Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

October 23 Poem: History and Her story

October 2023

Toastmasters take a bow
Many words between then and now
To announce, profess, to say, to tell
No less water in the well

Each language has its thrill
It’s in each word to self fulfil
In each its own full meaning bring
To be silent, to write, to talk, to sing

When words and Toastmasters met
The long haul destiny indelibly set
Each one enriching the other
Each the keeper of his brother

Custodian of a treasure
With skill to make and measure
The kindest word that can be made
Is the unkind word unsaid

We look forward to such mastering again
As was witnessed by women and men
A bird flies through history
Carrying the Toastmaster story

Here’s to those gone before us
Who held the door open for us
The torch is passed from hand to hand
All of 99 years spun and spanned

Mike Keenan D71 Poet-in-Residence

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. This incentive rewards clubs which renew 80% or more of their membership base at 30th June 2021. Having a good base of experienced members is important to offer mentoring to new members and stability to the club. 

It’s a good idea to follow up with members who do not renew to help club officers to understand the reason for not renewing and to extend an invite to rejoin at a future stage. They may be happy to stay on the club’s email list with this in mind.

James Finnegan

James Finnegan, Public Relations Manager

Good PR attracts new guests, invites discussion and improves the reputation of the Club and Toastmasters generally.

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. Recruiting in the early months helps to maintain the membership based upon the number of members at 30 June.

Maintaining a healthy membership number (25+) gives the club a much better opportunity to hold quality meetings with enough members to avoid double roles. Quality club meetings attract new members. Healthy club growth is an important part of Club Success.