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.
