TMV_SUMMER2025 - Spread by mitchell-armstrong

TOASTMASTERS’ VOICE

The National Association of Toastmasters

IN MEMORIUM.

CHRIS POOLE CBE

NOVEMBER 1946 - AUGUST 2025

I first met Chris in late 2002 when we were introduced by the late Toastmaster John Harrison in a pub near Blackbushe Airport, Hampshire. He was interested in being a toastmaster and I agreed to train him. I trained him, taking it in turns between my home and his in Silchester, a village between Reading and Basingstoke. He became a very good and busy toastmaster, assisted by experiences in his former life, that I will touch on later.

Chris passed his exams to become a member of the NAT and was made Fellow in 2011. He had been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease a few years previously but it was nothing more than a twitch in one hand. It progressed and was expected to get worse. He made the decision to retire before it got any worse and while he was ‘still on top of the game.’ I kept in touch with Chris, as did Simon Shirley.

His Parkinsons got worse and he was admitted to hospital with a heart problem, where he sadly passed away on 8th August. He leaves his wife, Katrina. There were no children of the marriage. Typical Chris, he had opted for a direct cremation, so that there was no fuss and people did not have to make special arrangements to attend a funeral.

Chris was born on 4th November 1946. He lived at first in Southall and at the age of 9 moved to Alton, Hants where he went to school. Leaving school at 15, he started an apprenticeship but that did not last long. He joined the Young Conservatives and was a volunteer agent but at 19, he was invited to become a professional agent for the party. He was responsible for the whole SW England. He moved into the Conservative Central Office and became the Secretary of the National Union, the voluntary side of the party.

He took on responsibility for organising the party conference for the next 8 years. Further promotion saw him as Assistant Director of Constituency Services, heading voluntary membership, candidates and conservatives abroad. He was appointed Assistant to the board of the Conservative Party and Director of Fundraising.

He was very involved in Bulgaria, where he helped set up their conservatism following the fall of the Communist Party. He once made a speech in the capital, Sofia, in front of an audience of 100,000.

Former Prime Minister, John Major, put him forward for a CBE for his Political Services, that was presented to Chris by the late Queen in1997. Chris will be missed by all he friends he made in government circles, his Freemasonry involvement and by all his colleagues within the NAT and the many people whose ‘special occasion’ was made extra special because Chris was their toastmaster.

A tribute by Tony Forward PP

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members of the NAT,

I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful summer and managed to find some relaxation alongside your busy work schedules.

Firstly, I must apologise that our summer event did not go ahead as planned. As you know, our dear friend and colleague Brian Lee has been unwell with knee problems and was sadly unable to host. On behalf of the NAT, we send Brian our very

best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, and we look forward to holding the event at his home at a later date.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to our Honorary Secretary, Michael Myers, who will be stepping down as the NAT Secretary at the AGM in October. Michael has given so much time and dedication to the NAT over the past few years. As he hands over the reins, we wish

him continued good health and happiness, and we hope he will remain actively involved with the association. Thank you, Michael, for all that you have done.

Our planned examinations at the end of September unfortunately had to be postponed as we were unable to secure the required three examiners. This highlights the importance of member participation, without your support, we cannot deliver the work of the NAT. My door is always open, and I encourage you to get in touch. We will always find a meaningful role for you.

A reminder that the AGM will take place at the Water Rats in London on Sunday 5th October, followed by Lunch. The meeting will begin at 11:00am, with lunch served at 1:00pm. Last year’s face to face gathering was a great success, and I hope this year will be equally well attended by members and partners.

Looking ahead, our Christmas Lunch will once again be held at the fabulous Baker’s Hall in London on Thursday 4th December. After last year’s success, I am confident we will sell out, so please do book early once the forms are released. Being the Associations 70th year, we have a couple of surprises in store, so don’t miss out

Finally, I wish to thank all of

the officers and the executive committee for their hard work and support. As I move into my second year as President, it is time to begin implementing some changes to strengthen our association and ensure its continued success. I will be proposing several ideas at the AGM and very much look forward to your input.

On behalf of my wife Nicola and myself: keep busy, keep working, and remember, this is your association.

Robert Persell President

Welcome to the Summer Edition of the TMV

I hope you had a full, busy, and enjoyable summer, whether working or on holiday.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this edition. As ever, David Tinney’s articles are well worth reading, and his latest piece on AI does not disappoint. You may also get a touch of travel envy after reading Nina Vaseer’s fabulous holiday experience.

We also extend our warmest congratulations to Ian Lloyd on his wedding— his article and photos are included in this issue.

This edition also marks some significant transitions within our community. Christine Akhurst, past president and NAT trailblazer, will be retiring as an active member. We thank her sincerely for her invaluable contributions over the years.

Michael Myers is stepping down as the Association Secretary. I am sure you will all agree that he has done a wonderful job keeping us informed of NAT meetings, news etc. On a personal note, I would like to thank him for his unwavering support of the TMV.

Finally, a plea (no apologies for sounding like a broken record)remember, TMV is your magazine. We always welcome your thoughts, stories, experiences, and ideas—whether you are new to the Association or have been part of it for years. This magazine thrives on your voice, so please keep the contributions coming or if you have not contributedplease give it a go!

Happy reading!

Richard Mitchell

Further Thoughts on Wedding Fairs

Paul Deacon’s article on wedding fairs prompted me about my own experiences. I did several wedding fairs years ago, but gained little from them, even when they gave me a free stand, including my introducing the fashion show part-way through.

I used to fill in for past President and Secretary Martin Nicholls at Savill Court, where they had automatic inclusion of a Toastmaster in most of the wedding packages and when he sadly died, I took over as main supplier for a period. This then disappeared when the Indian investor took over the hotel and redeveloped it to, I believe, virtually 100% Indian Weddings. The whole slug of business there went, and I have not bothered with them much since.

All contributions to be sent to richard@cambridgetoastmaster.com

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or the NAT.

THE NAT 100 CLUB – BE IN IT TO WIN IT! 2025 Winners May 88

August 72 Martin Moorhouse £20

Dates for the diary

Annual General Meeting Sunday 5th October 2025

Christmas Lunch

Thursday 4th December 2025 (venue TBA)

Barry Dorn

Stepping down

No surprises, but after six years I’m stepping down, and hanging up, and handing over, the Secretary’s pencil. I was originally asked to take up the position by Stephen Sanders when he became President in 2019, and since Stephen I have served under the next four Presidents. Since moving to a two-year Presidential term I always thought it best to stand down midway in the term. This avoids the situation where a new President and a new Secretary start at the same time. With that in mind it was either now or in two years’ time, and as they say there’s no time like the present.

I have very much enjoyed my time in post and hope that in some way I have furthered the aims of the NAT. I was in post during the shutdown due to the big C in 2020, and I’m glad to see that we emerged largely unscathed.

My first two jobs as an Associate were as a result on the then Secretary, Tom Reddy, posting two jobs to members that were the result of him being contacted by parties looking for a Toastmaster. I have to say that such queries to me have become very few and far between. That’s why you haven’t heard much from me in this regard. Incidentally the first of those two jobs led to a five-year involvement with Young Enterprise, and all those jobs were expenses only!

I have tried to be diligent as a custodian of our Rules but latterly I have been giving this some thought. Is the way we are structured fit for purpose in 2025 and way beyond? Should we stay a largely formal, rules-based organisation or should we become a looser and more social grouping? In my position as Secretary I have tried to remain neutral on all matters but I do often hear from both sides of this debate and there are probably more sides I haven’t worked out!

For my part we have a tradition to uphold and a membership structure that has served us well. However, is it still relevant today? Should we stay as we are? Is there a middle way, or another way entirely? I am not sure of the best forum for such a debate but maybe it is through the pages of TMV with our esteemed Editor acting as arbiter?

Anyway, I have identified my successor, Brian Lee, who will be standing at the next AGM, and I do hope you give him the support he and this important position deserves.

Thank you for your support.

Michael Myers

At the moment, Hon Secretary, National Association of Toastmasters

The path to becoming a Toastmaster….

My career has been in public service, local government mainly with now being a local authority finance director. As part of that I have been to numerous civic and ceremonial events and attended many large functions including as President of one of the professional bodies of which I am a member. One of my highlights being working for the City of London Corporation where ceremony is at a whole different level. I met many a toastmaster along the way and wondered if I could do that as part of my next chapter.

Two of my dearest friends asked me to act as Master of Ceremonies when they renewed their vows in 2023 having been their Matron of Honour when they tied the knot in 2003 and so I decided to contact the NAT and start on the training. My friends are immensely proud of being responsible for getting me to take my first step and I write this in their honour as soon he will leave us as his health finally takes its toll on him.

I enjoyed the training and love researching protocol – my good friend (and colleague) and I are proud to be geeks as far as governance and protocols are concerned. We worked together on the management of the civic events for the council we worked for when the late Queen passed and King Charles took the throne. Flags up, flags down, when to wear black (every teams meeting or public appearance as a Chief Officer), who got to stand where for the proclamation ……….. so with all of that it feels like being a Toastmaster is a natural step.

I passed my Associate exam on the same day as I got my current job – busy day, several outfit changes - remind you of any of your days? Never one to start small, I took on a dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel in Park Lane for my accountancy institute - must have gone ok as I’m booked again for this year!

Now that local government is being reorganised, my full time career is drawing to its natural end so I shall soon be booking wedding fayres and actively pursuing events to get the red jacket out…….. after all it matches my hair! I am excited to help people have the event they want and deserve to enjoy!

Suzanne Jones

A.I. IS COMING TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU WITHIN DAYS!

Just over the past few days I have had a number of challenges which continue to reinforce a perspective I have. If this article comes across as political, it is not meant to be but explains how I see what is happening on the ground, how this is affected by the overall changing pace of technology, and how this is going to affect our lives in the very near future.

This is my personal view!

In the past, TMV’s I have mentored this thing called AI. Artificial Intelligence! There are many forms and flavours, but let’s

just think of it as AI generally. This article will explain why the pace has accelerated exponentially and how it will continue to do so.

During and after Covid, a huge number of people, let’s limit it to the UK although it is worldwide, have become very comfortable with working from home. I have come across so many of Generation Z who will not come into the office unless it is mandatory and only for the requisite mandatory days!

So we find ourselves in a hybrid working or working from home environment, well,

built a huge business around offering work at a very reasonable price to international companies. Secondly, they will look at ways of automating things. Companies will carry out a cost/benefit analysis, and the higher cost of employees has tipped the balance well in favour of both off shoring and automation. As a rule of thumb, if you can get back your investment in automation by reduced costs in 18 months, I have always believed it is a “no-brainer”!

Now this is where my view has been changing. I thought people would be very anti AI but recently I have had and talked to people about experiences that turn this on its head. I always thought you will always get a better result from people! It is at the point you believe you will get a better result from AI you give in and go, well, “What the hell”.

Here are just a couple of examples.

One insurance company has closed its call centre in the U.K. and is fully work-fromhome.

So “work-from-home” now means all over the world! Three times I tried to explain a situation to different people in different world locations, and three times the “people” could not grasp the basics and were getting key, critical data wrong, so at what point are people not able, any longer, to do the job well, to add value? When do you get to the point that you go, actually, an AI is going to be more accurate than a person?

One of the key barriers to adoption of AI is people trusting it. The point at which you trust it more than you trust the people is the tipping point for the massive adoption of AI.

I was recently made aware of a situation where someone was unwell for many years. This had been getting worse month on month, but each specialist said no problem with their area and it was not connected. This person eventually, at great cost to themselves, went to see a holistic practitioner who also practices at one of

the London Hospitals. Did she get given the answer? Yes and it seemed so clear. She has now had the operation and is on the way to recover, but what was found? Well, it was significant. Could an AI have analysed the data holistically and come up with the conclusions quicker because there are no silos to AI and collaboration is built into the way it works.

It is not that “people” that are at fault, but the more dumbed-down things are becoming, the less trained people are, the less the ability to recruit the right people, the more likely we will have AI to replace our jobs. So what is the next step? I wear a sophisticated training watch. The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, which can monitor most of my vitals. For those in the know, my SATs, my heart rate stress levels, my sleep patterns, and I can even take an ECG. It even tells me to relax and will give me a breathing routing there and then! There are many different types and models that will do this, and even a ring on your finger now. “Poppy cock” people say, well, no not any longer. A number of these devices have been approved by the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). So in the future, why do you need to see a doctor? Link up your local health app with your NHS app, and the AI doctor can monitor you in real time, and AI can say to a doctor person if you need, “Request to see this patient.” It will turn the health service on its head. They will call you! The tech is already available. Even before this finally happens think of the time you will save if these tests can be done before you even arrive at the doctor. Blood pressure showing high. Take these! Some people have to wait weeks to see a doctor. AI will take minutes.

This is the reform we are sleepwalking into - Whether you agree with it or like it is not my point; it is happening before your eyes. It is coming to you and very fast.

David Tinney

A Journey of a Lifetime: Culture, Reflection, and Adventure

A 120-day odyssey that spanned 7 countries and an incredible 20,120 miles. Our adventure took us to 24 vibrant towns and cities, travelling overland by 6 coaches, 10 flights, and 9 trains.

Along the way, we witnessed breathtaking sunsets that painted the skies,

stood in awe before some of the tallest buildings in the world, and savoured delicious meals. But beyond the landmarks and miles, it was the people we met—their kindness, warmth, and stories—that truly made the journey unforgettable.

Sanjay and I began our journey in October 2024, flying into Delhi with the goal of traveling slowly, immersing ourselves in each place. The city’s hustle, bustle, and pollution were overwhelming at times, but the experience was unforgettable.

After a brief stop at the majestic Taj Mahal, we moved on to the serene Golden Temple in Amritsar. The shimmering reflection of the temple in the sacred lake stirred

something deep within me. It was my fourth visit, yet each time felt different—always deeply moving. Standing there once again, I felt blessed and privileged.

From Punjab, we flew to Pondicherry, a coastal town in southeastern India with a distinct French influence evident in its architecture and cuisine. The fresh sea breeze provided a stark contrast to the north.

After three weeks, we found ourselves in Bangkok, settling into an apartment for a month to explore the city and beyond. The highlights, mouthwatering Thai food, breathtaking sunsets, the grandeur of Wat Arun, and the city’s buzzing nightlife.

The warmth and hospitality of the Thai people made us feel at home. We tried cooking classes, Thai boxing, and even volunteered at a school.

We explored Chiang Mai in the north and hiked up to Doi Suthep and saw the wonderful waterfalls.

Train journeys took us south through Hua Hin, Surat Thani, and Krabi before we crossed into Malaysia, stopping in Ipoh for its famous chicken and rice. Christmas was celebrated in style in Kuala Lumpur, where dazzling decorations and an electric atmosphere ensured we didn’t miss home.

From there, we travelled by coach to Melaka and then on to Singapore for New Year’s Eve. The city dazzled us with its spectacular fireworks, the enchanting Gardens by the Bay, and the lush beauty of the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Chinatown and Little India added layers of flavour, while Marina Bay Sands stood tall as an icon in the sky.

After New Year’s, we flew to Siem Reap, rising early to witness the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Climbing steep stairs and exploring ancient temples was exhilarating. Evenings were spent on Pub Street, peoplewatching over drinks. A coach ride took us to Phnom Penh, where the poignant Killing Fields and remnants of French colonial architecture offered moments of reflection. The city’s night markets and malls spoiled us with choices—from cheap street food to local wares.

In Ho Chi Minh City, we had indulgent massages, were hustled in bustling markets, and savoured incredible food which made for a vibrant experience. From the cool mountain air of Dalat to the sandy beaches of Nha Trang, Vietnam continued to captivate us. Celebrating Tet in Da Nang in Jan 2025 was unforgettable, while Hanoi’s old town, steeped in history and war memorials, left a lasting impression.

Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam

Petronas Twin Towers - Kuala Lumpar

Finally, we ended our journey in Dubai, relaxing and revisiting old haunts while meeting family. Five months later, we arrived back in cold and wet Nottingham! This journey has been a whirlwind of sights, sounds, flavours, and emotions—a celebration of culture, history, and the beauty of life. It has been an emotional, spiritual, and motivational rollercoaster. There have been incredible highs and challenging lows, but through it all, we’ve been truly privileged to embark on this adventure. It has given me invaluable time to reflect, to think deeply about life’s greater purpose, and to appreciate how seamlessly some things have fallen into place.

Along the way, we’ve met the most amazing people: the sweet and gentle Thai, the always-smiling Malaysians, the disciplined yet warm Singaporeans, the innocent and laid-back Cambodians, and

the hardworking, sociable Vietnamese. Each welcomed us with open arms, sharing their country, culture, and kindness.

This journey has not just been about places—it has been about people, experiences, and moments that will stay with us forever.

Nina Vaseer

Golden Mount (Wat Saket) Bangkok

Wat PaknamPhasi - Bangkok

A TOAST TO A PERFECT DAY: A TOASTMASTER’S WEDDING STORY

As Toastmasters, we understand the art of orchestrating flawless events. We are masters of ceremony, guiding occasions with equal measures of formality and warmth. But when it’s your own wedding, you’re not merely the Toastmaster— you’re the star of the show. That was precisely my position last week when I married my wonderful husband, Michele, on 23rd August 2025, in a celebration I shall treasure forever.

The celebrations started with an intimate barbecue at home for our guests and the most stunning thing was... the weather!

On Friday evening, we hosted a prewedding dinner for our guests at The Ivy, providing the perfect opportunity for our international friends—many meeting for the first time—to forge new connections and immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere.

Having worked as a wedding florist for over four decades, I was determined that our flowers would serve as a vibrant, joyful centrepiece. Our theme of pink Rothschildiana and orange gerberas filled the day with gloriously exuberant blooms that perfectly captured our personal style. Even our attire incorporated subtle hints of pink and orange. Our guests understood the assignment and managed to do the same.

The ceremony took place at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, followed immediately by a prosecco reception for our guests. The party then moved to

a nearby French restaurant, La Popote, for the wedding breakfast and continued celebrations.

The dinner proved to be what one guest aptly described as a “gastronomic banquet.” The menu featured starters of soft-shell crab and beef tartare, followed by mains of John Dory and fillet of beef. Our favourite wines were present too: Sancerre for the fish dishes and Amarone for the meat. The speeches formed the afternoon’s highlight—each one deeply meaningful, though my own response felt especially heartfelt. I found myself becoming emotional, and I shall never forget the words I shared that day, giving me much more empathy for speakers going forward.

Even the smallest details received careful attention. When selecting gifts for our guests, we realised they all share a passion for cooking, making personalised chopping boards the perfect choice. When Michele asked me whether a chopping board would endure, I replied:

“I bloody well hope our marriage will last longer than that!” We adored the idea of giving something that would remain in their kitchens, serving as a daily reminder of our special day. Initially, we considered engraving my quip on the boards, but it proved too lengthy. Instead, we chose an equally meaningful Latin phrase: “Nunc scio quid sit amor”

(“Now I know what love is”) from Virgil’s Eclogue VIII. In this classical pastoral poem, the line captures the profound moment when the shepherd finally

understands the true nature of love—a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated our own journey to finding each other.

Beyond all these wonderful details, the day’s true essence lay in the love I share with Michele. As one guest so eloquently expressed in a letter to us: “I have always loved you, Ian, now I have fallen for Michele too! You are both so fortunate to have found each other—treasure each

and every day.” It’s a sentiment that Michele and I shall always cherish.

As a small, intimate wedding, we decided to share our wedding celebration with another... 25,000 people at Manchester Pride!

Who Am I?

In my day you couldn’t make a commercial on television and be on a show at the same time and so I went into the world of tv commercials advertising such things as stork margarine, Spear and Jackson gardening tools, clerks shoes and a dutch coffee and the best one for TWA when I was flown out to L A on to the set of the disaster movie to film. I had begun to dream what I was going to do with the money I would earn from repeats when on returning home I found that it was only shown once on the News at One as it had been cancelled by the CAA, the reasons for which are lost in the mist of time.!!!

Nobody seems to have guessed who I am! So, I will continue........

After my stint on commercial television my agent started to get me parts in such programmes as Z Cars , Angels, The Famous Five, I can still see myself on U-Tube and Grange Hill. In between I taught Speech and drama and elocution at the London Polytechnic. I found myself teaching cockney bank managers, people trying to rise up the ladder in Marks and Spencer and overseas students to speak standard English.

Then came a complete change of direction.

My partner and I decided we would go into the licensed trade, so we applied to a London-based company and were soon on the list for training. We were offered a pub in Paddington and we stayed there for a few years. Because of a change in circumstances, we asked for a move to the country, and we ended up in a Pub which we thought was ideal. The weekend that we moved in, there was a murder in the car park! We stayed there for a few years during our time there the brewery installed the first non-smoking bar in the country. Then we moved to our last managed house still in the London area and we stayed there for nine years.

Through-out this time I discovered Toastmastering! I started doing dinners for an association that I belonged to and then the inevitable wedding by this time I

was aware that I knew very little about the profession and I began ringing round various associations until I came across the NAT. More next time...............

The NAT was the only association who invited me to an interview unlike now a days there was about 24 toastmasters present all in full dress uniform who proceeded to question me. There was no training beforehand, only what I had gathered from books. Needless to say, I failed but I in the phrase that was popular at the time I said “I will be back”. luckily there was a gentleman there who was very experienced and he agreed to take me under his wing. I spent years going with him to all the big hotels being introduced to Banqueting Managers etc and learning all the time. Eventually i was booked by a formidable lady who turned out to be this Toastmasters mother to do ladies nights and weddings both Jewish and Christian and gradually my work increased. Finally, I returned to the examination board and passed I was in!!

I went up the ranks and eventually became President. I then became Chaiman of the NAT training board it was the first venture into training toastmasters and this has developed since then but I am very proud of the toastmasters we trained in those early days.

Now if you don’t know who I am by now shame on you.!

1. Where have you been on holiday this year? What was you favourite destination? Look through your photos and select an image and send it, saying where it is. Example sent in by Michael Myers