MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Colleagues and Friends

I hope you are all keeping well and business is picking up for our Active Toastmasters.

We have now had our annual Toastmasters Social Weekend (Sunday, 26th – Tuesday, 28 February 2023) –this year in Bristol.

Arriving on Sunday, 26th, after everybody had settled in their rooms, we had our “Crazy Hats” event. Everybody took a great deal of time and effort to create fantastic head gear. We had flowers, gardening hats, bees, lucky Irish hats to name but a few, but the winners of the competition were Past President Tony Forward who came with a bedecked Policeman’s helmet (not sure if it was one of his old ones!) and Barbara Coulam, one of our regular non-NAT attenders, who created two bespoke Liquorice Allsort Hats. Tony and Barbara both won a bottle of fizz each. We danced the night away to the Apache Disco (a big thank you to our resident DJ, Ian Haskell). After a lovely breakfast, most people made their way off site to Bristol, Cheddar Gorge, or just to see friends in the Bristol area. We re-assembled in the evening and enjoyed a wine tasting experience from Robin Snowdon of Limeburn Hill Vineyard. The Vineyard is the only biodynamic vineyard in the south west of England, and one of only 7 in the UK. This was followed by a Quiz, delivered in the inimitable style of Geoff and Gayna Harris, on to dancing and then to bed. On Tuesday morning, after breakfast, we all went our separate ways. We have already received several requests for next year, so all is looking good! Watch this space!

We are still looking at organising a summer outing – so continue watching this space!

Wishing you all a very happy Summer and hope to see you soon. Take care.

Best wishes

Tom Reddy President & Fellow of the NAT

How I Became an Honorary Member of the NAT - Jancice Dorn Competition - Paul Deacon

Welcome to the Spring edition of the TMV, albeit terribly late. Thank you, as always to those who have contributed to this issue.

A massive thank you to Joe Short, wedding photographer extraordinaire, who took time out of his busy schedule to judge our photo competition and congratulations to Past President Peter Thompson, who won and will receive the bottle of champagne.

If you read nothing else in this edition, please take time to look at David Tinney’s on Cyber Security. This is the first in a series and is not just essential reading but a must act upon one!

As I have said before, we are such an eclectic group that I am sure there are many more fascinating articles to be had - please please send them in.

If you have any thoughts about what you would like to see in the TMV please contact me at richard@ cambridgetoastmaster.com with your suggestions.

Happy reading!

Joyful news for the Saward family!

“Dear Fellow Toastmasters, we all know that life brings us highs and lows. The highs sometimes reach unimaginable peaks and the lows can often be quite unfathomable. Following the lows we can sometimes be blessed with a wonderful and beautiful silver lining.

After a tough year, I was blessed with a truly delightful silver lining. Late evening on 6th March, just an hour and a half before what would have been dear Alex’s birthday, I was thrilled to welcome a third great grandchild; this time a beautiful little baby girl. She is named Isabelle Alexandra and is the second child of my grandson Mark (son of my younger son Miles and his wife Jacqui) and his wife Cassie.

Attached are a couple of photographs - one of baby Isabelle on her own and one of big brother Jake, (who’ll be five in April), with his new baby sister.

Born on 18 February 1945 in Surrey, Colin enjoyed school and did well. He met his wife Valerie when she was only 15 through mutual friends and they started dating two years later. Colin and Val married on 16th March 1968 at Trinity Church, Sutton in Surrey and had 55 years together.

He ran the Fox and Hounds pub in Kempton for six years and eventually set up a Financial Services business, Roberts and Associates. On semi-retirement he became a Toastmaster and joined the ranks of the NAT Members in May 2003, becoming a full Member in November 2005. He was a very well thought of Toastmaster in the Bedford area, even officiating at one of our member’s weddings at The Woburn Inn. He also officiated at many Royal functions, including those of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Colin was also a very keen Freemason.

Richard Heywood was taking his Associate exam at the same time that Colin was taking his Membership exam. Richard recounts “I was having great difficulty in doing up my collar stud. Colin came over, calmed me down, helped me to do up the stud and I passed and was ever grateful to Colin”.

He leaves behind three children: Kelly, Paul and Mandy and was a very proud Grandfather of six: Robert, Adam, Jake, Henry, James and Victoria. At his funeral the family played music to reflect his taste: “Tommy” from Pinball Wizard (The Who), “Jerusalem” (a chorale piece) and I’ve Got You Babe (Sunny & Cher).

Colin passed away on the 9th March 2023 aged only 78. He will be missed by many.

NAT Fellow Appointment

At a meeting of out Executive Committee last week, members unanimously approved a recommendation from the Fellowship Assessment Board that Simon Shirley be appointed as an NAT Fellow.

The Board comprised of Barry Dorn and Tom Reddy, under the chairmanship of Paul Deacon. In their words, “Simon presented very well and confidently and gave a very good account of himself and proved himself to be both knowledgeable and willing to continue to help other NAT members”.

Simon is now our 25th Fellow and I am sure you will all join me in congratulating him on reaching this position.

Notice

Christine Edgar (cmatoast@gmail.com) has a number of second-hand uniforms in her wardrobe for sale.

Dates for the diary

Annual General Meeting

Sunday 8th October 2023 - via Zoom

Executive Committee Meeting

Monday 11th September 2023 - via Zoom

NAT Christmas Lunch

RAF Club

Monday 11th December