A Strong Start and Smedley Starts


Despite the wet weather we are supposed to be enjoying the height of summer! Time to be thinking about the Smedley Award which runs from 1st August to 30th September. You may have seen the GO – Ready, Steady, Grow posters – Olympic inspired running track images for the recent countdown and launch. All that is necessary is for your club to recruit five new or dual members during August and September.

To highlight your achievement in recruiting five or more new members to the world, your club will earn a Smedley Ribbon to attach to your Club Banner.

Any of the five new members who become club members in August – assuming they have paid until the end of March 2022 – count towards the more than twelve members who join or renew by the end of August. The first few clubs who pass this milestone will receive £25 from the District to spend on supplies. So, it is worth starting early.

A quick reminder that renewals start again on Monday 16th August from midday. More information will be shared nearer the time.

Membership Grows

I am delighted to report that the dashboard shows District 91 as having 16% more membership payments this year compared to last.

Three clubs:

  • Holborn Speakers,
  • Covent Garden Speakers, and
  • Amazon LHR14 Toastmasters

had three new members who joined in July and another thirteen clubs had two new members who joined last month. Congratulations to each club that has successfully started to recruit new members so early in the new Toastmaster year! We are off to a strong start compared to last year, but the numbers are only just over 50% of the members who joined in August 2019. So I would encourage you to please bring your friends and networking contacts so they can share your great Toastmasters experiences.

Finally, I need your help, please!

Part of the District’s strategic growth plan this year is to work with London-based professional organisations such as the RIBA, RICS, the various accounting, engineering institutes and other professional bodies. The idea is to approach them regarding the possibility of forming specialist clubs as a benefit to their members. These clubs can present great opportunities for their members to practice their speaking and presentation skills.

Therefore, I’m asking you to contact me directly if you are a member of a professional organisation. The aim is to explore with each institutions’ learning and development departments, the added benefits Toastmasters can deliver by working in partnership with these and other similar organisations.

Diane Richardson

District 91 Club Growth Director