District 71 is delighted to warmly welcome Stowmarket Speakers, a new club based in Suffolk. Big congratulations to Paul Graham and his team for all their work in forming the club. It is fantastic to know that we are providing more opportunities for communities to become part of Toastmasters International and I wish the members … Read more
Every Toastmasters club is fortunate to have people who quietly make everything better — the kind of people whose support, encouragement and steady presence help a club to grow and thrive. For many of us in Division A, Patricia Radley is exactly that person. Since joining Cork Toastmasters in 2018, Patricia has given so much … Read more
Tony is a most inspiring leader and mentor.He has brought Swords Toastmasters to a whole new level. In 2023 he took the role of VPE and he insisted on doing the role for two years because he saw the benefits of doing two years.In 2025 he became our club president. He is beyond committed to … Read more
The old man with no name is arm deep in a Dublin City bin. Scavenging for cast-off Coke cans and bendy bottles for a paltry return. Oblivious to the street’s soundtrack of shrieking seagulls and ear-piercing pedestrians, he marshals his shopping trolley and the vestiges of his dignity, towards bountiful bin bags hopefully. Christina Hession
Since joining Toastmasters International in 2017, Gerda Parkja has exemplified steady, values-driven leadership. As Vice President Education at Manchester Orators, she helps support a thriving club community of 68 members—an achievement that reflects both commitment and strong leadership. Despite the demands of such a large club, Gerda consistently makes time to participate in Area Council … Read more
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
Because of a shortage of Committee members, I have seen how hard Tina has worked, keeping the Committee together and mentoring the new Committee members and she, herself has doubled up on Committee roles.Well done Tina! Strictly Speaking Harrogate
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
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
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