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TOASTMASTERS’ VOICE

The National Association of Toastmasters

TMV SUMMER 2021

In this edition our members recount their experiences of meeting His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

IN MEMORIUM.

HRH THE PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH. 10TH JUNE 1921 - 9TH APRIL 2021 This is the first edition of TMV after the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

It was just a short time ago when this dominated the news here in the UK and around the world. We often find that we learn so much about a person after their death. In the case of HRH Prince Philip we could be excused for thinking that we knew a great deal about him as he was such a very high profile, and larger than life figure. We do not intend to highlight his great many outstanding personal qualities, his dedication to his country or the details of his many achievements. It is perhaps fair to simply say that the many articles, TV programmes and interviews which have been aired since his death illustrating the service he gave to HM Queen Elizabeth ll, and to this country, are a better tribute that we would endeavour to try to emulate. As protocol advised, a letter was sent from the President, Peter Thompson and a copy of that is shown. Many of our members had the privilege of working at events attended by Prince Philip and also to meet him. Some of their stories are included later in this edition. HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh - Requiescat in pace

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Colleagues and Friends. My message in the last TMV started in that edition with a photograph of me as president. I thought that I would change the image. This is not included to ‘pose’ but as toastmasters I am sure we all have that inclination in us. I included this photograph because I have recently had some more professional photos taken for my advertising literature. Some might suggest that I am somewhat older than many

of my previous photos! More importantly, I hope to be ready for when the wedding and event industry opens up again in a meaningful way. So the start of my message is to say that I hope that you are all well, that you have been safely vaccinated. Above all, I hope that you are all ready for, and looking forward to, a brighter professional future than we have all had in the last year or so.

I recently had my first face to face meeting with a couple getting married later this month. What a joy it was but it helped me to reflect that it has been a long and hard experince to get to this stage. I am very grateful to all of our members who have supported us and kept us going with messages on WhatsAp, organising Zoom talks, Regional Meetings, or just keeping in touch with one another. I anticipate that we will all be much busier soon but do let us all try to keep in touch and keep the personal contacts going. I am particularly grateful to our Secretary Michael Myers who has played a significant part in his membership of the UK Weddings Taskforce and for keeping us updated with news about what might be happening. It looks as if we will be allowed indoors to pubs and restaurants and that wedding receptions with limited numbers can go ahead soon. As from 21st of June we have been advised that there will be no restrictions on what will be allowed at weddings (and I suppose by extension to any event). I am sure that we are all eager to get back to what we love doing but, when it comes, I hope that you all continue to think Covid and stay safe and well. The Zoom programme will be continuing if we get volunteers to present talks. As I said in the last edition if anyone is prepared to present something at a future session which may be interesting, informative or educational, or even simply FUN, do please let me know. After the last edition I did not receive any volunteers! I have enjoyed some very interesting Zoom talks but unless more people are prepared to put their names forward they will be severely curtailed. On a brighter note, I hope that you have all noticed the circular about the Christmas Lunch. This has all been confirmed and will be held at Vintners’ Hall in the City of London on Monday 13th December. A truly magnificent building, it is the home of the Vintners’ Company with it history of dealing in wine for over 650 years. We are very privileged to be able to be there and I am sure that we are going to have a superb lunch, which will be very good value at £77.50. You will have seen the flyer and I just wanted to remind everyone that there is a strict limit on numbers and we have at least our minimum number having asked to go on the list for tickets.

Many people have also taken advantage of the Secret Escapes deal for accommodation at the Tower Hotel by Tower Bridge to make a real event of it! If anyone has any queries please feel free to speak to me or Past President Richard Heywood. I can also report that planning is well under way for the toastmaster weekend to be held early in 2022. Those of you who have been to these great events will know how much fun they are. We have a short list of three venues and will be meeting with them in the near future. Details will be released as soon it has been confirmed so please watch out for information. I must express my sincere thanks for the invaluable assistance and expertise given in planning these events by Past President Richard Heywood and Honorary Member Andrew Coy. Whilst speaking about social events, a total of 19 people attended the Fishing Day on the 21st of April and Gillian and I wish to thank them all for joining us. It was particularly lovely to have some wives with us. Oh, and a dog! I hope that you all had a great time. Finally, may I remind you all that the essay competition is still open. After this edition of TMV you all have just one more chance to win a free ticket to the Christmas Lunch. Simply send your essay to Richard Mitchell the TMV editor in time for the next TMV. The judges are lined up and ready to go so, make them work for their money! Whilst talking about the TMV, I would like to once again thank Richard for his great work on the last edition and his first as the editor. What a great publication it was. Of course, he can only produce a quality publication if he has material to work with. Please keep those articles and high resolution photographs coming in! I think that you have heard quite enough from me. So I will wind up where I started, by talking about work. Good luck to everyone as the industry opens up once again. I wish everyone continued success and happiness in this lovely profession and in the NAT in particular. I hope you all keep busy but above all, keep safe. Peter Thompson President

26 - NAT Event - Social event plannes for 2022 in or around Winchester

36 - NAT Fly Fishing Day near Herstmonceux

TMV Contents 06

Editor introduction and miscellaneous information Welfare and Treasurer Reports

Wedding Taskforce - Facts and Figures

Memories from the Top Table - Steve Warwick remebers his lunch with the Duke of Edinburugh

The Duke enjoys a beer - Stephen Saunders remembers an event in Liverpool

Tony Forward remebers the joint Water Rats and NAT lunch with Prince Philip

22 24

The Duke visits Ipswich Docks - Rodger Oatley recounts his involvement with the visit

Richard Heyward recalls his first NAT Event and encourages members to become involved

A First in America - Florida based Ida-May Hanson becomes an Associate Member NAT Fly Fishing Event - Peter Thompson and Simon Shirley write about the day.

40 44

Life at the Bar - Brian Lee writes about life before Toastmastering

Toastmasters meet famous people - Gordon Verran

From Gavel to Trowel - Simon Shirley takes on gardening duties

The Absent Lady Captain and the Well Meaning Host (TMV Story) - Peter Sumner

To tie carefully or not? - Janice Dorn

Restless (TMV Story) - Gayna Harris

The ‘Event’ - Richard Heyward writes about what is being planned for NAT’s 2022 Social Event

Hello from Israel - Laurence Seeff

‘But She’s not a Toastmaster’ - Sue Reddy writes about how she became an Honorary Member 46 - From Gravel and Trowel 07

Welcome to the Summer edition of TMV for 2021. Who would have thought that with us all doing nothing with regards ‘toastmastering’ that this edition would be such a ‘Bumper’ one!! Thank you to all of you that have contributed.

Our Secretary, Michael Myers has been representing the NAT on the UK Wedding Taskforce and I thank him for all updates, facts and figures, the most recent ones being published in this edition of TMV. You will see from the ‘Dates for Your Diary’ section that our Christmas Event has been arranged for 13th December and will be held at Vintners All. Richard Heywood informs me that there are only 19 places still available and you should contact him ASAP should you wish to reserve/purchase a ticket. A ‘waiting list’ will be operated but 110 is the absolute maximum number.

The winter edition of the TMV will be your last opportunity to enter the ‘700 Word Story Competition’. All the stories that have been submitted so far have been published over the last two editions. Remember, the winner of the competition will receive a pair of tickets to the Christmas Lunch at Vintners Hall. 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. Once again, thank you to all contributors of the Summer TMV. Happy reading!! Richard Mitchell Editor

Dates for the diary Executive Committee Meetings. Monday 20th September 2021

Annual General Meeting (via Zoom) Sunday 24th October 2021

Social Matters. Monday 13th December 2021 Vintners’ Hall **Christmas Lunch ** 13th to 15th March 2022 (To be confirmed soon) Toastmaster Weekend ‘The Event’ near Winchester

Wilkins Micawber

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Who’s Who? Name the Toastmaster

Simon Shirley Richard Mitchell Richard Heyward Rodger Oatley Tom Reddy Christine Akehurst

Dear Member, I would like to introduce myself and to let you know that I am the new ‘NAT WELFARE OFFICER’. I have taken over the reins from Howard Robbins, who has made an excellent Welfare Officer during his time in office, a big thank you Howard on behalf of all members. I would be grateful if you could let me know any news, good or sad. If you (or one of your close family) are unwell or hospitalised, please drop me a text or an e-mail to let me know …. BUT I will NOT send the news out to everyone else, unless you specifically ask or tell me to do so. If you are celebrating a special Birthday, Wedding Anniversary or big special occasion, please let me know too. I would be happy to share this with the other NAT Members, so we can all join in your celebrations. The NAT does not have a benefit fund, but please do let me know if you happen to be facing any major difficulty that you think we may be able to help with.

Finally, if you have a wife or partner please tell them about this email, so that they can contact me if they should ever need to. I do hope to have the chance to meet some of you at one of our next virtual on-line meetings soon and hopefully, face-to-face at some time in the future. I will be in touch shortly with our retired members. If you need to contact me, my details are at the bottom of this letter. Kind regards David Wylie NAT Welfare Officer Email: david@toastmaster2u.info Or: david@toastmaster2u.co.uk Mobile: 07768 448999

As your new Treasurer, I am pleased to have taken over the stewardship of the NAT 100 Club from VP Tom Reddy. My thanks to Tom and Sue for doing a sterling job over the last couple of years. The NAT 100 Club has been running now for several years and provides some extra income for the NAT whilst rewarding the Subscribers with the chance to win a monthly prize of £20.00. In addition we hold 3 extra draws in December, usually at the NAT Christmas Luncheon. These 3 prizes are £25, £50 and £100. The Annual Subscription for one number is £12.00 (or £1.00 per month). The price of a reasonable bottle of wine!!! You are not restricted to subscribing to one number either!! The 100 Club Subscription runs annually from 1st May to 30th April and it’s possible to join in at anytime by paying a pro-rata payment. At the time of writing there are 14 spare numbers available. Don’t forget to cancel any Standing Orders or Payments into our old Nat West Accounts. These accounts are now closed and we are only using one Account now at Lloyds Bank To set up your standing order from 1st May 2022 or to Bacs a payment, here are the details. (Cheques are acceptable too) Bank: Lloyds Bank Account: The National Association of Toastmasters Sort Code: 30-90-89 Acc No: 53920568

2020 No. Name Prize October 16 Geoff Harris £20 November 94 Ron Wilson £20 December 59 Richard Heywood £20 Xmas 1 31 Ted Prior £100 Xmas 2 39 Ken Negus £50 Xmas 3 20 Gayna Harris £25

2021

January 60 Paul Deacon £20 Feburary 47 Tom Broughton £20 March 98 David Thomson £20 April 74 Tony Forward £20 May 68 Tony Cooper £20 June 13 Marion Haining £20

Good luck to everyone! Don’t foget - You have to be in it to win it!!

Rodger Oatley Fellow & Treasurer

Wedding Sector Key facts and figures Number of UK Weddings: • 278,599 per year (sources: Offices of National Statistics for England & Wales, Scotland & NI, 2017) • circa 220,000 weddings postponed in 2020 • a further 100,000 weddings are now affected through to Step 4 re-opening (no earlier than 21 June) - most have postponed • 74% of wedding businesses reported losses of 76% 100% of their 2020 turnover, and of those 95% reported losses of 95% or more (source: UK Weddings Survey, January 2021). In the 15 months of pandemic restrictions the sector has lost £16.5 bn

Wedding Industry Worth: £14.7bn estimated direct spend (50% more per annum than live sports events & three times that of arts & cultural events) • £9.4bn spend on-the-day itself

2021: 475,000 weddings already in the pipeline and increasing daily (£25bn) (Jan 2021 estimates - now more postponements from Q1&2) including 196,500 postponed from 2020. Some of these are now moving to 2022 so these figures will now likely be revised 2022: 349,000 weddings scheduled (£18.4bn) , including 70,000+ postponed from 2020/21 - this figure will now likely be revised to reflect more postponements from 2021

Wedding Industry Worth to Treasury: • For every £1 spent 26p goes to HM Treasury (source: UK Hospitality) • Treasury revenue on the £25bn business within the first 12 months of weddings restarting in full is estimated at £6.5bn.

Wedding Industry Workers:

• Treasury revenue on the £18.4bn in subsequent 12 months is £4.8bn. The estimated £14 .7bn direct spend on weddings in a typical year pre-COVID-19 equals £3.8bn to the Treasury! £4.9bn spend on the day itself equals £2.4bn to the Treasury! £3.2bn spend on retail equals £832m to Treasury! £2.1bn travel, tourism and pre-wedding events equals £546m to Treasury Updated June 2021.

• 60,000 businesses (estimated - with no SIC code it is uncertain and based upon industry surveys)

Effects of a delayed to 21st of June in subsequent month:

• 400,000 workers (250,000 people on-the-day |150,000 in support and wedding associated functions)

Key facts: 50,000 weddings planned in the four weeks from 21st of June. If weddings of only 30 guests can go ahead (as is permitted at present):

•£3.2bn spend on retail (wedding attire, rings and jewellery) • £2.1bn spend travel & tourism (pre-wedding events & wedding day related tourism) • Cultural weddings estimated at circa £1.8bn

• For every guest attending a wedding it is estimated that between 1 and 4 people who are involved earn less than £25k per year • Circa 80% female-led and over 50% are small, micro and sole trader businesses.

Deferred Business as a result of the pandemic restrictions in 2020: 94% weddings didn’t go ahead as planned in 2020 12

6% went ahead (£1.0bn) 15% cancelled (£2.2bn lost) 79% postponed into 2021 and 2022 (£11.6bn deferred business)

• £1 .3bn loss in revenue for the sector (£325m per week) • 60,000 businesses affected • 4.5 million working days will be lost (1.125m per week) • 300,000 people will not return to work (75% of the workforce)

• Huge knock-on effect financially on the local, regional and national supply chain who provide consumables and services. • It is estimated by the Wedding Venues Support Group (WVSG) up to 80% of couples booked for the month from the 21st of June will cancel their weddings and a further 25% with weddings beyond June will cancel due to continued uncertainty. This will result in losses of several billion pounds and puts the entire sector in jeopardy. • According to the WVSG up to 20% of wedding venues claim they will collapse if reopening on the 21st of June does not occur, “due to all funds and loans being exhausted and the lack of financial support for the sector”. This will have a huge devastating knock-on effect for thousands of couples at all suppliers booked to work on their weddings in 2021 and beyond.

• An estimated 1100 tons of food ordered will potentially go to waste affecting local suppliers, wholesalers and the entire food supply chain (275 tonnes per week) • An estimated 1.12 million stems of flowers/circa 300 tons of flowers and foliage will go to waste (300m stems/75 tons per week). This affects 8000 floristry businesses and a range of wholesalers and flower grows who have heavily invested in the wedding season following a devastating 2020 where the crop was largely unpicked. Updated June 2021

• Huge social impact, especially for those couples who, for whatever reason, cannot move forward with their life plans until they are married and for whom 30 person weddings are not workable.

Wedding Guidelines for England FAQs Updated 18.06.21 Who is included in the number of people my venue/marquee can hold? The total capacity includes anyone in the room at that time. This includes your suppliers like the officiant, serving staff, band, DJ, photographer, planner. It also includes the couple and guests of all ages including children. It does not include suppliers who will not be in the room during your wedding day such as the florist who would have left earlier, or kitchen staff who will not be in the room your wedding is taking place in.

When do you have to wear a face covering? Face coverings MUST be worn inside when you are not eating or drinking. The only exception to this (other than those under the face covering guidelines) is for the couple and officiant during the ceremony.

How does food and drink service work at a Covid secure venue? All food and drink (no matter at what time of the day it is served) MUST be ordered and served to the table whether inside or outside where there is alcohol. If there is no alcohol at all at the wedding then food and drink can be ordered from a bar but MUST be consumed at the table.

How does food and drink service work in a garden of a private home/land? You SHOULD continue to follow the guidance set out, including providing table service (where alcohol is served), ensuring that attendees consume food and drink whilst seated.

How can people be seated? There is no requirement for guests to be placed on socially distanced tables, or on tables of 6.

What is the socially distanced capacity at my venue or private garden? Whether the event is taking place indoors or outdoors, at a Covid secure venue or in a private garden, you should ensure the space is able to accommodate your guests with 2 metre socially distanced or 1 metre plus with mitigations. This is so that guests can choose to distance if they wish or need to. Mitigation measures can include being outside and/or wearing a face covering which means most would be able to work out the capacity at 1 metre.

Can I dance at my wedding? Dancing is advised against, except the couple’s ‘first dance’ but not banned. Dance-floors and other spaces for dancing must remain closed but can be repurposed for additional seating or other elements of your day that require more space.

Can my bridal party walk down the aisle? It is now a personal choice whether to social distance or not. If your bridal party is happy not to then they can walk down the aisle. If indoors, a face covering must be worn. 14

Do the guidelines cover multi-day cultural weddings? As these are wedding celebrations then the same guidelines apply across all of the days considered to be part of a wedding.

Can I have a band or DJ at my wedding? Yes, there is no reason not to have music at your wedding.

Can I still have a food truck as part of my wedding? Yes. If at a Covid secure venue then provisions MUST be made for table service. Guests will only be allowed to order from the truck if no alcohol is being served at all at the wedding. If at a wedding outside in a private garden, then the above SHOULD be followed.

Who is responsible for doing a Risk Assessment? If at a Covid secure venue then the responsibility is on the venue owner or wedding planner/ coordinator. If at a marquee wedding in a private garden then the responsibility is that of the wedding planner/coordinator, the couple or the owners of the home.

Can I do my speeches? Yes, speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible. PA systems should be utilised wherever possible so people do not need to raise their voices.

UK Weddings Taskforce

Memori the Top Tuesday the 5th November 2002 is a date that my

wife, Loraine and I will never forget. Very rarely did the opportunity to lunch in style at one of London’s top venues appear on our calendar but, on this date we were excited to join many other members of the NAT and the august body of The Grand Order of the Water Rats to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The event was a joint venture organised primarily by our then Life Vice President, Bryn Williams to be held at the then Royal Lancaster Hotel. As NAT President at that time, it was my honour to preside over the luncheon as the Head of the Top Table with King Rat, Keith Simmons and a plethora of many renowned guests. The theme of the event was “ a roast”, with the butt of the jokes being none other than comedian Jim Davidson. A very funny man that I’d had the pleasure of working with on many occasions, although as many of you will know, he had the reputation of being somewhat of a loose canon. The other guests tasked with ribbing Jim included the likes of Barry Cryer, Roger DeCourcey, legendary Chelsea keeper Bob “the cat” Bevan and many more. The guest of honour for the lunch, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. I must say that ordinary folk like us were not used to “hob nobbing” with the like and to say we were nervous was an understatement. I was used to being in the company of such celebrity greatness, having worked regularly with many well known people, but to sit, dine, socialise and converse with the like, is a completely different story. The drive to London was a heady mixture of excitement, anticipation and sheer terror, not really sure of what to expect. We needn’t have worried. My abiding memory is how easy HRH was to talk to and how he put everyone at ease from the moment

we sat. He came across as very approachable and was exceptionally good company. Conversation flowed and I will always be grateful to Jim Davidson who, captivated us all with stories of entertaining the troops, most appropriate, as the charity being supported by the luncheon was the Queen’s Jubilee Appeal for Commonwealth Veterans. His banter and sometimes risqué jokes made for a relaxed and fun time together. Prince Philip even joined in, telling his own jokes and funny stories. Such a lovely man and so down to earth, just as he has been described by so many others. I had the pleasure of saying a few words and presenting him with a crystal gavel on behalf of the NAT as a token of our gratitude for his kindness and support. My lasting memory, when the raffle tickets were sold, it was my pleasure, to buy His Royal Highness some tickets. Royals don’t carry cash you know. Incredibly he had a winning ticket, which he magnanimously gave to Loraine. How kind, although he still owes me a tenner! All in all, an unforgettable experience. We will never forget the great man and his ability to be comfortable in our company and play his unique part in such a great day. I will always be grateful to Bryn, Martin Nicholls and the organising committee for their efforts in arranging what was for us, “the chance of a lifetime”. Thank you guys.

Steve Warwick Past President

ies from p Table.

The D his eve The Capital of Culture in 2008 was Liverpool and

what a wonderful year it was. I was very honoured to have been the Toastmaster for a lunch at St Georges Hall with HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in attendance, of course anything that is a Royal event took weeks of planning and preparation to ensure everything was spot on. But nothing can prepare you for the most unusual and humorous which happened to me on that day involving the Duke of Edinburgh. HM The Queen and her consort the Duke entered the hall and took their seats at separate tables which where adjoining each other, the table were HM The Queen was sat together with The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, The High Sheriff, The Anglican Bishop of Liverpool and one or two others; the Duke sat on the next table with the consorts and partners from the Queen’s table which the Duke thought quite humorous and made quips about it with his fellow table guests as he of course was Consort to HM The Queen. During the course of the lunch I was called over to the Queen’s table by the Rt Rev James Jones The Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, he told me that he had purchased a case of Naval Beer and would I ask HRH The Duke of Edinburgh would he like to sample one or two of these beers as he did not drink wine. I did as I was told and the Duke responded with enthusiasm, I obtained three bottles of the beer from the Bishop and went over to the bar to have them prepared for the Duke. I approached one of the bar waitresses and explained that I wanted her to prepare a nice tray

Duke enjoys s beer..... entually!

and napkin together with the bottle of beer and glass and that we were to serve it to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. This startled the young waitress and she started to shake and protest that she was not capable of doing the task. She was a bag of nerves. I reassured her that this was her moment of glory and she would be OK. I then took a look at the tray she had prepared; the beer bottle and glass were on the tray but the bottle still had its top on together with a bottle opener. I had to explain to her that she had to take the top off the bottle and to pour half its contents into the glass, well what a carry on by the time we arrived at the Dukes table the waitress

was shaking so much that the remaining contents from the bottle had filled the tray with beer. The Duke looked at the waitress and me and said, “… thank you but not like that please”. I retraced our steps, prepared a new tray and presented it to the Duke who thanked me profusely and enjoyed three bottles of the Bishop’s Naval Beer

Stephen Sanders PastPresident 19

Prince Philip lunches with Toastmasters and Water Rats

On 5th November 2002 The National

After all the guests had moved into the dining room, all the Nat members assembled for a group photograph. A row of chairs were placed in a curved row for the Duke and the past presidents, the centre one reserved for the Duke. The remainder of us were asked to form two rows behind the chairs.

On arrival, he was met by Life Vice Presidents the late Bryn Williams and the late Martin Nicholls and President Steven Warwick and escorted through a guard of honour of forty red-coated NAT members through the Nine Kings Suite assembly area. Part of the bar had been roped off and I and two other members were given the responsibility of entertaining the Duke in that area. During our conversation, I remember him asking me if there was a collective noun for a group of toastmasters. I thought of ‘gaggle’, herd’ and ‘mob’ but suggested ’a gavel of toastmasters’, which he accepted.

Immediately behind the Duke’s chair stood Alexander ‘Pav’ Michaels. For those who have not yet met Pav, I can tell you that he was and probably still is,) the largest toastmaster among our membership and possibly in the country (although he tells me he has lost eight stones.) He gained the nickname ‘Pav’ because of his likeness to the late Luciano Pavarotti.

Association of Toastmasters, in conjunction with the Grand Order of Water Rats, held a lunch at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London to commemorate HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The guest of honour was HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

As the Duke approached his chair, he spotted Pav and said to him “You could fill the screen by yourself.” While we all grinned at his comment, Pav discretely moved back to the second row.

Sheila Davies had acquired full-sized crystal gavel for which I had a velvet lined box made by one of my contacts. This was presented to the Duke during the speeches at the end of the lunch. Sadly, I had to forgo the lunch as I left immediately after the photo shoot to catch the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, a short walk from The Royal Lancaster, to fly to Amsterdam where I was due to officiate at dinner that evening but I was able to purchase a recorded CD with all the speeches, including the one by the Duke.

Tony Forward Retired Member

Luciano Pavarotti

Alexander Michaels 21

My Memory of the Duke of Edinburugh’s Visit to Ipswich Wednesday, 31st May 2000 The visit of The Duke of Edinburgh to Ipswich had been planned for weeks. He was to officially open the new Port of Ipswich Dock ( Lock) Gates. This facility being instrumental in the regeneration of the old Dock area into a new modern Marina. I had been busy working for Associated British Ports (ABP) for some time, using my services at many high profile openings or ‘Toppings-Out’ of various Storage Sheds and Port infrastructure. Always with a presentation, a guest speaker and coffee at the Dock in a new Storage Facility ,Shed or Marquee followed by coach transfer to Hintlesham Hall Hotel for a splendid lunch and speeches etc. The planning meetings with the Port Manager and the CEO of ABP had all gone well. The official opening would be followed by a drinks reception and lunch at the Old Customs House and all the great and good of the town and county were going to be in attendance along with the Press and BBC and local ITV coverage. I was to introduce the CEO on the podium, the CEO would introduce the Duke and finally the Duke would press the ‘button’ to release the Lock Gates to a fan-fare of ships horns and water cannon from the River Fire Tenders .No pressure then!! It was a lovely sunny day, the Mayor, County Council Chairman, Lord Lieutenant and important business leaders were all there jostling for position. I was interviewed by the Press (I’ve learned the hard way; they will use everything you say so be on your guard!!). The Sun was shining, the receiving line was set, the Duke arrived and the Port Manager escorted him along the line-up. Then to the podium. I had my notes and pre-amble ready, mics tested. I had even written a Plan B introduction to the Duke in case something didn’t quite go to plan. Off we go! I introduced the CEO, full pre-amble and stepped back for the speech...

Mistake 1. I put my notes into my pocket – which pocket? The CEO concluded his speech and there was a micro-pause! He turned to me, the Duke turned to me-WHY? The CEO was going to introduce the Duke but he had frozen, my notes were in whatever pocket, what shall I do.? Mistake 2. The Port Manager, the CEO and myself didn’t actually know if the Duke was actually going to make a speech!!!!! Was this a schoolboy error one asks? This all happened in a split second although it seemed like ages and all on live TV.I approached the Lectern and confidently said to the Duke, ‘I think you need to press this button Sir!’ The Horns and water cannon duly were set off. Everyone seemed happy enough but to this day, I still think to myself how did we get to this point and didn’t actually know if he was or wasn’t going to speak! Off to Lunch and a small pre-lunch drinks reception and yes there were speeches after Lunch. The Duke had a light ale instead of wine and I felt very happy about my introductions and had a very happy day. I shall never forget my first major ’Royal Encounter’. There was one small crumb of comfort, In that I was told later that the Duke rarely speaks at these sorts of events. The ‘Thank you’ letter summed it all up. (Attachedsorry about the pin holes !).

Rodger Oatley Fellow and Treasurer

My first of many NAT functions

Neil and Julie Hunt entering the Ballroom, Grosvenor House on Park Lane

It was 2005, Neil Hunt was President of the NAT and I had just “qualified” as an Associate Member. To celebrate, I invited my nearest and dearest to join me at table at the NAT (then) Annual Banquet and Ball held in the Ballroom of Grosvenor House on Park Lane – so much nicer and more intimate than the Great Room.

My guests were, Shirley my Wife, my two Daughters, Tamsin & Nicola along with Niall her boyfriend (now Husband) Ian Haskell, who many NAT members will know as our “resident” DJ/Photographer at Social Weekends, Julie Wakelin who I had worked closely with in my Charity Fundraising career with Tone Ferne, a brilliant sound engineer who had worked closely with the legendary Simple Minds and Honorary Member Andrew Coy and his Wife Karen. We were “Newbies” and were placed on a table at the back of the Ballroom – much better for having fun! I recall the splendour of the event, the main speaker was a Burmese Gentleman, John Heite Klein

Neil Hunt - Past President

These events, whilst appearing expensive, are spectacular value for money and, of course, this year, the Christmas Lunch affords the possibility of Guests dining in a unique Livery Hall, something that many people will never experience in their lifetime. Yet another benefit of NAT Membership. In addition, the Tower Hotel, via Secret Escapes, is offering a double room with Breakfast at an amazing £89 per night! Not to be missed also are the Social Weekends, now in their 6th Year, normally running from a Sunday to Tuesday, these are an event designed for relaxation, participation, good food and a chance for us to get together and enjoy each other’s company. The events are priced extremely competitively and offer great value for money. As would be expected, there is always half a bottle of good quality wine with both evening meals as too is a Disco with dancing whilst on one evening there is “something special” NO NAT regalia is permitted and “shop talk” discouraged. For any New Member or, indeed, and there are a few, any Member who has not attended any NAT Social Functions, why not use the “Covid 19 Breakout” to attend the Christmas Lunch, to be held at Vintners Hall on Monday 13th December and the Social Event, which will be held at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst in the beautiful New Forest in the early part of 2022. See TMV for details. who was absolutely hilarious, the Guest of Honour was H E Mr Daithe O’Cellaige, the Ambassador of Ireland and, Toastmasters, all dressed in their “Reds” sang the “Red Robin”; everyone was so friendly and welcoming and for me, it really was a great night for celebration and, it was the start of my involvement in the Social affairs of the NAT.

Get the most out of your subscription ( discounted this year) and get involved with like minded “Social Animals” and “Party Goers” I promise you, you won’t regret it. These are our parties!

Richard Heywood Past President

Other than visiting my Daughter Nicola in Australia around Christmas time, we have never missed a Christmas Lunch nor Banquet & Ball for as long as they lasted. Gradually we have built up a number of guests who always ask, “When’s the next NAT function?” to the extent that we now regularly take two tables to the Christmas Lunch, with all my guests now happily paying for their own tickets. A number of them also attend the Social Events.

Winchester Cathe

King Arthur’s Round Table The President along with his Wife Gillian, Andrew Coy and Richard Heywood spent a day researching possible venues for next Year’s Social Event. The “Event” will be held from Sunday 13th March to Tuesday 15th March in the Winchester area and, not far from the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery! And, of course, the iconic “Winchester Cathedral”. To date, we have not made a final decision on the venue but, a short list has been drawn up and negotiations commenced. Our aim is to produce a fantastic 2 nights of great company, great food, and a great time in a Country House style Hotel. We will have a Dinner and Dance on the Sunday

Winchester City Mill

edral

Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery

The NAT ‘Event’ 2022 evening and “something different” on the Monday. Music will be provided, once again, by our “resident DJ and Photographer” Ian. All this at a price similar to previous years. Once the venue has been decided upon, we will keep you informed. BUT put the dates in your diary, 13th - 15th March and prepare to have a fantastic Social time in the company of colleagues and friends. We look forward to welcoming our regular attenders and those who have not yet dipped their toes in this particular water. Picture shows President Peter at the entrance to one of the Hotels under consideration.

Richard Heywood Past President The President

Hello from It has been quite a while since I promised that I would write an update about our new life in Israel. Given that this month marks six months since our arrival, now seemed like a perfect moment to write the update. We arrived in Israel on 12th November 2020 (the term used here is that we made ‘Alyah’). As you know, we had been preparing our departure for four years but the sale of our house had held us up. Despite many ups and downs, when we finally found the right buyer, things went quite quickly and at the end of the process, our buyer was pushing to complete. Exceptionally, we ‘exchanged’ on the 9th November; ‘completed’ on the 10th November (and hence got our money!) but only left on the 12th November – having received the blessing of the buyers to remain in the house. Leaving Whitchurch Lane after 34 years was a wrench but we had been building up to it for a while. We loved our house, our garden, our pool etc. but it was time to leave. It is not unusual that when some arrives in Israel as an immigrant, there is a turn-out at the airport to greet that person. So, it was with us, because our kids were there waving and shouting and making themselves heard. Our first two weeks was spent in quarantine. We were fortunate that our daughter Sonia lives just 15 minutes from here and stocked our fridge and cupboards to capacity. We arrived at our flat very late and we were very tired so we went straight to bed and slept until about 10am the next morning. As if the timing had been planned, within about 15 minutes we were alerted to a lot of noise and excitement at the 28

base of our 3rd floor flat. We went to the balcony to discover that our whole family had arrived en-masse and were singing, dancing and making merry – adorned with the Israeli flag – the flag of our new country. They certainly made a noise which brought out neighbours from surrounding buildings. Nobody complained as it was a very joyous occasion and they all understood that the group on the ground were feting our arrival. After quarantine, the first things to deal with were administrative. Things like sorting out ID cards, medical cover, registering with a GP, regularising our bank account. We are fortunate in that Sara is fluent in Hebrew so it made things easier but they were still not that easy. The combination of getting better at these type of things and the pandemic has made Israel become a little more organised than it used to be. NOTHING is done without an appointment so one of the first things to do is to download the MYVISIT app. This is a very clever app which allows you to book appointments with a whole range of organisations – all on the same app. One has to master this early on! Speaking of apps – you can’t get far without PANGO (a parking app) and BIT (a bank payment system that is simplicity supreme). Having booked an appointment with the immigration ministry, off we toddled for our meeting. We firstly queued to enter the building. We then entered our ID into a machine and obtained a ticket number. Despite being on time for our appointment we still had to wait our turn – but to be fair, it was not that long. When our turn came, we spent about an hour at the desk with someone that could only be described as a ‘jobsworth’. The guy was not unpleasant but

Laurence Seeff simply anal and robotic. One of the key killer questions was as follows. “Your papers say that you are a married couple and have been married for over 44 years, but how can we be sure that you are still married?” I kid you not. This is presumably because some people try to get papers based on being married when they are not! The short answer to the question is that we cannot prove that we are still married. I however insisted that all the jobsworth needed to do was come to our flat and spend a couple of hours listening to Sara nagging me and then he would know that we were still married! He would have none of it. Anyway, you can choose to believe what happened next, but it is true. They made us each hand-write a letter declaring that we were still married. It’s enough to drive one to divorce, n’est ce pas? You may know that we own an apartment here in Netanya that we bought off-plan in 2002. It is a beautiful apartment, with a sea-view, that we have used for holidays. However, we feel it is a little small for a permanent residence. Although we have a communal pool, we do not have a garden and we would like one. So, since December, we have been in search of a house. There are a number of important things

to know about the property market in Israel. The first thing to know is that property is very expensive! (I guess that is in part due to the weak pound). I guesstimate that a typical 4-bed semi of the likes of those in Edgware where we lived for 34 years, is about 20% more expensive here. The reason is quite simple greater scarcity of land. The vast majority of people live in apartments and not houses. The second thing is that there are probably more agents per capita than anywhere in the world. The third thing relates to the second. Agent fees are 2% (negotiable to 1.5%) BUT taken from buyer as well as seller. There is a fourth thing we have experienced and it can’t just be a coincidence. At different times, we have found no less than four properties upon which we have made an offer. On each occasion, having made the offer, we were told, b y the sellers, something along the lines of “Ah, we are not sure when we can move because we haven’t started looking for a property yet. That will probably mean that we cannot move before 8 to 12 months”. Unbelievable but true. The people at the last but-one house where this has happened messed us about for 6 weeks whilst we were waiting for an answer – having offered the asking price! 29

As it happens, we have now found a new house that suits us. In fact, it is owned by a British couple who use it as a holiday home so you might have thought that it would go a little more smoothly. Not so!. We negotiated and eventually agreed on a price. In the message that came to us, accepting our offer, there was a caveat. The caveat was that our offer was accepted as long as their offer for a new place was accepted. Almost a week has gone by since that message and so far, not a peep! As regards the medical system – we are very impressed. EVERYONE in Israel has basic cover by ‘Bituach Leumi’ – the equivalent to the UK’s NHS service. Everyone also has to join one of four health funds – these are sort of NHS’s within the NHS. We are members of ‘Maccabi’ which is predominant in our region. Everything they need to know about you needs to get onto their system. This means that wherever you are in the country, if you need to see a doctor (a Maccabi doctor, that is) they have instant access to your records. Digital rules the world here. We have registered with a GP – a very nice ex-army doctor – who speaks English! It seems to us that there is much greater emphasis on preventative medicine than in the UK. This is simply illustrated by the following situation that has arisen for me. About four weeks ago I had a minor issue and got to see my GP on the same day! He did the basic tests and then immediately gave me not one, not two but three referrals for specialist doctors. As it happens, I had a minor procedure a few weeks ago. When I saw the second specialist he asked when I last had had the said procedure to which I replied that I had never had such a procedure. The doctor was shocked and said that here in Israel they order the procedure at 50, 60, 70 and every 10 years. I won’t go into further details about that other than I think the process has been rather efficient. The one thing that is different is that here we pay for prescriptions – albeit subsidised - but we can’t have it all! As you know we came to Israel to be with our four kids and our grandchildren. Sonia and Nathan have four children (12, 10, 8 and 4) and Tony and Maya had one child (aged 1 and a half). The month before we arrived, Maya gave birth to a girl. Then, three

days after coming out of quarantine, we were able to be present at the birth of a boy to Natalie – who is a single mum by choice. We are working on Jeremy but nothing so far! All of the kids are nothing less than gorgeous and the last baby is already 6 months old. In February I reached a milestone birthday – three score and ten. My kids arranged a surprise weekend away which I was only informed of about one hour in advance. They had rented a house up north and we were 17 people in total. It was a wonderful way to spend my 70th birthday. They are planning something similar for Sara in June. You will have no doubt read about the recent elections here in Israel – those being the fourth in 2 years. There is still no resolution and there is political chaos ....... and yet the country still seems to be thriving. We voted in the elections but with a heavy heart because the system stinks. There were about 30 parties (for 120 seats) and although most didn’t get past the threshold for getting any seats, still some 12 parties did. This means that, apart from the two largest parties with 30 and 17 seats respectively, the remaining 10 parties all have less than 10 seats each. It is a recipe for chaos. It makes the UK system look sensible (just) and that is saying something! I consider myself to be a centrist and accordingly I voted for Yair Lapid. Only today, as I write is there news that he has agreed a coalition government with a number of partners. This should mean that Bibi Netanyahu will no longer be prime minister. However, how long such a new coalition will last is yet to be seen. Watch this space. No newsletter written in May 2021, from Israel, could avoid mention of the recent fighting between Israel and Gaza. This is a longstanding story going back over 73 years and I am nowhere even close to being able to explain it all properly. However, I do have a view. I consider myself to be a reasonable person and I would genuinely want to see peace. I say that because there may be some who might prefer continued fighting. I also consider myself to be a ‘dove’ rather than a ‘hawk’ and would be prepared to sit round the table with anyone who wanted to negotiate peace. I would even be prepared to sit at a table with Hamas – a proscribed

Aerial view of Netanya cliffside coastline, Israel.

organisation – BUT on one pre-condition. The condition would have to be that they renounce, from their charter, the aim of annihilating Israel. It seems rather basic, doesn’t it? Imagine that you were having a dispute with your next-door neighbour and prior to a trial at court, the judge orders you to engage in mediation. The other side say they will agree but also state that WHATEVER the result of the mediation, they intend to blow up your house anyway. Could you sit down with such a party?

Contact details Laurence and Sara Seeff

Apartment 9, Rehov Shlomo Hamelech 51, Netanya 4226726 ISRAEL email: laurenceseeff@yahoo.co.uk Tel: +972 52 506 0772

As you can now see, we are slowly getting to grips with our new life. We have met a few people and have also met up with some English people who have made Alyah before us. In short, we are well and doing OK. I hope that you have appreciated the update. With best wishes Laurence and Sara

“But she Toastm Dear Members of the NAT and Readers of the TMV

For those of you who do not know me, I am Sue Reddy, married to Tom Reddy, a Toastmaster of the NAT since 2005 and currently Vice President. I was born in Stratford, London in 1952 and grew up in the suburbs of London: Sudbury, Middlesex and Kingsbury NW9. Tom and I met at senior school, St Gregorys, Kenton, and started “dating” at 15. We married in September 1973 and have 2 children: Andrew and Karen who in turn have married and given us 6 lovely grandchildren (3 each). I started out my working life as a Junior Secretary at Esso Europe (Green Park), having gone to Kilburn Polytechnic to finish my secretarial qualifications. I then worked at the Ministry of Defence - Procurement Executive (not sure what it is called now!). Tom and I married whilst I was at the MOD and my boss asked me if I planned to have a family as this would prevent me pursuing a career!! Can you imagine that question being asked now! I was still at the MOD during the London bombings and after a stressful time for Tom when he couldn’t contact me (I had gone shopping in Oxford Street following a bomb threat on our building - well, what else would a 21 year old do!). I changed my job to a more local one which sold capacitors (what are they, some of you may ask) and another move to a chemical company called Ward Blenkinsop in Wembley. Then Andrew was on the way .... Tom and I, with Andrew and Karen, moved to our present home in Nottinghamshire in 1982 for Tom to work at the Kodak Annesley factory, a decision we have never regretted. A year after moving I found myself working at a special school for disruptive students (that has

definitely given me an advantage when working with Toastmasters!), on to Nottingham High School for Boys and then Boots in Nottingham. I worked my way up and became PA to the Director of Research & Development and passed exams to become an Associate of the Institute of Administration Management, also qualifying as a Coach/Mentor. Unfortunately, as happens so often these days, the Boots I worked for was taken over and I eventually found myself redundant. I ended my working life at Nottinghamshire Police Complaints Department (for those of you who have watched Line of Duty, I worked for the “overt” part of that Department!). I have to say early retirement was very welcome for me as I did not enjoy taking complaints as part of my role. However, I made some good friends there and am still in touch with them. Tom became a Toastmaster after finding himself redundant when that well known photographic company, Kodak, closed the doors of the factory at Annesley - no-one was buying roll film anymore – arrival of the digital age! Tom had been with Kodak since 1973. We have always worked as a Team and as a certain amount of administration would be involved in Tom’s new business, I was very happy to support him. This included his role on the Executive. Vanessa Saward had carried out the duties of Minute Secretary on the Executive for many years and decided to step down from the Role. “But she’s not a Toastmaster” I hear you say. However, I did have experience in minute taking so volunteered my services to assist Tom during his term of office as Honorary Secretary. Vanessa was a very hard act to follow, but I enjoyed being part of the meetings and getting to know the Members of the NAT. The

e’s not a master!”

Presidents who were in office during this time were: Paul Deacon, Richard Heywood, Ted Prior, Peter Thompson (first time round), Ian Low (very much missed), Jevan Morris and Stephen Sanders. During this time, I also helped Tom put together the TMV, ensure the Postal Voting took place and when Peter Craft sadly passed away, assisted Tom in taking over the role of Treasurer until a replacement could be found. I also helped Tom set up/update the new NAT Website and continue in this role today. I remained as Minute Secretary until Tom passed the secretarial reins over to Michael Myers at the AGM in 2018, but I enjoyed every minute in this role. I was completely astounded at the Christmas Lunch (2018) when Stephen Sanders (President) called me up to the stage and presented me with a badge and certificate on behalf of the NAT,

appointing me as an Honorary Member (Tom missed it as he was out of the room!). I was truly touched and thank each and every one of you for the honour you have bestowed on me. My certificate is proudly displayed on our office wall today. The NAT is a very caring association and I thank everyone for your friendship and support. I look forward to seeing you all again after these strange Covid times are over - perhaps at the Christmas Luncheon, Social Weekend or even a Fishing Trip? Fingers crossed it will be soon. Take care and stay safe. Best wishes Sue Reddy

A first in America! My Toastmaster adventure started in June of 2020.

I am a Canadian born citizen now living in Florida. I was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and moved to the U.S. in 1999. After 10 years in the States, we became U.S. citizens. We have lived in Miami, Fl., Anaheim Hills, Ca. Carmel, Indiana and now in Leesburg, Fl. Kenneth, my husband & I left our home in Florida last May and travelled to our vacation trailer up in Ontario, Canada. Once we got there, we were in a 14-day covid lockdown with not very much to do. So, with lots of time on my hands I started online searches for a Toastmaster (the usual North American toastmaster) and ended up with U.K. toastmasters. Continuing my search, I found several British toastmasters associations throughout England and checked each one out. I finally settle on what I thought to be the best, The National Association of Toastmasters U.K. I then sent out emails to

some of the registered TMs and Mr. Geoffrey Harris was the one who answered my request. We started communicating and before I knew it, I was hooked. So, most of my summer months up in Canada was filled with learning all about TMs and what their job is and how they work. Geoff was so obliging, and we

worked together in spite of the distance and time changes, for over 11 months. For the first time in years, I was studying and learning as much as I could. Being a wedding officiant in both Indiana & Florida for over 12 years gave me some understanding of the duties of a TM, but what I wasn’t ready for was all the British traditions, political and religious influence in the TM’s duties. On April 25th, 2021 I had the written theory exam giving by the President of the NAT Mr. Peter Thompson BA. And on April 26th the following day was the oral and uniform exam. When it was all over, I sat in silence for a minute then yelled out “ Hurray, I Did It! ” All to my husband’s surprise.

All that hard work with Mr. Harris paid off and now I can honestly say, I am a British Trained Wedding Toastmaster. Now all I must education the whole of the United States wedding industry on what a British Toastmaster does for the bridal couple. Being the first and only American Female to be a British trained Toastmaster has its responsibilities to educate & promote what a British Toastmaster is all about. I am not sure how or when my first booking will happen, but I am hoping to work with the British Chamber in Orlando in the near future for their next fundraiser or their Holiday Gala as well as promote my services to the thriving Florida wedding scene.

Ida-May Hanson The Florida Toastmaster

The one that got away! In the last TMV I wrote about the fishing day that was planned on the 21st of April.

In this TMV I would like to thank all of those who made it to Hersmonceux to join us for the only social event we could possibly have held in the first part of this funny old year. As you will see from the pictures, we were joined by some of the ladies, who I hope enjoyed chatting and their walk around the estate. The weather was also kind, if a little chilly later in the day. What else was there of note. - Tom Reddy brought a two handed fishing rod with which he could probably have raised a submarine. Sadly, no submarine and also no fish. There was some interesting activity in the morning and after whipping up the water all morning. Unfortunately, nothing was caught, except by me who managed to sneak off while the others were with the coaches under instruction!  I hope that everyone enjoyed pitting themselves against some artful trout in the afternoon. It always looks easy when you see Robson Green do this on the TV. What was galling on this occasion was the local fisherman who caught his six fish one after the other and then went home and left us to it. Steve Warwick, in the greatest hat you can imagine,

saved our reputation somewhat and caught the biggest fish of the day, so winning the prize. To my mind though, this day was not about the prize. It was about getting together in the fresh air in some lovely countryside and enjoying some time with our friends.

And now a plea ! As I may have mentioned, during the enforced quiet time brought about by the lockdowns, I have, for relaxation, taken to tying flies for fishing. I was looking at a book recently which listed, among the top 12 flies of all time, The ‘Tups Indispensable’. The original pattern calls for a mixture of some hair combings from a yellow spaniel, some cream coloured seal’s fur, and some of the ‘beautiful dusty yellow’ translucent wool you may get if you shave it from a male sheep’s scrotum. So, the next time any of you are shaving your tup’s nether regions, please remember me! Peter Thompson

A fishy tale - aka the NAT Fly Fishing Outing On a fair late April morning with a chilly

Easterly breeze blowing, several NAT colleagues and some additional guests turned up at Brick Farm Lakes Trout Fishery, near Herstmonceux in East Sussex, as arranged by Peter Thompson. We were greeted with coffee and bacon rolls before heading over to one of the four wellstocked lakes with some training rods for some expert casting instruction from Rob and Bob. Peter Thompson and Tom Reddy, having their own gear and already being proficient fly fishermen, went off to try their luck for a couple of hours, whilst the rest of us were expertly taught the technique, indeed the art, of casting a very small, lightweight fly many metres. It’s not easy! And a blustery chilly wind makes it even more tricky! And so, after all ‘mastering’ the casting technique on land and learning also about how to play and land a fish, it was over to the lakes. Working with the breeze as far as we were able, we all made many casts and tried

our luck, but the trout weren’t playing ball. Following a lovely hot lunch, accompanied by mulled wine, we picked up our rods, landing nets and selection of flies and headed back to the water. It wasn’t long before a shout from Steve Warwick, followed by an epic ‘man vs fish’ battle, concluded with him landing his own very fine trout weighing in excess of 3lb. This was to be the only fish the newbies caught that day, although Peter Thompson had landed a brace earlier on whilst the training session was taking place. During tea and more chatter, presentation of a small brass gavel, that would usefully double-up as a priest for dispatching a landed fish, was made by our President to the day’s clear winner, Steve Warwick. Then, after many more thanks to Peter for organising an excellent day, everyone headed off home, tired and happy. Simon Shirley

I have been invited to write a synopsis of my career

Lester, Gerald Levy and Barbara Dohmann. It was not a place for the meek. David Pannick, perhaps the best known barrister at present was also a very junior person.

My first day in chambers as a clerk was 13th September 1976. I had just left school at 16.

I fitted in well as I was very greedy, very ambitious and I knew that they had the talent to compete with those larger commercial Chambers who were making a grab for the commercial work in what was a very quick and changing market, due to Margaret Thatcher’s big bang program of deregulating financial services so the American firms could come into London and shake up the English establishment who were used to large lunches to do deals.

before becoming a toastmaster. I fortunately stumbled across the magical world of law as a Barristers’ clerk.

The Chambers were those of Mr Victor Lemieux in 2 Harcourt Buildings. Mr. Lemieux was one of the greatest characters you could ever meet; the senior clerk was Ken Richards (a senior clerk is responsible for running a barristers professional life). I stayed for 8 years in those Chambers learning the ropes to enable me to climb up the very greasy and slippery pole of clerking. Shortly after I joined Victor went on the Bench - and then died of cancer six months later. Not sure what the medical was then but that was his ambition and he succeeded. The new head of Chambers was John Owen QC. He later became Mr Justice Owen and was very famous for ruling in 1991 in R v R that a man could not rape his wife. That case seems such a short time ago. I can honestly say that the time spent at 2 Harcourt Buildings were perhaps the happiest of my life. Running around, doing listing of cases in all courts, particularly the Central criminal Court,and no photocopier nor computers for most of the time. Barristers wore bowler hats and never went out without an umbrella. You needed to do 2 or 3 tasty cases during the year, including defended divorces, to live a very good lifestyle. I moved in 1984, not because I wanted to but simply because interest rates went from 12 per cent to 17 per cent and I needed to pay my mortgage. So much for my lifestyle! I ended up as first junior in the Chambers of Mr Colin Ross Munro QC at 2 Hare Court, which is now Blackstone Chambers and the senior clerk was Richard Loasby who had recently been catapulted into the position; the then current senior clerk had recently run off to the West Indies with a bunny girl. Times have changed! Joining Blackstone was an excellent move as I had to grow up very quickly and be more business minded. There were very strong characters in those chambers including Stanley Brodie, (Sir)Anthony

It was a shock all round. Certainly I remember my hours going up from 9.30 - 6 to 9 - … well whenever you got home. More of home life, later. Next I was approached by 3 Essex Court, now 20 Essex Street to become the junior clerk. I grabbed the opportunity, but left with many fond memories of my 4 years in Blackstone. I think most members thought I was a bit of an alien; I used to grab any work if it came from a blue chip firm. I was used to members churning out opinions by the dozen each week, but here I was met with members who took a week and then quite rightly took a little break. There were those members, of course, like Ken Rokison and Bernard Rix, who were simply brilliant and could do anything within any time scale, God knows how. They obviously liked me though as then I was made joint senior clerk with my good colleague Neil Palmer when Iain Milligan QC was appointed Head of Chambers. I loved 20 Essex, it became my life. I was ambitious, not for myself but for the members, we had a great staff and I was very well supported by all. One incident I clearly remember concerning a member of staff was our typist who typed a skeleton argument at the time for Mr Charles Haddon Cave who was then at 2 Essex Court and, who was being led by Tony Hallgarten. We were quite posh chambers in those days in not having one…. but two typists. Charles, now of course, Mr Justice Haddon Cave, must have been alarmed when he saw the first page of the skeleton. - The name of the vessel was ‘The Wondrous’ but was typed up as ‘The Monstrous’.

Life at the Bar (nothing to do with drink)

- In the final page however the typist put in - Mr Anthony Hallgarten QC and Mr Charles Hardon Dave. Charles, upon receiving the skeleton was quite upset and rang Tony Hallgarten to complain but of course asked that it be kept confidential. That lasted at least 30 seconds as Tony rushed into the clerk’s room in fits of laughter to tell us. Tim Young though perhaps had the best comment on the matter at the time – - “Charles must have been devastated ... To be called Dave” Silks came thick and fast, junior barristers became senior, 20 Essex, like 7KBW, took over Fountain Court’s prior mantle in becoming a “sausage factory” for high-flying judges. I have often wondered why that is so and can only conclude those Chambers must employ the best clerks! Members who went to the High Court bench included Bernard Rix, Peter Gross, Martin Moore Bick, Richard Plender, Nicholas Hamblen, Stephen Males. I also had the privilege of clerking many retired judges who came back as arbitrators. These included Lord Roskill, Lord Griffiths, Lord Donaldson, Sir Philip Otton, Sir Brian Neil, Sir Christopher Stoughton. Sir Simon Tuckey, Sir Bernard Rix and many other distinguished international arbitrators such as Charles Brower and William Rowley.

Not many people are aware but 20 Essex were the trailblazers for having arbitrators in chambers. They were the first set to actually have a full time arbitrator who was not a barrister in Lord Roskill and the first to have an overseas lawyer practising as a full time arbitrator from chambers. In my 26 years in Chambers I survived many things, teething train problems (which are still with us all), storms, blizzards and other natural disasters, and one very clever junior member of Chambers who almost burnt 20 Essex Street down by putting a cigarette, still alight in his drawer, just before he left. When he rushed back to Chambers he found the fireman throwing all his Maxwell files into Essex Street. Amazing what very clever and bright people can do! Life as a senior clerk was hectic. About 18 years ago I travelled to Singapore, at my own expense, to agree a fee for three year arbitration. Oddly enough, I met a lot of local lawyers and work started to come in. So I went again and after many years 20 Essex were approached to open a Chambers in Singapore. We duly opened in 2009, the first barristers to have an office overseas, and I had great fun and a very interesting time, meeting with the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Law on a regular basis to agree matters going forward. After about a year it became apparent that the bar, not just 20 Essex could do much better if we had critical mass, so I encouraged many clerks (my competitors) to look seriously at Singapore. I’m pleased to say that many did and Singapore is a great success for the bar in general. In 2013 I was elected Chair of the Institute of Barristers Clerks for three years. It was fascinating and I enjoyed very much representing the interest of clerks not only in general but speaking quite forcefully when required, to regulators about how some changes were not beneficial or were implemented in a fragmented way. This did not go down well, at first, but when I retired as Chair the Bar Standards Board ensures that the views of the clerks are taken into consideration when they issue consultation documents. Long may that continue. I gave speeches as Chair in Shanghai, Seoul Beijing and Singapore; at home, the IBC annual dinner became quite a fixture, with many senior judges attending as well as distinguished members

of all branches of the legal profession. And on one occasion the Lord Chancellor. That was an interesting evening as my talk centred on the Operation Cotton case and legal aid. Legal aid is important to many of us. It was important to many of our clients. It remains important, and always should do. There was no embarrassment on my part of course in raising the subject, as it was all fact and it was only right that Chris Grayling should hear. As you know the office of Lord Chancellor was amended after 800 years by the Blair government and in my time as chair Chris Grayling was appointed as the first non-lawyer in living memory. Most people would prefer not to remember Grayling, so those memories may not last. I would not have done or achieved what I did without the support of my wife Gill. Gill was a saint; I have no idea how we are still married. I apologised often for all those late nights, but as you all know British Rail is appalling. I think I only got home early on two occasions during those hectic years as a clerk, but I do have two lovely daughters to show for it. After 26 years, and with the retirement of Iain Milligan QC I moved to 7 King’s Bench Walk in 2015 as Practice Development Director (whatever that is) and subsequently retired in December 2019. I have no idea how successful I have been as a clerk; it is for those barristers I have worked for to judge. But throughout my career I have clerked 11 barristers who went onto the High Court bench and many others who went to the circuit bench, and approximately 50 barristers who took silk, 29 of those from 20 Essex Street alone. With retirement looming I was very interested in becoming a toastmaster. I had attended many legal events with toastmasters present, particularly the London Maritime Arbitrators Association, where I believe one of our members is always in attendance. Having given many speeches I felt confident that I could make a success of it (of course only time will tell) I made contact with Tony Forward and would like to thank Tony for his time and patience in training me. It was great fun. The exam was a bit daunting, with I recall Ted Prior, Ian Low, Peter Thompson and Christine Akehurst, putting me through a gruelling exam. One thing that did strike me was the professional way they put me through my paces. I passed, I think just about and was invited to

20 Essex Street my first event as assistant toastmaster to Howard Robbins at the Times Higher Education Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House. 1100 people were in attendance. Howard was very generous with his time and it was an amazing experience. I picked up many good tips and Howard filled me with confidence in fulfilling my duties for the evening. Howard put me on the door to welcome guests but said do not help or get distracted by anybody not attending the awards ceremony. Needless to say the first person through the door when I arrived was a lost American tourist who I could not get rid of until I got a bit shirty with him. I am sure he was immediately attracted to me by my red jacket and presumed I was a man of authority who knew everything! My second event was the wedding of a double Olympic gymnast. Great fun, lots of confidence and the evening went very well. I then went to Australia for two months in January 2020 to see my daughter and was expecting to put all my time and effort into my new vocation on my return. Unfortunately, lockdown came and I have not done any events since or got any forward bookings. Never mind I think times will change for the better in the near future and I am looking forward very much to being a Toastmaster.

Brian Lee.

Toas me famo Denis Thatcher

As Toastmasters, all of us have met many many

famous people. Sometimes we did not get to chat to them for very long so we cannot claim to have really known them. I had another job as a tour guide, which also produced some famous people, mainly very rich American tourists who stayed at all the big and expensive London hotels. Two people I shall never forget are Margaret Thatcher and Ted (Sir Edward) Heath. I met Margaret Thatcher as a Toastmaster on two occasions and had been at several other functions when she was the guest speaker. So, I spoke to her several times but cannot claim to really have known her. Sir Edward Heath, on the other hand, I did get to know very well. As the Toastmaster, I had introduced him at many functions, he was also my member of Parliament. My wife and I dined with Sir Edward many times in the Houses of Parliament, as well as being invited several times to dine at his house down in Salisbury. When he eventually died, I was invited to his funeral sadly, I was booked out to work, but my wife attended and Margaret Thatcher was there too.

It is well known that these two did not get on, as Prime Minister Ted, he was always Ted behind his back but Sir Edward to his face, or Mr Heath before he became a Knight if the Garter, so forgive me if I just refer to him as Ted. He gave Mrs Thatcher her

first ministerial job, she was Minister of Education, where she became famous for removing school milk. As time went on Ted had big problems with the miners, he introduced the three-day week and then made a big mistake by calling a general election to ask the country who was running the country, him or the miners! Ted lost and Harold Wilson became the Prime Minister. Ted Heath was replaced as leader of the Conservative party by Margaret Thatcher. Ted went into what the press described as the longest sulk in history. In his company you learned not to mention the dear lady. I often found myself sitting next to or quite near Ted, he became a very difficult man to talk to, he was profoundly deaf. So, if you asked him a question, just to break the ice, because he was not saying very much, the answer was Yes or No and that was the end of it! I was taking two clients on a tour of the Cotswolds and we went to Blenheim Palace, on that day the Blenheim Horse trails. Princess Anne’s daughter was competing so Princess Anne was there with a very large crowd and at very large Police presence. My clients were not interested in the horse trials, so we just did a tour of the palace. When we finished, I suggested my clients would like to visit Winston Churchill’s grave which is at Bladon, just a mile away. We went there and as

stmasters eet many ous people

we were leaving who was coming in - Margaret Thatcher with her son Mark. I am not sure if she recognised me but we spoke and I introduced my clients to her who were ‘over the moon’ to have met her. Mark Thatcher’s face was like thunder, he said nothing but if looks could kill his face said everything, ‘How dare you speak to my mother!’

a luncheon somewhere down west. So, he trotted off to Paddington and boarded a train, not noticing that the carriage was reserved, the train moved off and stopped at Reading where in piled a load of people with learning difficulties. Their minder came along to do a roll call, “One, two, three; who are you?”

On a cruise, I met Margaret Thatcher’s daughter Carol the younger twin of Mark, again these two do not get on even to this day, both have become very wealthy. I won’t go into detail on How Mark made his money! Carol tells a lovely story about her dad Dennis Thatcher; he was off to speak at

Dennis said, “I am the Prime Minister’s husband”. “Yes of course you are four five six….” Priceless!

Gordon Verren

From Gavel

This fabulous photograph was taken by photographer Joe Short, as part of a portrait set for a ‘photographic essay to highlight people involved in weddings and who have been affected by the lockdowns’. Other subjects included a magician, a harpist and a Victorian acrobat. (Shown in a Daily Mail article) During lockdown millions of people found themselves out of regular work and we as toastmasters found ourselves ‘slap bang in the 46

middle’ of this catastrophe. It did not matter whether you were an experienced toastmaster or just beginning your career, all bookings were cancelled. Lockdown affected the wedding industry massively and many in the business have had to look at career changes, some were temporary whilst others have been permanent. Toastmasters think on their feet, are enterprising

l to Trowel

and find a solution to most problems and one of our very own has been a leading light. Simon Shirley has turned his hand to gardening. As a toastmaster he said, ‘I loved making people’s most special day flow perfectly.’ The human connection was found as a gardener and he was quoted saying, ‘In the early days of lockdown, as many clients are elderly, I also kept them company and brought groceries. For quite a few people, I was the only person I saw from week to week.’ What a top fellow, one for the care he has

shown his clients and the other for bringing our profession to the fore. In the photograph Si is not wearing full regulation NAT uniform – how could that possibly be? If you think you know, send your answer to the Editor. There may even be a prize for the first right answer. Answer in the next edition of the TMV 47

THE ABSENT LADY CAPTAIN AND THE WELL-MEANING HOST I took it as an omen, a bad one. Getting ready for the night’s engagement, I had not once, not twice but three times got the dress studs badly wrong on my crisply starched toastmaster’s shirt. Probably grammatically incorrect, but badly wrong perfectly summed it up. Looking at the clock, I still had plenty of time to dress but I knew that she (time) always has a habit of flying when you need to be in a certain place at a certain time. As it turned out, it wasn’t me who would be late, it was the club’s Lady Captain no less! I had been engaged to run the Seniors Annual Dinner at a local golf club, un-named but one that takes its name from the county of Worcestershire. Guests numbered only a 100 or so but still an important event with some big cheeses from the local community in attendance. The Lady Captain was one of the principal guests, top table, a speech, a presentation and all that goes with it. Now, the toastmaster’s primary role is to ensure that an event runs to time especially when it involves feeding large groups of people, chefs can get very twitchy when asked to hold on for a few more minutes. I’d agreed five more with the club’s chef but that was it, no one likes burnt scallops! So, at 19.30 on the dot I was instructed by the host, well, let’s just say that I encouraged him to instruct me, that Lady Captain or not, the time had come when I had to call guests to dinner. As in all fields, with time comes experience and I called the assembled crowd to table in my usual well-rehearsed, authoritative manner. But what would happen when in just a few short moments I would be obliged to announce top table where, naturally, the Lady Captain should be centre stage? Her absence would highlight her lateness, presumably this would not sit well with the host and, worse still from my point of view, I would have to change my prepared words of introduction on the fly. In the toastmaster business preparation is everything, I do not relish winging it. Once more, the dress studs crossed my mind. 48

The walk to top table was as slow as I dared make it, anything slower would have appeared funereal! With dignitaries delivered to their chairs and all nicely lined up, I strolled at snail’s pace to the location in the room from where I was to deliver the particular Grace that I’d agreed with the host. It was November’s Remembrance weekend so something with gravitas and reverence was required. Our location in the building was quite open and what, I wondered, would have been the guests’ reaction had the Lady Captain arrived in the middle of “those prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice” etc. etc. Still no sign of her arrival, time to start, time to do my professional toastmaster best. The brain is an amazing thing, once more I had the time to think of the damn dress studs. Then, at the exact moment that I had taken the necessary deep breath that precedes any announcement, and with not a single second to spare, murmurings at the back of the room turned to applause and, with a little welcoming gesture and a kiss from myself, cheering greeted the Lady Captain’s and her husband’s arrival. Big smiles from everyone, an audience always wants you, indeed wills you, to do well. I conducted the required Grace, breezed through a couple of administrative announcements and serenely walked to the “crew room” to congratulate myself. After-all, I’d stayed calm, conducted things magnificently and had that night been blessed with a bucket load of luck. I forgot all about the dress studs. But in that moment, that stupid moment, I had committed a cardinal sin. I had completely forgotten to tell the kitchen that the guests were ready, ready for the evening’s repas, all the worse given the situation in the kitchen. It’s been a while since I’ve made a basic error but this was of schoolboy proportions ending, quite rightly, with Chef ’s wife giving me a talking to.

Graciously I thought, Chef did not show me his knife throwing skills that night. My apologies were accepted, it had been an embarrassing experience not helped by the fact that I’m 6’ 3” and Chef ’s wife is 5’ 3”! Well nearly! Mike, Sharon and I remain good friends to this day and they continue to provide fabulous food at this unnamed golf club! It had however been a sobering reminder that the toastmaster needs always to be thinking of what is supposed to happen next. Fortunately, that night the kitchen had been able to quickly respond. And I had been lucky. Oblivious to my angst, particularly about Cheffy’s sharp knives, the guests tucked in. I knew it wouldn’t do any good to mither over my error during the break, I had to concentrate on what is always the more important half of the evening, the grand introductions, the speeches, the presentations, helping to give people an enjoyable and memorable evening. A professional toastmaster contributes enormously to this part of the proceedings.

In short, that night I wanted to perform to my professional best and, with any luck, we’d have an opportunity, genuine not contrived, to have one or two laughs and as it turned out Lady Luck continued to shine upon me. With puddings scoffed, brandy’s dispatched down gullets and coffee served it was game on, time to make my contribution. Now, let me choose my words carefully here. The host that evening might best be described as everyone’s favourite Grandpa. An enthusiastic but not overly talented golfer of a certain age and a man particularly keen that his big night in the annual calendar should go well. And quite rightly so. From our first preparatory meeting I had admired how he wished to fuss over every detail and how open he was to suggestions on how the evening might be made to run as smoothly and memorably as possible. I have always admired enthusiasm. He was, and remains, the most well-meaning of men.

Zoned in, my grand introduction of the host as principal speaker was delivered word perfectly. He rose, perhaps a little nervously, to deliver his speech. I have seen many people, in many different situations, deliver a speech, I expect that you have too. Some start very well, perhaps with a light opening joke, perhaps a short, humorous tale. Others struggle with the situation from the first breath with nerves taking over. Our host that evening started slowly, began to build and gained early support from his audience, I thought deservedly so. Here stood a man who had prepared, indeed prepared well, and although not a gifted orator was clearly doing his best. I began to listen. One joke followed another, some better than others but he was winning his audience over. And then he faltered. I’ve always thought myself as a bit of an eagleeye, it’s a sort of instinctive knack of spotting something as it starts, many toastmasters have this ability. From the corner of my eye, I noticed that the natural movement of paper in his hand had turned in to a bit of a shake and subsequently what appeared to be a short, wafty wave of the hand written document in my direction. This usually indicates stress driven mostly by memory loss or especially loss of where one is in one’s speech. I was waiting, even expecting it, when the host turned to me to say something, another sure sign that help would be required. Quite often, the response is a simple nod or agreement to some query or other in the process of the event. I’m quite good at affirmatory nodding now I think about it. And then it came. “Er, so well, er Peter, should we present the prize to the winner now?” The prize was to be a bottle of champagne presented to the winner of a game of Heads & Tails, a popular fund raiser, that I was asked to run at the very end of the evening. Yes, the very end of the evening! Once more, I return to the amazing ability of the brain. In less than a nano of a nano second, I’m not sure what that segment of time is called, I managed to compute that three forces were now in play. Firstly, the host had momentarily lost his way in his speech but with a helping hand would recover, secondly the pressure was now on me to say something and, thirdly, whatever 50

TMV STORY

came out my mouth should engage with the audience and help to get the host back on track. Please don’t misunderstand, toastmasters should avoid cracking their own gags at all times but mild humour, if short and well timed, can work very well, I think it’s the same the world over really. Deep breath, my dead pan Jeeves face on show and with the clearest of tones........”I should point out Sir that we have as yet to play the game”. I wasn’t quite expecting the response that followed but in the ensuing din I briefly considered calling Simon Cowell to audition for the comedy slot. I paused, let the laughter die and stepped forward with face still un-cracked, something I actually don’t find difficult when furiously thinking of what the hell to say next! As it happened, it came easily. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Keith also wanted to say......blah, blah, blah” It’s a line that I picked up from my toastmaster trainer Paul Deacon, a man to whom I am very grateful and owe much, a master of our profession. With my encouragement, the audience clapped itself silly on raising £500 for the Chrones and Colitis Society, the host remembered where he was in his speech and retook the reigns and with a nod of the head to him I stepped back in to the shadows. I’m unsure that it is an official toastmaster term but .....Result! On the face of it, it doesn’t get much more straight forward than a dinner for a small gathering of 100 odd folks at the local golf club. But it had nearly gone very wrong, I’d nearly had an embarrassed host, an embarrassed principal speaker and an angry chef. Thankfully, I had been wrong about the omen with the evening, perhaps more by luck than judgement, running to plan. Now, where’s that drink I was promised?

Peter Sumner

To tie carefully or not?

I have just been treating a man who always wears a bow tie - so after his treatment he has to re-tie it. I was watching him today and it’s quite fascinating to see how quickly it all comes together - as you well know. But he made me laugh by saying that when he first started to do properly tied bows an elderly gentleman gave him some advice :-

‘Tie your bow carefully - but not exactly perfectly - for two reasons - one because if you tie it too well people will think it is a ready made bought one, and also, two, if it is very good but not quite perfect you have every chance of a nice young lady coming over and adjusting it for you !!

Janice Dorn

RESTL On a beautifully cold, crisp autumnal night

at Wrest Park a young loving couple, their arms entwined, walked the path of the Long Water. He in his soldier’s uniform and she in her sensible winter coat. It was the time of the Great War and for whatever reason they were both home on leave. She was a nurse in field hospital and he a much respected army officer. This was their last night at home and the next morning they would be returning to France and forced, albeit temporarily to part. They reached the head of the water and they looked back towards the glory of the House, so magnificent on the outside, yet dealing with so much pain and suffering on the inside, taking in its vast dark outline and the glowing lights coming from the ward windows. The young women spoke, ‘What time is it John?’ He looked at his watch, ‘Just 9.15 Mary. ‘ They knew that they should be returning to their billets to make the final preparations for their departure early the next morning but as they turned they noticed a light coming from The Archer’s Pavilion and without saying a word, almost as though guided by another’s hand they approached the delightful confection of a building, climbed the steps, and went inside. As they opened the door they were greeted by a warm golden glow, just like the glow from a roaring log fire. In the centre of the room a table was set for supper with crisp white linen, delicate bone china and at its centre a vase of late flowering chrysanthemums. Again without a word Mary removed her coat and John his officers jacket, they sat down and ate the supper. After supper they sat for what seemed like many an hour talking and laughing. Being TMV STORY 52

in love. They made a solemn vow to each other that no matter what happened, come what may, they would return to walk the paths of Wrest Park. Eventually Mary once again asked John, ‘What time is it John?’ John looked at his watch and was surprised to see that his watch had stopped at 9.15. They could put off their departure no longer Mary put on her sensible winter coat and John his officer’s jacket and they headed outside. As John closed the door behind him he took one last look inside and noticed the subtle changes in the room. The golden glow had faded, the linen had greyed and the flowers had wilted in their vase. He closed the door. Then he heard Mary whisper, ‘Look’. Mary was pointing to the path alongside the Long Water. John looked up and saw a young couple, their arms entwined walking along the path of the long water. He in his soldier’s uniform and she in her sensible winter coat. Mary and John watched as the couple reached the head of the Long water, they watched as they looked back towards the house and they listened when they heard the young women speak, ‘What time is it John?’ she asked The young man looked at his watch and replied, ‘Just 9.15 Mary.’

Gayna Harris

LESS

How to be a part of the Winter edition of the TMV 1. So, weddings and events are starting again. What was you first event like. Anything interesting, amusing or unexpected occuring? If so, tell us about it.

2. Last chance to put an entry into the ‘700-word story competition’ 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.