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Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

John Leech

Sustainability in a Toastmasters Club: Building Strength Beyond Individuals

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Sustainability is often discussed in terms of the environment, but within organisations it has another equally important meaning: ensuring that systems, knowledge, and leadership are strong enough to continue even when key individuals are not present. In community organisations such as Toastmasters clubs, sustainability is essential for maintaining momentum, supporting members, and ensuring that meetings … Read more

The Doyle Collection Headshot Initiative for International Women’s Day 2026

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To mark International Women’s Day 2026, I was delighted to participate in The Doyle Collection Headshot Initiative. Raising funds for a great cause. Running simultaneously across hashtag#London, hashtag#Dublin, hashtag#Cork and hashtag#Washington D.C. We had the opportunity to book a slot and have headshots captured by a professional female photographer Here is yours truly, Anne-Marie Murphy … Read more

Leading with Authentic Adaptability: Spotlight on Clésia Mendes

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Throughout District 71, women continue to shape the future of Toastmasters through leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to personal growth. One such leader is Clésia Mendes, Area 48 Director. Clésia currently supports more than 190 members across six clubs in the Manchester area and surrounding communities. In her role as Area Director, she works closely … Read more

Multiple Titles

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Half a year after my first wife died tragically, I was invited to share in starting a new Toastmasters club – Bromley Speakers – in 1992. Still traumatised by my bereavement, my short- term memory was shot. Speech making helped me to get over that. Then I learned about the International Speech Contest and rushed … Read more

Michele Blackwood – Dundee Toastmasters

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Toastmasters is very fortunate to have Michele Blackwood. I’m very fortunate to have Michele as a fellow toastmaster at Dundee. Why, because Michele isn’t just someone who does the donkey work of keeping a club running; she elevates it.  Michele is a steady hand behind the scenes, a competent person in times of uncertainty, and … Read more

Club spirit in action: How our members came together to save contest night.

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On the evening of 15 March, our club in District 71, Area 16, Division C was due to hold its International Speech and Evaluation Contest at 7.45 pm. Shortly before the meeting began, we received news that our Vice President Education, who was also acting as Chief Judge, had been involved in a car accident … Read more