District 71 Northern UK & Ireland

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders

Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

Welcome

Daniel Sandars, DTM
Daniel Sandars, DTM

Dear Fellow Toastmasters

Greetings to you all!

It is a very great honour to serve as the Director of District 71 as we approach our 50th anniversary.

We are a fantastic community of members that come together and work together in over 200 clubs covering the island of Ireland and Britain down to north of the Thames Estuary and then out to Cardigan bay in Wales.

My journey in Toastmasters International began ten years ago when I joined to improve my presentations skills. It is incredible to look back at the amazing friendships and adventures, challenges and triumphs, and adrenaline and caffeine along the way.

Whatever brought you to Toastmasters, we want you to discover that there is so much more to gain and that you will be supported every step of the way.

Vision for 2021-22

Our vision for 2021-22 is ambition. To dream, to believe and to achieve!

At midnight on the 30th of June 2022 the District turns 50 years. What better way to celebrate that than to be recognized worldwide for our flourishing members in excellent clubs?

How will we know if we are succeeding? Our membership will grow, our clubs will grow, our clubs prevailing in the Distinguished Club Programme will grow, and all our members will be progressing. Sustainable Growth is how we will know that members flourish in excellent clubs.

This year we aim for District 71 to finish with podium recognition at the Toastmasters International hybrid 2023 Convention in Nashville Tennessee, as a Smedley Distinguished District. Podium Finish Nashville

It is a challenging world out there and yes it is a challenging year for our members and leaders. What we do about that and how we choose to feel about that is our choice. Setting our sights high with big bold ‘hairy’ audacious goals invokes passion and excitement. What better thrilling antidote to testing times than to have fun!

Despite the trying times, Toastmasters International remains at heart pure gold and its value will prevail as we strive to build back better.

At all times we remember the member! Integrity, Service, Respect and Excellence lie at the heart of everything we do. You are all capable of amazing things. To paraphrase a saying “Reach for the moon and if you fall short you will land amongst stars”

The District Leadership Team is here to support you.

Daniel Sandars, DTM

D71 District Director

Brenda Lannon

Brenda Lannon, Program Quality Director

It is important for all committee members in a club to understand what it is the other members are trying to achieve, why they are doing it and how they can support each other.

This incentive supports the Club’s Success Plan by providing clubs with a better chance of achieving their goals under the Distinguished Club Program (DCP)

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.