In this article, Meg Heyworth shares her journey to completing three DTMs.

I joined Toastmasters International in March 2002 at Brighton & Hove Speakers’ Club as my speaking skills were slipping through not using them. It was a very good way to get me back to speed with my speaking skills, however I also found that doing the manuals also helped me overcome my problems with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia both of which prevented me from giving good verbal interviews when applying for jobs.

My confidence improved and I really enjoyed watching other club members grow as a result of feedback and mentoring. When I moved away from Brighton I decided that rather than stop going to a club I would start one nearer to where I lived.

Eastbourne Speakers Club was chartered in January 2007 after 2 years of building club membership from nothing. This was an amazing chance to start earning awards towards a DTM.

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