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.
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.
| Division | Area | Club Name |
|---|---|---|
| B | 8 | Tube Talk Toastmasters |
| C | 5 | Bloomberg London Toastmasters |
| D | 20 | Sustainable Speakers Online |
| L | 16 | PMI UK Toastmasters Club |
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.
| Education Awards Member Achievements | Total |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 441 |
| Level 2 | 266 |
| Level 3 | 171 |
| Level 4 | 121 |
| Level 5 | 60 |
| Distinguished Toastmaster | 9 |
| Total | 1068 |
Triple Crown Award Winners: 47 Triple crown awards achieved till date for 2025-26 with 12 winners in May’26
| Month | Club Name | Member Name |
|---|---|---|
| May-26 | Legacy Speakers Brixton | Beverley Daniel – Blugh, PM5 (2nd Triple Crown this year) |
| May-26 | London Olympian Speakers Toastmasters | Joann Walsh |
| May-26 | Polish Your Polish | Arkadiusz Dudek |
| Mar-26 | PMI UK Toastmasters Club | Grace Nabatanzi |
| May-26 | Hamwic Speakers | Tom Primrose |
| May-26 | Early Bird Speakers | Hary Bell |
| May-26 | Casterbridge Speakers | Beverley Hepting, PM3 |
| May-26 | Early Bird Speakers | Christine H. Wallach, DTM |
| May-26 | db Toastmasters – Canary Wharf | Elaine Kelly, DTM |
| May-26 | Connected Speakers | Georgios Apostolakis, PM4 |
| May-26 | Malvern Speakers | Isaac Baker, PM3 |
| May-26 | PMI UK Toastmasters Club | Rajan Jesuraj, PM2 |
| May-26 | PMI UK Toastmasters Club | Ranjit Shergill, PM4 |
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.
Last Updated on 26th May 2026 by Allen Paul