Creating a new Toastmaster Club is not without its challenges, but executed correctly, can be an incredibly rewarding endeavour.

I would like to share with you my experience of starting a new Club, what I learnt and what I believe are the three key ingredients to success.

Wokingham Speakers chartered 3 years ago. It is now a thriving Club with 34 Members, having recently obtained 10 DCPs for the first time in its history. However, its ability to enjoy this kind of success is a tribute to its early days and the firm plan put in place by its founders, which leads me aptly onto my first piece of advice;

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… reflections on my first three months

After taking on the role of Club Growth Director at the end of July, it was only two weeks later that I found myself at the District Officer training in Washington D.C.

I know that sounds glamorous, but it was certainly no holiday. I arrived on the Saturday evening to be given the schedule of interviews on Sunday for the candidates for the International Board roles. With Vanessa and Pedro we completed 23 separate 15 minute interviews that day. A fascinating, if tiring, experience. That left us free to concentrate on the two training days, Monday and Tuesday, with each running from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We kicked off in one large group of some 400 Toastmasters from all over the World. We then split into various groups over the two days, coming back together for the closing on Tuesday evening. It was awesome to be able to share ideas and experiences with enthusiastic colleagues from such varied backgrounds. I had to return home on Wednesday so missed the convention itself, but nonetheless it was a wonderful experience.

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Please find below supporting information relevant to the District Council Meeting held on 5th November 2016.

The Credentials Report

The Audit Committee Report

Summary of the 2016-17 Budget

This is a link to the budget spreadsheet sent to Toastmasters International. It shows the narratives that were shared with the Council on the 5th of November. If you would like to know further information, please contact District Director Vanessa King

Finance Manager’s Report

This is the state of the finances, showing expenditure for the year since July 1st compared with budget. We are currently within budget in all areas.