Program Quality Director

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

• Lynne Gayer, DTM Program Quality Director, program.quality.dorector@d91toastmasters.org.uk
• Aayushi Jain, DTM Incentive lead for PQD & CGD incentives@d91toastmasters.org.uk
• Janet Alkema, DTM  Training Lead alkema@janetalkema.com
• Jill Segal, DTM  November Contest Director jsegal44@mac.com
• Nadya Abdi, DTM DCP and Pathways Lead nadyad91toastmasters@gmail.com 
• Natalia Gomez, Analytics Lead for PQD & CGD
• Paul Walsh, DTM Chief Judge padrianwalsh@gmail.com
• Simon McKee, Mentor Buddy Lead mentorbuddy@d91toastmasters.org.uk

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. 

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

My dear Toastmasters, 

As we approach the final days of this Toastmasters year, I want to pause and say a heartfelt thank you to every Member, Club Officer, Area Director, Division Director, District Leadership team and my Mentor who has contributed to Program Quality this year. 

Together, we’ve focused on making learning more accessible, leadership development more meaningful and support easier to find. From the Trainers Bureau and Drop-In Sessions, to Corporate Club Officer Training, Quarterly incentives, the Ditch the Nerves podcast, Contest Collective, Mentor Buddy and our November Humorous Speech and Table Topics District Finals, we have experimented, learned and grown together. There is also much to celebrate. 

As of 22 June, District 91 has achieved 99 Distinguished Clubs and counting with just 6 clubs short of the Smedley Distinguished Clubs target. 

Among these achievements, we have: 

19 Smedley Distinguished Clubs
15 President’s Distinguished Clubs
32 Select Distinguished Clubs
33 Distinguished Clubs 

Congratulations to our 19 Smedley Distinguished Clubs, who have achieved the highest level of club excellence: 

Educational Achievements 

We have also celebrated over 1215 educational awards, including 10 Distinguished Toastmasters and welcomed hundreds of new members into our clubs. 

Educational Awards: 1215 educational awards till date for 2025-26. 

Triple Crown Award Winners: 65 Triple crown awards achieved till date for 2025-26 with 13 winners in Jun’26 and 5 additional in May’26 since the last report 

The following 4 clubs have had 3 members each achieving triple crown awards this year
– Hamwic Speakers
– Legacy Speakers Brixton
– London Corinthian Speakers Toastmasters Club
– PMI UK Toastmasters Club

Many congratulations, you inspire us all. 

Important Reminder again: Pathways Price Increase 

Toastmasters International has announced that the cost of purchasing a new Pathways learning path will increase from $20 to $35 effective 1 July 2026. 

Members considering starting an additional path are encouraged to take advantage of the current pricing before 30 June 2026. Now is a wonderful opportunity to continue investing in yourself. 

Yet, the year is not over. We have one final stretch until 30 June. 

If you have finished levels, please ensure the educational awards are completed on the Pathways website. If your club is close to a membership goal, now is the time to invite that guest, process that renewal or welcome that new member. A few actions over the next few days could make the difference between achieving Distinguished status or just missing out. 

As I prepare to step forward into the role of District Director, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and optimism for what lies ahead. To the incoming Program Quality Director, I wish you every success. You inherit a district filled with passionate leaders, committed members and clubs that continue to strive for excellence. 

Thank you for your support and your service. Let’s make these final days count. 

With gratitude, 

Seema Menon
Program Quality Director, District 91 2025 – 2026

May has been a month of inspiration and connection at our incredible District 91 Conference: Root to Rise held at the beautiful De Vere Latimer Estate.

What an inspirational weekend it was!

From powerful real-life stories of overcoming setbacks and self-doubt to thought-provoking discussions on AI and the future of leadership, every session reminded us that finding your voice can truly change lives. The conference beautifully reflected the diversity, courage and resilience within our Toastmasters community. We were able to showcase some of the
specialist clubs in our district too.

The speech contests showcased some of the very best speakers in the district, with exceptionally high standards across both the International Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest. Every contestant brought passion and authenticity to the stage, making the experience unforgettable for everyone in the audience. Congratulations to our District 91 champions.

International Speech contest winners

Evaluation Speech contest winners

We wish them every success at the next stage of their Toastmasters journey.

There was plenty of joy too, singing “Volare,” dancing together at the gala dinner and sharing laughter late into the evening. These are the moments that remind us that Toastmasters is
more than communication and leadership. It is about friendships, belonging and shared experiences.

A huge thank you goes to Pearl and the entire conference team for delivering a great event despite all the last-minute challenges. Conferences of this scale do not happen overnight. They are built through months of planning, teamwork, problem-solving and dedication from volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. Your efforts created a truly memorable experience for our members and guests alike. We are also grateful to our supporters who helped make the conference experience so special.

If any one would like to be involved or interested in being a conference chair for future conferences, please send an email to conference@d91toastmasters.org.uk

Celebrating Club & Member Excellence

We are delighted to recognise the 4 th club to achieve the prestigious Smedley Distinguished Club status, a reflection of strong commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to the clubs reaching this milestone: PMI UK Toastmasters Club from L16.

As we approach the end of the Toastmasters year, this is also a gentle reminder for members to ensure that all completed educational levels are submitted and updated in Pathways. Every level achievement matters and contributes not only to your personal growth but also to your club, area, division and district success. We are at 81 Distinguished clubs and we will see many more joining the ranks soon. A special thank you also goes to all our Division Directors and Area Directors who have supported clubs tirelessly throughout the year. From conducting Area Director visit reports to mentoring club officers, encouraging quality meetings, guiding clubs toward Distinguished status, your leadership and commitment have played a vital role in helping clubs pursue excellence for their members.

Educational Achievements

Celebrating Excellence till date

Educational Awards: 1068 educational awards till date for 2025-26.

Triple Crown Award Winners: 47 Triple crown awards achieved till date for 2025-26 with 12 winners in May’26

Many congratulations, you inspire us all.

Important Reminder: Pathways Price Increase

Toastmasters International has announced that the cost of purchasing a new Pathways learning path will increase from $20 to $35 effective 1 July 2026. Members considering starting an additional path are encouraged to take advantage of the current pricing before 30 June 2026. Now is a wonderful opportunity to continue investing in yourself.

Using Our Voices to Create Impact

Toastmasters skills extend far beyond our clubs and workplaces, they help us create real impact in our communities. This month, Janet and I had the privilege of attending the 50th anniversary garden party at Buckingham Palace celebrating the work of The King’s Trust. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the young people we had mentored now thriving as Young Ambassadors, confidently sharing their stories and inspiring others. It was a powerful reminder that encouragement, mentoring and helping someone find their voice can truly change lives.

As we move into the final stretch of the Toastmasters year, let us carry forward the spirit of Root to Rise, continuing to learn, connect, encourage and grow together.

April has been a powerful reminder of what makes our district truly special, our members and our leaders who are volunteers working towards a common goal.

Our recent District Officer Training was a resounding success, not just in execution, but in spirit. What stood out most was seeing our Area Directors and Division Directors lead exceptional training sessions on topics such as Area Director visits, Succession Planning and Pitfalls. The ever-engaging Quizmaster even tested our knowledge, with the added allure of sweets!

There is something incredibly inspiring about leaders who actively contribute, share and elevate others. It reinforced a simple truth: Toastmasters doesn’t just build leaders for today; it nurtures a strong and capable leadership pipeline for the future.

Across the district, Division Contests have now been successfully completed. These contests are more than competitions, they showcase courage and excellence. Having had the privilege of attending some division contests, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of contestants, the commitment of organisers and the supportive energy of our members. The standard of our speakers continues to rise, and with it, so does the pride we feel as a district.

On a personal note, one of the highlights this month was revisiting Toastmasters at BBC – this time not as a sponsor, but simply as a proud Toastmaster. Hearing the President share his personal story with such vulnerability was deeply reassuring as it reinforced what Toastmasters truly stands for: a safe space to share, make mistakes and grow together as a community which is especially meaningful in times when there is uncertainty and change around us. Experiencing the club from this perspective was both nostalgic and fulfilling, reminding me of the journeys we take within Toastmasters and the lasting impact we create.

Another exciting development has been the collaboration between Toastmasters and Rotary through Speechcraft initiatives organised at PMI Toastmasters Club. These programs are opening up meaningful avenues for impact by combining communication, leadership and community service. It is encouraging to see how these partnerships are expanding our reach and empowering individuals beyond our immediate network.

Celebrating Excellence

Heartfelt congratulations to all our Quarterly Incentive winning clubs for Q3.
https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Q3-Results.xlsx.pdf

We are hopeful that soon we will also celebrate Accredited Speaker achievements within our district — an exciting milestone to look forward to.

We are incredibly proud to welcome our third Smedley Distinguished Club,  Bloomberg London Toastmasters (Division C, Area 5) to our growing list of excellence!

They now join the ranks of our outstanding clubs:
Tube Talk Toastmasters (Division B, Area 8)
Sustainable Speakers Online (Division D, Area 20)

Here’s to continuing to inspire voices across our community!

Triple Crown Award Winners (the ones that were achieved at the end of March included)

Your dedication to personal growth continues to inspire us all.

Root to Rise Conference

We are counting days until our upcoming Root to Rise Conference. With an inspiring lineup of exceptional speakers, debate session, panel discussions, an AI track exploring the future of communication and leadership, the conference promises to be a space for collaboration and celebration.

It is a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect and grow and we look forward to seeing many of you there.

As we move forward, let’s carry this momentum with us, continuing to support one another, simplify where we can and build sustainably for the future.

Here’s to finishing the year strong, together.