Leicester City Speakers celebrates 15 extraordinary years.
On the evening of 23rd April 2026, Leicester City Speakers — Club No. 1591173, Area 06, Division E, District 71 — gathered to mark a milestone fifteen years in the making. Thirty-six members and guests filled the room at 1 Richmond Street, Leicester, for a celebration that was equal parts history lesson, heartfelt reunion, and joyful party. From founding pioneers to the newest faces in the club, the evening captured everything that makes a Toastmasters community worth building.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The club’s story stretches back to around 2011, when PDD John Cox DTM and Roma Cox helped sponsor a corporate Toastmasters club at Pick Everard, a property consultants and engineers firm — known as PEPS (Pick Everard Presents and Speaks). By 2014, with attendance dwindling as employees moved off-site, the corporate club faced closure. John, then serving as Division E Director, refused to let it disappear.
On 25th September 2014, with the help of a handful of East Midlands Speakers members, the club was reborn as Leicester Leaders Speakers Club — launched at The Peepul Centre on Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, with seven dual members and five new members. Brendon Flint served as its inaugural President. By 2015 the club had grown to 20 paid members and moved to the Fieldhead Hotel in Markfield. By 2022/2023, having settled into its current home in Leicester City, the club proudly took its present name: Leicester City Speakers.
“The ability to present well to an audience is paramount. Success in careers and in business depends on differentiating yourself from others.”
— PDD John Cox DTM, Division E Governor 2013–14 & Club Co-founder
PIONEERS IN THE ROOM
One of the evening’s most moving moments came with the presence of the club’s founding figures. PDD John Cox DTM delivered a founding speech, sharing the origin story of the club with characteristic warmth and wit. Beside him was Roma Cox, his co-founder and fellow East Midlands Speakers member. David Hopkins — a founding member, Vice President Education, and serving committee member in 2014 when the club made its community transition — was also present.
All three were presented with Pioneer Certificates in recognition of their foundational role in building what Leicester City Speakers has become. The room applauded them.
HONOURING THE JOURNEY — MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARY CERTIFICATES
Facilitated by Acting President Prince Acquah — a special presentation honoured members across every milestone of the club’s journey. Membership anniversary certificates were awarded across a full spectrum: 10 years, 8 years, 7 years, 6 years, 4 years, 3 years, 2 years and 1 year, with newly joined members also recognised and welcomed. It was a vivid reminder of the club’s cycle of growth — pioneers still present, new voices just beginning.
VOICES FROM AFAR — ALUMNI VIDEO MESSAGES
Facilitated by Immediate Past District Director Danny Banks DTM, a series of congratulatory video messages from alumni who could not be present in person but whose connection to the club remained undimmed.
Oliver Lee (Olie), who served as VP PR in 2019/2020, sent his warmest congratulations from far Asia. Irfan Malik, VPE 2015/2016 and now based in Germany, shared his pride in the club’s journey. Zbigniew Chmiel — Zibby — delivered a heartfelt message. And Amanda Harrington, a ten-year member of the club who — though she could not attend the 23rd April celebration — contributed a message that moved those who watched it. Amanda would later attend the Speakathon on 14th May 2026, where she delivered her farewell speech to the club before embarking on her next chapter: founding a new Toastmasters club in Carlisle.
Among the most memorable moments of the alumni segment came from Barbara Opala, VP Membership 2019/2020, who has been a member for eight years and is now with Cardiff Speakers. Barbara’s message arrived with characteristic humour: she reflected that Leicester City Speakers had helped her become funny in English, in England — while she already knew she was funny in Polish, in Poland. Now in Wales, she reports she is funny at Cardiff Speakers too. “Thanks to Leicester City Speakers,” she declared, “I am now internationally funny.” The room loved it.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
The evening was honoured by the presence of Bilal Arshad, Area Director for Area 6 East Midlands and incoming Division E Director Elect for 2026/2027; Dave McIntyre, Division E Director; and Helen Orlandich, Immediate Past Area Director for Area 6. Their attendance reflected the warmth and support that Division E and District 71 have long shown to the club.
THE MEETING PROGRAMME
Beyond the special presentations, the evening’s programme was rich with Toastmasters craft. A lively Table Topics session filled the room with impromptu speeches and memorable responses. One of the club’s newest members delivered their Icebreaker speech — a moment that, in its own quiet way, echoed the very first speeches delivered in this club eleven years ago. An established member also delivered a prepared speech on their Toastmasters pathway, demonstrating the range of experience that coexists within a thriving club.
The evening concluded with the cutting of the anniversary cake — toasted by Danny Banks DTM — photographs, and a spread of food and drinks enjoyed from the opening meet-and-greet right through the evening. The club’s 15th Anniversary Knowledge Nugget Pamphlet was shared with all members and guests, a beautifully produced keepsake documenting the club’s history, committee lineage and founding story.
“Leicester City Speakers helped me become funny in English, in England. Now in Wales, I’m funny there too. I am now internationally funny — thanks to Leicester City Speakers.”
— Barbara Opala, VP Membership 2019/2020, now with Cardiff Speakers
LOOKING AHEAD
Fifteen years on, Leicester City Speakers continues to grow. With 28+ members and a steady flow of new faces, the club that John Cox refused to let die in 2014 is very much alive — and still making leaders.
If you would like to visit Leicester City Speakers, the club meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:30 PM at 1 Richmond Street, Leicester, LE2 7LQ. Guests are always welcome.
Club website: leicestercityspeakersclub.co.uk
Email: tm.leicestercityspeakers@gmail.com
Instagram: @leicestercityspeakers
Facebook: LeicesterCitySpeakersClub
Femi Olulaja
Leicester City Speakers
Vice President Membership 2025/2026
Immediate Past Division E Director 2024/2025
