My dear Toastmasters,
As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to check in with ourselves and with each other. Sometimes, a simple “How are you really doing?” can make a world of difference. At Toastmasters, we’re more than just speakers and leaders, we’re a community that listens, supports and lifts one another. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we sustain the energy to grow and guide others. You matter and your well being is important. After months of planning, it’s now time to see those plans come to life as contests, trainings and celebrations unfold across our District.
Contest Season in Full Swing
Our club, area and division contests are in full motion and what a joy it’s been to watch members bring their humour, creativity and confidence to the stage! If you’re organizing or participating, make sure you visit the District 91 Contest Resources page for all the materials you need, from checklists to scripts. And if any ambiguity arises, remember to refer to the latest Toastmasters International Contest Rulebook to keep everything fair, fun and by the book.
Pathways: Exciting Enhancements Ahead
With the exciting changes to Pathways announced by Toastmasters International, this is the perfect time for the 16% of our members who haven’t yet started to explore the program. The enhanced education experience offers new opportunities to strengthen your communication, develop leadership skills, and achieve your personal goals.
It’s never too late to begin, your next milestone could be just one speech away!
Celebrating Our October Triple Crown Winners
Congratulations to our Triple Crown achievers for October, members who completed three or more education awards this year:
- Karen Bailey, Worcester Speakers
- Lydia McDowall, The Speakers of Croydon
- Massimo Guadagnino, Liberty Speakers Club & Beckenham Communicators
- Nathan Holmes, South West Speakers
- Peter Francis, Tube Talk Toastmasters
Your pins will be awarded at Flow with the Fall in November, well done for leading the way!
Ditch the Nerves Podcast – Episode 1 Live
We’re thrilled to announce that the District 91 “Ditch the Nerves” podcast has officially launched! In the first episode, Morag Mathieson, DTM, Past International President (2023–24), speaks about “The Magic of Inclusive Leadership” — sharing inspiring insights on confidence, connection, and the true essence of leadership that uplifts others.
Watch it now: Episode 1 with Morag Mathieson
Episode 2 was released on 25th October’25. We will be releasing two episodes every month. Please share your feedback and suggestions on who you’d like to see interviewed on the podcast by writing to us at podcast@d91toastmasters.org.uk.
Toastmasters has always been a safe space for members to try new things, experiment and grow into confident communicators and inspiring leaders and this podcast is another step in that journey.
Mentor Buddy Programme – Mentors Needed
Over 60 members have registered as mentees, now we’re calling on experienced toastmasters to step up as mentors. If you’ve ever been guided by someone who believed in you, now’s your chance to be that spark for others. Your experience could be the key that unlocks someone’s growth.
Looking Ahead – Follow Through and Flourish
Corporate Club Officer Training in November – Learn from Global Leaders!
Inviting all Corporate Club Officers to join us in November for an inspiring Corporate Club Officer Training Series featuring top global Toastmasters leaders including Aletta Rochat, Gauri Seshadri, Jean Gamester, Morag Mathieson, Pat Johnson, and Lilian Shaftacola.
Gain practical tools to:
- Reignite engagement and retain members
- Build strong leadership pipelines
- Elevate your club’s visibility and value within your organisation
Multiple sessions available across early and mid-November.
Featured Speakers:
– Aletta Rochat, DTM – Toastmasters International President 2025–26
– Gauri Seshadri, DTM – Toastmasters First Vice President 2025–26
– Jean Gamester, DTM – Toastmasters Second Vice President 2025–26
– Morag Mathieson, DTM – Past International President 2023–24
– Pat Johnson, DTM – Past International President 2010–2011, Author of A Handbook for Building and Sustaining Vibrant Toastmaster Programs in Corporations
– Lilian Shaftacola, DTM – Toastmasters Region 10 Advisor
The second round of Club Officer Training runs from November 1 to February 28. It’s the perfect opportunity for club officers to refresh their skills, share experiences, and continue leading with confidence and purpose.
Check the D91 calendar for COTs starting in November.
Flow with the Fall- District Contests Mid Year Event on 23 November 2025
We’re counting down to our District Half-Year Celebration: “Flow with the Fall” a day dedicated to connections, celebrations and inspiration.
Venue: London South Bank University
Date: Sunday, 23 November 2025
Get ready for two dynamic, interactive keynotes, the District Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest finals and an atmosphere buzzing with learning and laughter.
This is your chance to connect with fellow Toastmasters from across the District, cheer for our finalists and celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved together.
Register now and be part of the experience: Flow with the Fall Event
Get involved:
- Support the Conference Team [https://d91toastmasters.org.uk/members/d91-conference/]
District Q1 Incentive Winners Announced!
And finally, we’re excited to announce the winners of our District Quarterly Incentives for Q1 (July – September 2025)!
| Club Group | Incentive Tiers | Club Name | Tier Points | Total Club Points |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Sustainable Speakers Online | 410 | 430 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | London Olympians Speakers Toastmasters Club | 230 | 260 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Hamwic Speakers | 130 | 170 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Leadership Innovators | West London Speakers Club | 50 | 145 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Leadership Innovators | Hamwic Speakers | 20 | 170 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Leadership Innovators | London Victorians | 20 | 120 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Excellence Champions | West London Speakers Club | 35 | 145 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Excellence Champions | London Olympians Speakers Toastmasters Club | 30 | 260 |
| Pinnacle Clubs | Excellence Champions | Sustainable Speakers Online | 20 | 430 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | City Limits Speakers | 380 | 400 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Voice of Wales Speakers Club | 160 | 210 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Worthing Speakers | 150 | 195 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Leadership Innovators | Lloyds Banking Group Toastmasters | 55 | 140 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Leadership Innovators | Voice of Wales Speakers Club | 20 | 210 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Leadership Innovators | London Cardinals | 20 | 170 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Excellence Champions | Worthing Speakers | 45 | 195 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Excellence Champions | Lloyds Banking Group Toastmasters | 45 | 140 |
| Powerhouse Clubs | Excellence Champions | Voice of Wales Speakers Club | 30 | 210 |
| Rising Stars | Pathways Pioneers | Casterbridge Speakers | 170 | 200 |
| Rising Stars | Pathways Pioneers | db Toastmasters – Canary Wharf | 140 | 160 |
| Rising Stars | Pathways Pioneers | Experience French | 140 | 160 |
| Rising Stars | Leadership Innovators | Tube Talk Toastmasters | 20 | 160 |
| Rising Stars | Leadership Innovators | Northavon Speakers Toastmasters Club | 20 | 110 |
| Rising Stars | Leadership Innovators | UK Speakers and Leaders Toastmasters | 20 | 70 |
| Rising Stars | Excellence Champions | Tube Talk Toastmasters | 40 | 160 |
| Rising Stars | Excellence Champions | Casterbridge Speakers | 30 | 200 |
| Rising Stars | Excellence Champions | Northavon Speakers Toastmasters Club | 30 | 110 |
| Spark Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Salisbury Speakers | 140 | 190 |
| Spark Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Reading Verizon Toastmasters | 70 | 90 |
| Spark Clubs | Pathways Pioneers | Verizon EMEA Online Toastmasters Club | 70 | 90 |
| Spark Clubs | Leadership Innovators | Salisbury Speakers | 20 | 190 |
| Spark Clubs | Leadership Innovators | Woodford Green Speakers | 20 | 100 |
| Spark Clubs | Leadership Innovators | Spinnaker Speakers | 20 | 40 |
| Spark Clubs | Excellence Champions | Salisbury Speakers | 30 | 190 |
| Spark Clubs | Excellence Champions | Woodford Green Speakers | 30 | 100 |
| Spark Clubs | Excellence Champions | Tottenham Speakers Club | 30 | 90 |
A huge congratulations to all our achievers, your dedication and drive have truly set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. This is just the beginning, with three more quarters to go, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to shine!
Winners will receive an email shortly with details on how to claim their incentives.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Let’s keep the momentum going and make the rest of the year even more inspiring
As we move through this next quarter, let’s follow through on the plans we set in Q1. Stay focused on your goals and even if the path shifts, keep moving toward your purpose. Remember to pause, check in with yourself and those around you, and celebrate every small win along the way.
Together, let’s keep connecting, caring and celebrating growth – the Toastmasters way.
With gratitude,
Seema Menon, DTM
Program Quality Director, District 91
Last Updated on 28th October 2025 by Allen Paul