Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

Two Years of Conversations That Matter

For the past two years, Toastmasters Unplugged has been shining a spotlight on the people who make District 71 such a vibrant and inspiring community. Created to showcase our members and spark thought-provoking conversations, the show has welcomed champions, leaders, authors, mentors, conference organisers, and many others with a story worth sharing. From personal journeys … Read more

Fingal Toastmasters Celebrates 40 Years

Fingal Toastmasters recently celebrated a significant milestone – 40 years of helping members build confidence, communication, and leadership skills. The anniversary celebration brought together members past and present, distinguished guests, and friends from across the Toastmasters community to honour the club’s rich history and achievements. Fingal is proud to be the home club of Ted … Read more

In Valencia

Valencia filled the river bed And planted trees, with cycle paths And grassy banks and purple flowers Between the bridges that still spanned The wide expanse where once had flowed The brown and brackish Turia. Beneath their arches homeless men Placed mattresses to claim their space, A dormitory when darkness falls, But in the brightness of the day They silently slip down and stroll To where they … Read more

The Sock Drawer

I buy a box of four in nudeTo add to my ever increasingforlorn collection of footwear Last year’s pop socks have mingled, matedand mutated, into a mass of mousy brown hosierynone quite the same shade Twenty five in total, a partner lost somewhere.Called passion killers by a former lover.No one notices them now. Doreen O’Keeffe

An Ordinary Life, Intentionally

I prefer small moments.They don’t insist.They don’t apply for memory. A kettle considers boiling—not yet a decision,just a tremor. Light enters the kitchenas if it had forgottento knock yesterday. Coffee arrives first,announcing nothing,only being itself. No one would nominate thesefor importance.They lack witnesses, applause, a date. I used to trust larger things—milestones with proper names,occasions … Read more

Off-Season

In the gunmetal sky,gull wheel and wheechslim pickings in off-season.A paper merchant shiplists in Bayonne’s bay window. Childrenhover, pivot and scootaround and around the bandstand.Hatted hipster dadsscroll the Dow Jones,counting down the seconds -to hand over. Christina Hessian

Celebrating West Herts Speakers’ 30th Anniversary

Area 32 members and guests gathered for a memorable Gala Night at Redbourn Golf Club to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of West Herts Speakers Club. The evening brought together members from across Area 32 for an occasion filled with friendship, celebration, and recognition of the achievements of our clubs and members throughout the year. Guests … Read more

Capital Communicators in Edinburgh Celebrating Smedley Distinguished Status

Capital Communicators in Edinburgh celebrated achieving the Smedley Distinguished status award with Zara’s grandmother’s chocolate cake at our Tuesday meeting, following which a few Toasties enjoyed a drink at Deacon Brodies pub on the Royal Mile. Well done to Mel Cunningham, our President who steps up to Area Director (in the bright blue shirt) and … Read more