Club Centennial Celebrations
Canning Vale Toastmasters Celebrate a Century of Toastmasters
On Tuesday October 22nd, 2024, Canning Vale Toastmasters Club celebrated a Century of Toastmasters, on the date of the very first meeting organised by Dr. Ralph Smedley in 1924. Club members were delighted to reminisce about the past 100 years and looked forward with enthusiasm to 100 more.
Toastmaster Eloyise gave us short segues between speakers revealing the history of Toastmasters. Some of her highlights were where Toastmasters began, some of the International Presidents and when women were permitted to join. Table Topics Master, Somesh kept us wanting more with his tantalising questions about Dr. Smedley’s reason for starting Toastmasters, is the world really aware of Toastmasters and how we can attract younger members in the future. Even a guest was brave enough to tell us what brought her to this meeting, and could she already see how Toastmasters can help her. Of course, she wanted to improve her communication skills, and she could see immediately the benefits.
Canning Vale Toastmasters Centennial Agenda
Our Pathways speeches culminated in a speech by our Club Sponsor and Charter Member, Mark Richards who captivated the audience with his recollection of the History of District WA. Most members were unaware that once we were a single Division of District 73, that encompasses Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. District 17 was a dream of a few members here in WA who proposed a “Breakaway Plan”. It all came to fruition in 2011 when we held the “Swan Song on the Swan”, District Conference. This was the final conference with District 73 and where we parted ways to become a District in our own right.
Presentation of Centennial Pins and Toastmasters Value Medals
To conclude the meeting, President Hilda presented some members and guests who had starred at the meeting a celebratory 100-year pin or a Toastmasters Values Medal. She then proposed a toast to Dr. Smedley’s vision, the future of Toastmasters and success for our members to achieve their own personal goals.
Afterwards, a sumptuous supper was shared by all in attendance, as we eagerly anticipate our future in an organisation that has stood the test of time and is positioned to lead us into the next century of meetings where “Leaders are Made”. We are so proud of the many leaders Canning Vale Toastmasters have helped grow and we look forward with expectancy to serving so many more. We appreciate Dr. Smedley’s dream and I’m sure he would be proud of this achievement. Congratulations Toastmasters on a Century of meetings!
Toastmasters Centennial Celebration at Fremantle Gateway Club
On Tuesday, October 22nd, the Fremantle Gateway Toastmasters Club hosted a memorable event at the Fremantle Park Centre to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Toastmasters International. The evening was a grand affair, attended by over 50 current and past members, Fremantle Gateway Gavel Club members, and their families.
Fremantle Gateway Centennial Event Audience
The celebration featured several distinguished guests, including Ian Pickens, DTM, Immediate Past District Director; Tom Bielski, DTM, Program Quality Director; Maree Pickens, DTM, Club Growth Director; Past District Director Leonor Ragan, DTM; Past District Governor Ross Wilkinson, DTM; and charter members Mike Ellis and Steve Barry, DTM.
Leonor Ragan and Sussanah
Angela Booker and Maree Pickens
Tom Bielski and Mina Cho with members and guests from Fremantle Gateway
Scott Wovodich served as the MC for the evening, guiding the event with enthusiasm and charm. Steve Barry led a humorous session of Table Topics, bringing laughter and engagement to the audience. Ian Pickens delivered an insightful presentation on the history of Toastmasters and honoured current Gateway members who have achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster award, including Steve Barry, Ross Wilkinson, Sophy Gotsis and Saman Perera. Triple Crown awards for the previous year were also presented.
Ian Pickens presents Fremantle Gateway DTM Members with 100yr Anniversary Pins
Maree Pickens spoke about the upcoming Centennial Celebration at Downstairs at the Maj, which was followed by a delicious BBQ for all attendees. The evening concluded with founding members Mike Ellis and Steve Barry cutting the celebratory cakes, and the drawing of free door prizes.
Fremantle Gateway Centennial Cake Cutting with Sophie Gotsis, Mike Ellis and Steve Barry
The event was a resounding success, with two past members rejoining the club since the celebration. It was a night filled with joy, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for the impact of Toastmasters over the past century.
Fremantle Gateway member Marine and partner, Mike
Celebrating Toastmasters Centennial at Toasting Human Energy
On Tuesday, October 22, Toasting Human Energy at Chevron Australia celebrated the Toastmasters Centennial with a special lunchtime meeting. Lunch was served so members and guests could network before we started, then Maree Pickens, a co-founder of the Club used her exuberant energy to kick off a truly celebratory meeting!
The event was graced by two distinguished guests from Founders District in California: Julie Murphy, DTM, Past District Director and VP Membership for Smedley Chapter 1, and April Braswell, DTM, the current Club Growth Director.
Julie Murphy delivered a heartfelt tribute to the origins of Toastmasters, recounting the first meeting held in the basement of the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, on October 22, 1924. She emphasized the importance of continuing Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s legacy by inviting guests to experience the transformative power of Toastmasters.
April Braswell followed with an enthusiastic response to a table topics question about expanding the number of clubs. She highlighted the benefits of growing new clubs to reach more people and organisations, thereby extending the impact of Toastmasters programs.
Our second speaker, Tim Blackford, a past President of Toasting Human Energy and a charter member, shared his personal journey. He spoke about how continuous learning through Toastmasters has been pivotal to his professional development. Tim credited his Toastmasters training with helping him secure a corporate scholarship to attend MIT in Boston. Having recently returned, he has rejoined the club to continue his learning and career advancement.
The meeting also saw several guests who were impressed by the quality of the speakers, the constructive evaluations, and the engaging table topics. The celebration was a testament to the enduring value of Toastmasters in fostering personal and professional growth. It was an event to remember and our many thanks to our Treasurer, Carolyn Withey for organising the lunch, our VPE for putting the program together and of course to our special guests who stayed up late in California to join us at lunchtime on the other side of the world down under!
Aspire Celebrates Toastmasters International’s Centennial
Aspire Toastmasters is known for its warm welcome but at our Centennial celebration meeting on 19th October, joy overflowed!
Celebrating Toastmasters International Centennial at Aspire
As usual we welcomed several visitors who joined in the festivities and brought with them new stories, new energy and pledges of commitment.
We also welcomed our newest member, Daniele.
The audience were treated to a wide range of stories from the prepared speeches, varying from rev-head grandads and Bitcoin to ice bath plunges and stinky flowers!
It was a great opportunity to celebrate Eric’s birthday as well. Eric Davies is our VP Education and works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all members and visitors have the best opportunities to learn and grow.
Priyanka and Eric
Gen and Eric
Thanks to all members who provided the delicious food. We even trialled our Trivia Night Fiesta tablecloths to make sure everything is perfect for 9th November. Have you booked your table yet?
Aspire really demonstrates Ralph Smedley’s original goal of helping members become confident speakers and leaders in a supportive setting.
I’m grateful to belong to this group of beautiful people.
Sophie, Eric and Jo
