TheToastmaster.co.uk

Your friendly and courteous, experienced toastmaster for all occasions

Working mainly in and around Essex, Hertfordshire, London, Suffolk and Kent.I will travel anywhere in the world that you have need of a toastmaster who will pay special attention to your requests and instructions in great detail.

I work to the international quality standard ISO 9001:2008. This standard is an assurance for you, that I will make sure that I have fully documented and understood your instructions. I will then carry them out for you in the way and in the style that you want me to, so that you get exactly what you want.

When you choose me to be your toastmaster, I will make sure that your event is run your way. 

The furthest that I have travelled for a wedding was to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for a Punjabi - Sikh wedding in November 2003. I am pleased to travel anywhere that you need me to. If you are looking for the highest quality services - I am here for you.

Please call me at any time on 07971 409977 to discuss your requirements.

Weddings are my specialty and my love

I will do anything to make your day very special for you!

Thank you for visiting my web site

I attended the open house for Brides and companies that have booked their weddings and functions at Boreham House, Chelmsford, Essex in April and again in May 2009.  It was a pleasure to meet the couples who have booked their weddings at Boreham House, together with their families and I would be pleased to talk further to anyone who would like more details about my services as your toastmaster at Boreham House.

Richard is a full time professional toastmaster and is a founder member of the English Toastmasters Association® bringing new standards of professionalism to our clients and reliable quality services that you can trust, in the way, and in the style that you want, and with a passion!

Here is the blog that I have taken from my very good and kind friend David Court, of Court on Camera. The best Essex wedding photographer.

On Saturday 23rd May 2009, alongside my good friend and Toastmaster - Richard Palmer, Wedding Photographers Essex - CourtOnCamera had the honour and great pleasure to have been invited to photograph Clare and Pat's Wedding at St John the Evangelist and St Erkenwald's Catholic Church at Ingatestone, with the wedding breakfast at Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester, Essex.

The wonderful couple and their guests were a real treat to look after and David is simply the best photographer to work with. Pat and Clare made some stunning and very kind comments to David and I about the way their day had been for them, and the way that we had worked together to look after them. This couple were exceptional in their love and care for each other and all of their guests.  They were wonderful to look after and working with Dave Court to make sure that they got the photos of their dreams was a real pleasure. Thank you Pat and Clare for all your kindness and very best wishes for your future together.

The following text and photographs are taken from Adrian Smith's Blog page at http://www.photosmithblogg.blogspot.com/

Friday 24th April 2009  Stock Brook Manor  Working with a really great photographer Adrian Smith who took one or two unusual photos.   "Last Friday I had the pleasure of photographing Debbie and Peter’s wedding at Stock Brook Manor on behalf of my collegues at I'm-Art Photography.  Not only were they a really special couple, there was the added bonus of working with the truly professional Toastmaster Richard Palmer. Richard has the ability to build an instant rapport with people and really put them at ease.  Richard ensures the Bride and Groom are looked after throughout the day."        Images shot by Adrian Smith for I'm Art Photography

A lovely thank you card came from Sharon and Paul, whose wedding on Saturday 21st March 2009, took place at Creaksea Church and then on to the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at Burnham on Crouch for their wedding reception.  I also helped by playing their special music at the church. Their very kind card reads as follows;-      Dear Richard,   We would like to thank you so much for making our wedding day so special, you even made the sun shine.  For us it was a magical day, everything went so well and you were there at every turn to make sure it did.  Tony from the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club recommended you, and he was right, "there is no-one better".  We were very impressed that you went out of your way to get to know us before the wedding. We will send you a photo when we get them. Thank you again Richard for making it a day to remember for us.  Sharon and Paul     Sharon and Paul seated me at the top table, which was the first time I had been seated at the top table as a toastmaster.  This is not a traditional place for a toastmaster to sit and would be frowned upon by many in our profession.  When I talked to Sharon and Paul about this, I was very honoured to be informed that I was not their toastmaster, but their friend.  How kind and considerate were Sharon and Paul?  All their guests were lovely and they could not fail to get the best day of their lives when they surrounded themselves with such wonderful guests. 

Tony, the house manager at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, is always great to work with and has an excellent team there. The staff are very professional and are always attentive to their clients and the atmosphere that they create for their clients ensures that they have a brilliant day. Just in case Tony, Dean the chef and their colleages ever read this they deserve a very special mention becaause of their kindness and consideration when I work with them. Excellent care for all their clients has to make them a dream team if you are thinking of having a wedding anywhere near Burnham on Crouch, Essex. Thank you to the team at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, you are great and it is so nice to see that you care about your clients and to have the pleasure of working with you.

If you would like your day to be fun and yet professionally managed, I am there to do whatever you need me to do, to the highest possible standards. 

I will be your P. A., confidant, runner and toastmaster, or whatever you need me to be, to give you the best day of your lives!  It would be wrong for me to tell you what you should have or do on your wedding day, but what ever you need me to do, I am there for you!

Take a look at some of the thank you letters that I have received and you will then understand that I am there for you.  I would like to find out what you would like me to do for you and deliver that service with excellence and the wow factor.

I would like to share this experience with you, because it was the best start to the year that any toastmaster could wish for and I feel so delighted and humbled by what happened.  I must admit that I was also quite choked by Nicole's kindness and I found it quite difficult to speak, a little bit unusual for me, but when a bride goes out of her way to say a special thank you to me in the way that Nicole did, it makes me feel so lucky and makes me feel that my job is very special and worthwhile.

I was in my office on Monday 26th January 2009 and it was late morning when the door opened and in walked Nicole, a bride who I had been toastmaster for on 13th September 2008 at the Old Palace & Riding School, Hatfield House, Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire.  I had enjoyed looking after Nicole and Richard and all of their families and guests and had the feeling that they were enjoying their day, which is exactly why I was there.  To make sure that they had the day of their dreams.

Nicole explained that she had wanted to say thank you before, but had been waiting for the photos.  Her letter reads as follows;-

Dear Richard,  We have been waiting on the photos so that we could send you some copies along with this letter. 

Richard and I just wanted to say a big 'thank you' for making our wedding day run so smoothly.  We had a super day and you were most helpful.  Everything ran according to plan and we couldn't have asked for a better toastmaster than you. 

My dad had been worrying about doing a speech for months but you managed to put him at ease and even he could not stop talking about how good you were at settling his nerves!  He liked the fact that we had a formal toastmaster but you didn't have the harsh sort of attitude that some of them can have if you know what we mean. 

You took care of my dress, kept us topped up with water whilst having the pictures taken (although Richard was more interested in the beers!)  There wasn't anything that you would not do for us and we would thoroughly recommend you to anyone else having a function. 

A big thank you once again and hope you like the bits and pieces from our wedding to put with your collection.  I have to apologise as I understand that my sister-in-law took your wedding favour to give to my brother as the caterers had left him out.  You were meant to have one also, so please find enclosed in your box.  Kind regards    Richard  &  Nicole

Please call me at any time for any help or information on

07971 409977.

Just in case you would like to know about the other very special toastmasters in the

English Toastmasters Association please go to www.englishtoastmasters.co.uk  

They are excellent toastmasters that I am pleased to recommend.

Please help me to respond more quickly to your enquiry by giving me your phone number, for a fast response.  I would like to talk, person to person, with anyone who would like me to provide services.  This is so that I may establish the exact details of the services that you require and so that I may give you a proper and accurate answer to your enquiries.  A date and venue only are not enough details for me to look after you properly or to allow me to quote accurately, so please, please help me by providing your phone number for all genuine enquiries.  Please call me now on 07971 409977 for a swift response or e-mail me using this form http://www.thetoastmaster.co.uk/contact.php

I will always be pleased to help you with your enquiry and am also happy to work anywhere in the world and at any type of function or occasion.

On Saturday 25th October 2008 I worked at an Asian Wedding in the Millennium Suite at City Pavilion, Collier Row Road, Romford, Essex RM5 2BH. 

The reason that I am showing this picture on the left is because this venue is the latest, biggest, quality indoor venue that will make a huge impact on the wedding and corporate markets in and around Essex and London.  The picture on the right may give you an indication of the staircase that leads up to the Millennium Suite.  If you are having a large, quality function including weddings, this venue is definitely worth a look.  The picture shown here does not do the suite justice but may give you an indication as to the size and facilities at this venue.  The suite will hold 1,200 people, seated and has excellent facilities all the way round.  The new owners are taking a pride in their venue and it is coming together well.  Really good restaurant, bowling lanes under ground and this venue will knock spots off most of the London quality venues, with accommodation close by.

The comments from Alkesh and Neelam on behalf of Yogi and Rupa read as follows, "Dear Richard, Just wanted to give you a vote of thanks for helping us to conduct a very very hectic day into a well organised one! - We are getting loads of comments on what you did...people were very complimentary!  Once again, thank you and look forward to hearing/seeing you soon.   Alkesh and Neelam   A fantastic day with wonderful people and a real pleasure to be there.

The two pictures on the right above are courtesy of Mahesh at www.mashphoto.com

Now for something completely different - The NSPCC

At the English Toastmasters Association members meeting on Tuesday 21st October 2008, we discussed working for charities. 

This is an odd ball in the way that I have tackled it.  I had a call from the NSPCC who needed help and fast.  They wanted a fire breather to do a stunt at the Colchester United Football Club at 10.00am Friday 24th October. 

Well, here is the photo of me in action.  I'm the guy breathing fire at the back.  The two pictures on the left were taken by David, an excellent Essex Portrait Photographer at www.stourvalleyphotography.com     Now where does this lead to. 

If you feel that you may be able to help the NSPCC, please get in touch with Katie at kat pr consultancy

Just to prove that Katie is right about me in one of her comments, I have the picture of me in armour, although it was taken from my jousting days "a few years ago". 

I have just had a lovely thank you letter from Katie at kat pr consultancy    Which reads as follows;- 

Richard is a knight in shining armour!

He stepped in at the last moment at what must have been a great inconvenience to himself - all in the aid of charity!His help towards Colchester NSPCC has been amazing and he has a heart of gold. 

His skills as a fire breather are just awe-inspiring and it creates something 'that little bit different' to any event - I can heartily recommend him and it will get and keep people talking about our event for much longer than they would do otherwise!

As a toastmaster he is perfection and his all round willingness to pitch in and help in any way possible is just more than you could ever wish for!  Thank you from the NSPCC and Thank you from the Colchester Business Group and Thank you from me!    Katie Skingle   Chairwoman for the Colchester NSPCC Business Group

Just a little bit of toastmaster history and how things have changed over the years

From the first time the red tailcoat was worn by Mr. William Knightsmith (pictured left) in 1894 to the current time, there have been many changes in the way that toastmasters work.  I believe that the focus for what we do as your toastmaster, should be on you and what you want!

The photograph shown left was taken by Richard Palmer, courtesy of the Cafe Royal, Regent Street, London, where the picture was hanging in the Tudor Rooms until December 2008, when it was removed and is now back in the hands of the National Association of Toastmasters. 

The Picture above left is owned by the National Association of Toastmasters.                      The photograph above right is copyright and licenced from Getty Images.

With the Olympic games having taken place in China last year (2008), it is interesting to see how the announcements were made back at the 1908 London Olympics by Mr. William Knightsmith, a London Toastmaster, using a huge megaphone.

I am here to find out what you want and what is important to you!

  By using the latest technology, you will also be assured of significantly better results than what was possible back in the olden days, but it is nice to know how we have arrived at where we are now.

This web site is different and is meant to be informative and not starchy.

It does not have all the flashy tweeks, but it does have loads of information and many lovely letters from very happy clients, so you do not have to hear it from me.

(My blog is a little touch of me, from the heart)

I am showing a few of the hundreds of testimonials that I am proud to have received from my clients.  I think that by reading their comments, you may have a better idea of how I am able to help you with your function, where you want to be assured that you are going to get exactly what you want - and more.

It is OK to do a job, but how it is done may make a huge difference to your special occasion.  I am totally passionate about my work and dedicated to my clients.

Please read on if you want a professional toastmaster that will work for you with a passion coupled with the experience to give you the absolute best service and total peace of mind.

(There are many smiles on these pictures- I bet you would love your day to be great fun all the way through!)

For your special occasion....

If you would like to train to be a toastmaster, please give me a call at any time on 07971 409977

• Wedding Ceremonies
• Receptions of all types
• Civil Partnerships
• Family Celebrations
• Celebrant Services
• Baby naming ceremonies
• Bar mitzvahs
• Bat mitzvahs
• Diplomatic and Civic Occasions
• Military and Regimental Functions
• Masonic Ladies Festivals
• Ladies Nights
• Institute Dinners
• Corporate Dinners
• Rotary Functions
• Round Table
Functions
• 41 Club Events  
• Lions Events
• Soroptimists Events
• Balls
• Banquets
• Dinner Dances
• Gala Evenings
• Burns Night Suppers
• Garden Parties
• Charity Events
• Fundraising Auctions
• Company Presentations
• Award Ceremonies
• Conferences
• Trade Shows
• Sporting Evenings
• Sporting Events
• Formal Lunches
• Informal Lunches
• Hospitality

Some of the wedding venues in Essex that I am pleased to work at.

01708 688396

Abridge Golf and Country Club
Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney, Essex, RM4 1ST

01277 373828

Ashwells Sports & Country Club
Ashwells Road, Bentley, Brentwood, CM15 9SE

01799 529403

Audley End House
Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

01206 210001

Best Western Marks Tey Hotel
London Road , Marks Tey, Colchester, CO6 1DU

01277 366687/362502

Blake Hall
Ongar , Essex, CM5 0DG

01992 525151

Blakes Golf Club
Epping Road, North Weald, Epping, CM16 6RZ

01621 855628

Boreham House
Main Road, Boreham, Essex, CM3 3HY

01376 352266

Braintree Town Hall
Market Square, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3YG

01621 892305

Braxted Park Estate
Braxted, Witham, Essex, CM8 3EN

01279 817056

Bury Lodge
Bury Lodge Lane, Stanstead Airport, Essex, CM24 8QE

01245 440005

Channels Golf Club
Belsteads Farm Lane, Little Waltham, Essex, CM3 3PT

01206 734301

Clarice House Colchester at Kingsford Park
Layer Road, Kingsford, Colchester, CO2 0HS

Coggeshall Village Hall
Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, CO6 1UH

01206 500900

Colchester Arts Centre
Church Street, Colchester, CO1 1NF

Colchester Community Stadium
United Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5UP

01787 224343

Colne Valley Golf Club
Station Road, Earls Colne, Colchester,Essex, CO1 1QT

01376 572643

Crabbs Barn
Cranes Lane, Kelvedon, Essex, CO5 9AX

01621 783169

Creeksea Place
Ferry Road, Creeksea, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8PJ

01376 584903

Cressing Temple
Witham Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 8PD

01268 559772

Cromwell Manor
Watt Tyler, Pitsea, Essex, SS16 4UH

01277 841115

Crondon Park Golf Club
Stock Road, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9DP

01277 226418

De-Rougemont Manor
Great Warley Street, Warley, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3P

01279 731441

Down Hall Country House Hotel
Matching Lane, Hatfield Heath, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM22 7AS

01255 220450

Esplanade Hotel
27/29 Marine Parade East, Clacton-On-Sea , Essex, CO15 1UU

01702 279955

Essex County Hotel
Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 6UL

01376 324555

Fennes Estate
Fennes Road, Bocking, Braintree, CM7 5PL

01621 868 888

Five Lakes Hotel
Colchester Road, Tolleshunt Knights, Maldon, CM9 8XH

01621 891406

Forrester Park
Beckingham Road, Great Totham, Nr Maldon, Essex, CM9 8EA

01268 543222

Friern Manor Country House Hotel
Lower Dunton Road, Dunton, Brentwood, CM13 3SL

07863101517

Frinton on Sea Cricket Club
Ashlyns Road, Frinton on Sea, CO13 9ET

01277 355111

Furze Hill Banqueting Suite
Ivy Barn Lane, Margaretting , Essex, CM4 0EW

01992 560830

Gaynes Park Barns
Gaynes Park, Epping, Essex, CM16 7RT

01992 578332

Gills Farm
Epping Upland, Epping, Essex, CM16 6PL

01787 472914

Gosfield Hall
Gosfield, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1SF

01279 506475

Great Hallingbury Manor
Great Hallingbury, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM22 7TJ

01277 829990

Greenwoods Estate
Stock Road, Stock, Essex, CM4 9BE

01277811235

Halfway House
Southend Arterial Road, Brentwood, CM13 3LL

01787 463862

Hedingham Castle
Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ

0870 4009003

Holiday Inn Basildon
Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DG

0870 4009012

Holiday Inn Brentwood
Brook Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5NF

0870 4009020

Holiday Inn Colchester
Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6 3QL

01702 559980

Hollywood Restaurant
140 Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1RF

01277 231439

Hutton Poplars Hall
Poplar Drive, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 1YU

01245 496800

Hylands House
Hylands Park, Near Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

01277 353040

Ivy Hill Hotel
Writtle Road, Margaretting, Ingatestone, CM4 0EH

01702 551125

La Quinta
22-28 Benfleet Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1QB

01206 330784

Layer Marney Tower
Near Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

01206 323778

Le Talbooth Restaurant
Gun Hill, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6HP

01245 362555

Leez Priory
Leez Lane, Hartford End, Chelmsford,Essex, CM3 1JP

01371 872857

Little Easton Manor
Park Road, Little Easton, Dunmow, CM6 2JN

01279 726554

Little Hallingbury Mill
Old Mill Lane, Gaston Green, Nr Bishops Stortford, CM22 7QT

01245325959

Lords Golf & Country Club
Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 9QS

01245 231515

Maidens Barn
Maidens Farm, High Easter, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1HU

07711 197947

Maison Renouf
Bradley way, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BU

01206 322367

Maison Talbooth Hotel
Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 8HN

07769 676735

Mangapp Manor
Mangapp Chase, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8QQ

01277 225252

Marygreen Manor Hotel
London Road, Brentwood, CM14 4NR

01245 435820

Maynetrees
56 New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1NE

01208 5002735

Metropolitan Police (Chigwell) Sports Club
High Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6BD

01279 424074

Moot House
The Stow, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3AG

01277 211549

Mount Avenue Banqueting Suite
Hutton Masonic Hall, Mount Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 2NS

01992523947

Mulberry House
Chelmsford Road, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9NL

01245 231010

Newland Hall
Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4LH

01992 522118

North Weald Golf Club
Rayley Lane, North Weald, Essex, CM16 6AR

01268 510111

Oysterfleet
Knightswick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7UX

01279 829988

Park Inn
Southern Way, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7BA

01799 543800

Parklands
Quendon Hall, Quendon, Essex, CB11 3XN

01279 876661

Pledgdon Barn
Pledgdon Hall, Henham, Bishop's Stortford, Herts

01245 476444

Pontlands Park Hotel
West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8HR

01376 573399/572175

Prested Hall
Feering, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9EE

01992 573138

Quality Hotel Epping
High Road, Bell Common, Epping, CM16 4DG

01206 230900

Ramada Hotel
A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7QY

01702318120

Rayleigh Windmill
Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7EO

01245 440005

Regiment Way Golf Centre
Pratts Farm Lane, Little Waltham, Chelmsford, CM3 3PR

01206 866677

Rose and Crown Hotel
East Street, Colchester, CO1 2TZ

01702 545554

Saxon Hall
Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, Rochford,Essex, SS2 6UN

01245 435820

Shire Hall
Tindal Square, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1EH

01787 374544

Smeetham Hall Barn
Smeetham Hall, Bulmer, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7EU

01245 264564

South Lodge Hotel
196 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0AR

01255 823057

St Osyth Priory
The Bury, St Osyth, CO16 8NZ

01763 279354

Stansted Manor Hotel
Birchanger Lane, Birchanger, Nr Bishop's Stortford , Essex, CM23 5ST

01277 653616

Stock Brook Manor
Queens Park Avenue , Billericay, CM12 0SP

01277 200885

Sugar Hut Village
93-95 High Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4RR

01279 420246

Swallow Churchgate Hotel
Churchgate Village Street, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 0JT

01371 830129

Thaxted Hall
Walden Road, Thaxted, Essex, CM6 2RE

01206 212345

The Barn Brasserie
Brook Road, Great Tey, Colchester, CO6 1JE

01268 522828

The Belvedere
Hardings Elms Road, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UH

01787 472144

The Bull Hotel
Bridge Street, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HU

01268 561234

The Chichester
Old London Road, Rawreth, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8UE

01376 561322

The Compasses at Pattiswick
Compasses Road, Pattiswick, Braintree, CM77 8SX

01245 455700

The County Hotel
Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PZ

01799 530515

The Crown House
London Road, Great Chesterford, Saffron Walden, CB10 1NY

01787 224466

The Essex Golf And Country Club
Earls Colne, Colchester, CO6 2NS

01279 442521

The Green Man Hotel
Mulberry Green, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 0ET

01277 651816

The Ivory rooms
66-68 Laindon Rd, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9LD

01255 812 343

The Kingscliff Hotel
55 Kings Parade, Holland-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 5JB

01702 614777

The Kursaal
1st Floor, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2WW

01702 203701

The Lawn
Hall Road, Rochford, SS4 1PJ

01268 544417

The Old Rectory
Lower Dunton Road, Dunton, Brentwood, CM13 3SW

01255 241212

The Pier At Harwich
The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

01245 231800

The Reid Rooms
Marks Hall, Margaret Roding Great Dunmow , Essex, CM6 1QT

01376 516969

The Rivenhall Hotel
Rivenhall End, Witham, Essex, CM8 3HB

01245 231800

The Room in The Rodings
Ongar Road, Beauchamp Roding, Ongar, CM5 0PF

01799 522676

The Saffron Hotel
High Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1AZ

07790 198157

The Saltings
Lower Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 5LU

01371 811596

The Stables
Spains Hall, Finchingfield, Braintree,Essex, CM7 4NJ

01255 504952

The Tower Hotel
Main Road, Dovercourt, Essex, CO12 3PJ

01245 223258

The Warren Golf Club
Woodham Walter, Maldon, CM9 6RW

The White Hart Hotel
Bocking End, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9RB

01787 237250

The White Hart
Poole Street, Great Yeldham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 4HJ

01621 828631

Three Rivers Golf and Country Club
Stow Road, Cold Norton, Chelmsford, CM3 6RR

01376 326802

Towerlands Park
Panfield Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 5BJ

01206 282200

Town Hall
High Street, Colchester, CO1 1FR

01621 855628

Vaulty Manor
Goldhanger Road, Goldhanger, Nr Maldon, CM9 8BQ

01992 717170

Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel
Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3LX

01245 252000

Waterfront Place
Wharf Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6LU

01206 272300

Westwood Park
London Road, Little Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4BS

01279 850603

Whitehall Hotel
Church End, Broxted, Essex, CM6 2BZ

01206 863666

Wivenhoe House Hotel
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ

01440 762581

Woodlands Country Hotel
Coupals Road, Sturmer, Nr Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7UW

0208 5002549

Woolston Manor Golf Club
Abridge Rd, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6BX

Some London Wedding Venues (This list is given for information only and details should be checked for accuracy before use.)

Lanesborough Hotel 1 Lanesborough Place, London, SW1X 7TA   Tel 0207 259 5599

Adam Street Private Members Club 9 Adam Street, London, WC2N 6AA   Tel 020 7379 8000

Arundel House 13-15 Arundel Street, London, WC2R 3DX   Tel 020 7653 6666

Asia House 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LR   Tel 020 7307 5454

Athenaeum Hotel 116 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BJ   Tel 0207 499 3464

Bertorelli 11-13 Frith Street, London, W1D 4RB   Tel 020 7494 3491

British Academy of Film and Television Arts 195 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9ET   Tel 020 7292 5800

Brown's Restaurant 82-84 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4DY   Tel 020 7292 5800

Browns Hotel 30 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BP, 020 7493 6020   Tel 020 7641 1161/2/3

Cafe Royal 68 Regent Street, London, W1   Tel 020 7437 9090

Cafe de Paris 3-4 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6BL   Tel 020 7734 7700

Carlton Club 69-70 St James's Street, London, SW1A 1PJ   Tel 0207 493 1164

Century Club 61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6LQ   Tel 020 7534 3080

Chandos House Royal Society of Medicine, 2 Queen Anne Street, London, W1G 9LQ   Tel 020 7290 2951

Chesterfield Hotel 35 Charles Street, London, W1J 5EB   Tel 020 7290 2951

Chesterfield Hotel 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5EB   Tel 0207 491 2622

Cinnamon Club 30 Great Smith Street, London, SW1 3BU   Tel 020 7222 2555

City Inn Westminster 30 John Islip Street, London, SW1P 4DD   Tel 020 7630 1000

Claridges Hotel 45/47 Brook Street, Mayfair London, London, W1A 2JQ   Tel 0207 629 8860

Courthouse Hotel Kempinski 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HH   Tel 020 7297 5555

Crowne Plaza Hotel St James Hotel 41-54 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1 6AF   Tel 0207 828 7826

Cumberland Hotel Great Cumberland Place, London, W1H 7AL   Tel 0207 828 7826

Dartmouth House 37 Charles Street, London, W1J 5ED   Tel 0207 493 3328

Dorset Square Hotel 39-40 Dorset Square, London, NW1 6QN   Tel 020 7723 7874

Dukes Hotel St James's Place, London, SW1 1NY   Tel 0207 491 4840

Forbes House 7 Halkin Street, London, SW1X 7DS   Tel 020 7344 9211

181-184 Piccadilly, Westminster, London, W1J 9ES   Tel 020 7734 8040

Four Seasons Hotel Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1A 1AZ   Tel 0207 499 0888

H Q S Wellington Temple stairs, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2PN   Tel 02078368179

Haymarket Hotel 1-5 Suffolk Place, London, SW1Y 4HX   Tel 020 7470 4000

Hilton London Paddington Hotel Hilton London Paddington, 146 Praed Street, London, W2 1RL   Tel 020 7850 0500

Home House 20 Portman Square, London, W1H 6LN   Tel 020 7670 2000

Hotel Intercontinental 1 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7QY   Tel 0207 409 3131

Hyatt Regency London-The Churchill 30 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BH   Tel 0207 486 5800

Icebar London 31 Heddon Street, London, W1B 4BN   Tel 020 7478 8910

Institute of Contemporary Arts Nash House, 12 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH   Tel 020 7766 1413

Institute of Physics 76-78 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NT   Tel 020 7470 4884

International Students House- Cyber Cafe/Uno Mundo Bar 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PN   Tel 020 7631 8300

Jolly St Ermins Hotel Caxton Street, London, SW1H 0QW   Tel 0207 2227 888

Just St. James 12 St. James's Street, London, SW1A 1EF   Tel 020 7976 2222

Le Meridien Piccadilly 21 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BH   Tel 0207 734 8000

London Hilton 22 Park Lane, London, W1K 1BE   Tel 0207 208 4045

London Marriott Hotel 84-86 Duke Street, London, W1K 6JP   Tel 0207 499 6363

London Palladium 7-8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TQ   Tel 0207 734 6846

London Zoo Regents Park, London, NW1 4RY   Tel 0207 722 3333

Mandarin Oriental Hotel 66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA   Tel 0207 235 2000

Marriot Grosvenor House 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1A 3AA   Tel 020 7499 6363

Metropolitan Hotel 18-19 Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1QU   Tel 020 7447 1000

Millennium Britannia Hotel 39-44 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 2HP   Tel 0207 629 9400

Mint Leaf Kinnaird House, 1 Pall Mall East, London, SW1Y 5AU   Tel 020 7930 9020

Mosimann's 11B West Halkin Street, London, SW1 8JL   Tel 0207 235 9625

National Liberal Club (Ground Floor), 1 Whitehall Place, London, SW1 2HD   Tel 0207 930 9871

One Aldwych Hotel 1 Aldwych, London, WC2 4BZ   Tel 0207 300 1000

One Whitehall Place Westminster, London, SW1A 2HD   Tel 0207 839 3344

Pacha Ground floor and first floor, 191 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE   Tel 020 7833 3139

Park Lane Hotel 108/115 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX   Tel 0207 499 6321

Pasley Tyler & Co 42 Berkley Square, London, W1J 5AW   Tel 0207 917 9799

Porchester Hall Queensway, Bayswater, London, W2   Tel 0207 792 2823

Portman Hotel 22 Portman Square, London, W1   Tel 0207 208 6000

Prince of Wales Theatre 31 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6AS   Tel 020 7766 2102

Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1   Tel 0207 798 4020

R S Hispaniola Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 5DJ   Tel 020 7839 3011

Radisson Edwardian Mayfair Hotel 17 Stratton Street, London, W1J 8PE Tel 020 7627 7777

Radisson SAS Portman Hotel 22 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BG   Tel 0207 208 6000

Royal College Of Surgeons Of England 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PN   Tel 020 7869 6560

Royal Institute of Public Health 28 Portland Place, London, W1B 1DE   Tel 0207 653 6666

Royal Institution of Great Britain 18-21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BS   Tel 020 7409 2992

Royal Thames Yacht Club 60 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LF   Tel 020 7235 2121

Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 27 Sussex Place, Regents park, London, NW1 4RG   Tel 020 7772 6200

Selfridges 400 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2DZ   Tel 0870 8377377

Simpsons In The Strand 100 Strand, London, WC2R 0EW   Tel 020 7836 9112

Sketch 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XD   Tel 0870 777 4488

Sofitel St James London Hotel 6 Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AN   Tel 0207 747 2200

Soho Hotel 4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D 3BD   Tel 020 7559 3000

Soho House Club 40 Greek Street, London, W1D 4ED   Tel 0207 734 5188

Spencer House 27 St James's Place, London, SW1 1NR   Tel 0207 514 1964

St George's Hotel 3/7 Langham Place, London, W1B 2QS   Tel 0207 580 0111

St Stephen's Club 34 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AB   Tel 020 7222 1382

Stafford Hotel 16-17 St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ   Tel 0207 493 0111

Swissotel, The Howard 12 Temple Place, London, WC2 1PR   Tel 020 7836 3555

TS Queen Mary Victoria Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2   Tel 0207 240 9404

The Army and Navy Club 36-39 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5JN   Tel 0207 930 9721

The Arts Club 40 Dover Street, London, W1S 4NP   Tel 020 7499 8581

The Avenue Restaurant & Bar Ground Floor, Byron House, 7-9 James's Street, London, SW1A 1EE   Tel 0207 321 2111

The Berkley Hotel 40 Wilton Place, London, SW1X 7RL   Tel 0207 235 6000

The Berners Hotel 10 Berners Street, London, WA1 3BE   Tel 0207 636 1629

The Cafe Royal 68 Regent Street, London, W1B 5RQ   Tel 020 7333 8718

The Caledonian Club 9 Halkin Street, London, SW1X 7DR   Tel 0207 235 5162

The Commonwealth Club 25 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5AP   Tel 0207 930 6733

The Dorchester Hotel 53 Park Lane, London, W1A 2HJ   Tel 0207 629 8888

The Gore Hotel 189 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5EX   Tel 020 7584 6601

The Goring Hotel 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1   Tel 0207 396 9000

The Groucho Club 45 Dean Street, London, W1D 4QB   Tel 0207 439 4685

The Hempel Hotel 31/35 Craven Hill Gardens, London, W2 3EA   Tel 0207 298 9000

The Institute of Directors 116 Pall Mall, London, SW1   Tel 0207 391233

The Institution of Civil Engineers One Great George Street, London, SW1    Tel 0207 665 2323

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers 1-3 Birdcage Walk, London, SW1H 9JJ   Tel 0207 222 7899

The Landmark London Hotel 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ   Tel 0207 631 8000

The Langham Hotel 1 Portland Place, Regent Street, London, W1B 1PR   Tel 0207 636 1000

The Lansdowne Club 9 Fitzmaurice Place, London, W1   Tel 0207 629 7200

The Law Society 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL   Tel 0207 242 1222

The London Cricketers Club 71 Blandford Street, London, W1U 8AB   Tel 0207 486 2635

The Mayfair Intercontinental Hotel Stratton Street, London, W1   Tel 0207 915 2858

The New Players Theatre Restaurant & Bar 15 The Arches, London, WC2N 6NQ   Tel 020 7930 6601

The Odeon Cinema 23-27 Leicester Square, London, WC2    Tel 0207 930 6111

The Old Marylebone Town Hall Westminster Council House, Marylebone Road, London, NW1   Tel 0207 641 1161

The Player's Theatre The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2   Tel 0207 976 1307

The Ritz Hotel 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BS   Tel 0207 493 8181

The Royal Geographical Society 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR   Tel 0207 591 3000

The Royal Society of Arts 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6HA   Tel 0207 930 5115

The Savoy Hotel 1 Savoy Court, London, WC2 0ER   Tel 0207 836 4343

The Soho Lounge Basement, 69-70 Dean street, London, W1D 3SE   Tel 020 7734 1231

The University Women's Club 2 Audley Square, London, W1K 1DB   Tel 020 7499 2268

The Victoria Park Plaza Hotel Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1   Tel 0207 769 9999

The Waldorf Hilton Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DD   Tel 0207 836 2400

Theatre Royal Drury Lane Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JS   Tel 020 7379 4981

Thistle Hotel Charing Cross The Strand, London, WC2N 5HR   Tel 0870 333 9105

Westbury Hotel 37 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YF   Tel 020 7629 775

Are you looking for calm and total peace of mind on your special day?

How would you like to -  feel pampered and cared for?   know that you and all your guests are being made to feel special?   have the day of your dreams with no worries?   have fun?

How would you like a Toastmaster that will listen to you and do things in the way and style that you want them done?   A Toastmaster t hat will care about you and make sure that you get what you want?

If you answered yes to any of these questions - Give me a call on 07971 409977 any time or 01245 222392 during most office hours.  If I am not in the office, your call will be diverted at my expense.

You may find that you have found the right toastmaster for your wonderful occasion and I will be pleased to discuss your requirements whilst making you feel special.

Just a few testimonials here. 

Please come along and visit me to see the hundreds of really kind testimonials that I have received over the years.  They actually make me feel very humble and privileged to be with such wonderful couples.  My job in a nutshell is helping people to have an even better day, on what should be the best day of their lives.  How wonderful is that!!!!!

A very kind thank you e-mail from Emma and Lewis which was received this morning (2nd March 2009), having been toastmaster at their civil wedding and wedding reception at Fanhams Hall, Ware, Hertfordshire on Saturday 28th February 2009.    I loved the Chinese lanterns (Picture on right).

Hi Richard,  Just wanted to say a very quick thank you for everything that you did for us on Saturday - you were flawless - we shall send you some other pics with a card when we get back from honeymoon - but thought you might like to see the attached pictures!!

Take care and thank you so much! Love Emma and Lewis

A very kind thank you e-mail from Karen and Steve relating to their civil wedding and wedding reception at Down Hall, Essex on Saturday 22nd November 2008

Dear Richard,  Well, what can we say?  Absolutely fabulous reception, made even better by your kind and attentive presence.  Karen and I would like to thank you for tending to our every need and that of our friends and family on such a special day.  The comments we received were all along the lines of “the best wedding we have ever been to, and so well organised”.  We have to agree.  You made all the wedding party calm and focused and without hesitation you came to our aid if we needed it.  Always professional. 

Once again Richard, first class professional service, kind and attentive actions always with forethought, experience and humility made you the best there is.  We would not doubt to recommend your services as Toastmaster under any circumstances.  Thank you once again for a marvelous day.

We hope to see you again in the future, that’s when we have returned to earth.  We are still somewhat in the clouds.  Kindest regards,  Steve and Karen Clarke

Photo above provided by Mark Hodgson at mkiphotography.co.uk

A very kind thank you e-mail from Sarah and John relating to their Church wedding at St Nicholas Church, Rawreth, Essex and wedding reception at the Ivory Rooms, Billericay, Essex on Saturday 8th November 2008

Dear Richard,  I wanted to thank you quickly for being there on our wedding day and doing such a fantastic job from start to finish.  Everyone has commented and said how helpful you were and John and I were over the moon with your politeness, professionalism, kindness, humour and patience!!  You really went out of your way to help when it wasn't really your duty to do so.  Thank you so much for making our day so special.  Kind regards  Sarah & John x    The pictures either side of this text are courtesy of Steve Day at www.ittakestwophotography.co.uk  

And now a very kind thank you letter has followed dated 21st April 2009.

Dear Richard,  Apologies for the late arrival of this letter (although we did send an e-mail after our wedding).  We have only just got round to ordering our official photographs!!  I thought you might like this picture of us at the Ivory Rooms. You were such a help to us on our big day and went out of your way to make us feel special and well looked after.  I think that you probably did over and above what you normally do.  We can't thank you enough for making everyone feel so relaxed (especially with the speeches!) on our day.  We would not hesitate to recommend you - we are so glad you could attend our wedding.  Love and best wishes John and Sarah xxx

A very kind thank you text from Sarah and Roger relating to their civil wedding shown below at Channels Golf Club, near Chelmsford, Essex on Sunday 5th October 2008

Hi Richard,  We would like to say a huge thank you for everything you did to make Sunday the most magical day we could ever have dreamed for.  Your presence on the day gave us both a feeling of reassurance and confidence.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Speak to you soon.  Sarah and Roger

The picture to the right is courtesy of Scott at www.theedgephotography.co.uk who is a fun photographer to work with.  

And now a very kind and fantastic thank you letter has followed.

Dear Richard,  Just saying thank you to you does not seem enough for all that you did for us on our special day.  The day was magical and we enjoyed it so much.  You ensured that everything went like clockwork even when the weather was against us. 

Your presence on the day gave both of us reassurance, when needed, confidence that everything would go smoothly and lots of smiles and laughs.  Your quick thinking with the balloons was so special to us, with everything that was going on we had forgotten all about them.  You made sure that they were not wasted and gave them a much bigger impact than just releasing them after the ceremony, when we would have done if the weather was behaving.

Your professionalism all the way was outstanding, but was also very kind and caring and also very humorous.You made us both feel very special.  You can certainly see that this is not just a job to you, you genuinely put your heart and soul into it and it really shows.  All our guests have commented on what a lovely person you are and what a great job you did.

The way you worked with Scott was wonderful.  You make a brilliant double act.

Richard we definitely made the right choice with you.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  You are the best.  Love Roger and Sarah

A very kind thank you letter from Holly and Anthony relating to their civil wedding and wedding reception shown below at Layer Marney Tower near Colchester, Essex on Friday 19th September 2008

Hi Richard,   We just wanted to send you an email before we jet off on our honeymoon to say a very big and much, much deserved thank-you.  You absolutely made our day and did a fantastic job. It was not only with the toast mastering and the disco in the evening but with everything in between.  We both felt very comfortable in your hands and you managed the day perfectly.

My sister would also like me to pass on her thanks for your help with my niece! I know you hadn’t had to deal with something like that before but you dealt with it calmly and professionally and thank goodness she is fine now!

We can’t believe the day is over – it went so quickly but we enjoyed every bit of it. I wish I could hit rewind and go back and enjoy it all over again. Can’t wait for the video!!

As soon as we get some photos back after the honeymoon I will send them on to you but we couldn’t go anywhere without saying thank-you.   Best Wishes,   Mr and Mrs Wadsworth-Hill!  

A very kind thank you letter from Sarah and Matt regarding their civil wedding and  wedding reception at Gaynes Park Barns, near Epping, Essex on Saturday 6th September 2008

Dear Richard, Thank you again for being a fabulous part of our very special day.  Matt and I really appreciated all of the help and support you gave us. From suggesting the perfect song to walk in to our wedding breakfast to....to hitching up my skirt so that I could dance in the evening. 

I've enclosed a cd with a few photo's of our day which you feature in.  Hope you are well, and enjoyed the day as much as we did.  We had a fabulous honeymoon and are now back enjoying our wedding photo's and catching up with friends and family.    Thank you again, the day would not have been the same without you.  Thank you Sarah and Matt  xx  

A very kind thank you e-mail from Lucinda and Martin regarding their wedding at St. John's Wood Synagogue and wedding reception reception and dinner at The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London on Sunday 29th June 2008

We just wanted to write to thank you for your hard work on Sunday. Things wouldn't have run so smoothly without you. Best wishes, Lucinda and Martin.

Also a very kind thank you letter from Harish and David, the videographer and photographer from Jeux D'Images Photography & Video who have kindly supplied these photographs of Lucinda and Martin's wedding at the Park Lane Hotel.  They may be contacted at   Mobile  Harish  07729 487861 & Mobile  David  07734 914874 or e-mail info@jeuximages.co.uk 

Harish and David were really great to work with and presented themselves very smartly at the wedding.  Their work is of very high quality and they were very professional and unobtrusive in their approach.  Their letter reads as follows;-

Dear Richard,  It was a real pleasure meeting you and working with you at Martin and Lucinda's wedding.  You are a prime example of what a toastmaster should be like on every event.  Here's to many more simchas to come and continued success.  Harish.

A very kind thank you letter from Michelle and Matthew regarding their wedding and reception at Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex on Saturday 23rd August 2008

Dear Richard  Just wanted to say a big thank you for helping to make our wedding day so special.  Everyone said how smooth the day went and how helpful you were.  You were always in the right place at the right time.

A special thanks for looking after my Nan and Grandad, and pumping up her tyres!  We didn't find out about all the things you did to help on the day until we saw everyone after our honeymoon. We are so pleased that we chose to have a Toastmasterand even more pleased that it was you. You did such a great job, we have such lovely memories as we were both able to relax and enjoy the day knowing you were there to take care of everything.

We would definitely recommend you to all couples planning their wedding, so their day could be as special as ours.  Kind regards,  Michelle and Matthew

Church wedding at St. Laurence's Church, Upminster and wedding reception at Gaynes Park Barns on Saturday 16th August 2008

Dear Richard,  Just a quick note to say thank you for being such an excellent toastmaster at our wedding.  There is no way it would have run as smoothly without you and we're glad what you said about it not raining when you wear your red coat came true!  Even guests have commented on how excellent you were!  Thank you so much.  Dawn & Glyn

A piece of blog from the Court On Camera web site written by my good friend David Court who takes the most wonderful wedding photographs and is an absolute pleasure to work with.  Tuesday, 22 July 2008 Lucy and Steve's Wedding Photographs - St Mary's Church Great Baddow , Furze Hill and Ivy Hill

"On Saturday I had the great honour and pleasure to be invited to photograph Lucy and Steve's wedding at St Mary's Church Great Baddow. The reception being held afterwards at Furze Hill and Ivy Hill Margaretting.

Lucy has a great love of horses, and what better way to arrive and leave the church than in a carriage drawn by two greys provided by Heritage Horse Drawn Carriage Masters.

As is fitting Lucy got carried away.........

My good friend Richard Palmer was the Toastmaster for the day - as well as providing the evening's entertainment with the Classic Nomad Disco.

Richard is also a family friend of Lucy, whose horses are stabled next to Richard's Office, and whose family home he passes every day. Absolutely no pressure then on me as an Essex Wedding Photographer, having been recommended by one of the country's top Toastmasters, to photograph a friends wedding at Furze Hill and Ivy Hill in his presence!

Labels: Essex Wedding Photographer, Furze Hill, Horse Drawn Carriage, Ivy Hill, St Mary's Church Bocking, Toastmaster Essex, Wedding Photographs Furze Hill"

Lovely thank you letter from Lucy and Steve relating to their church wedding shown above at St Mary's Church, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex and wedding reception at the Ivy Hill Hotel, Margaretting on Saturday 19th July 2008

Dear Richard,  Well what can we say!  First we would like to say a massive thank you.  The help and support you gave to me and Steve was unbelievable.

We couldn't have done it without you.  As a friend to us you were amazing.  As a professional you were brilliant.  The service you provided gave the best day ever. 

Everyone you recommended to us played a big part in the smooth running of the day, which made our day what it was.  THE BEST DAY EVER!!!  Thank you again for all your hard work.  Love  Mr and Mrs Webb xxx

I will be featuring this wedding in my new featured weddings section on this web site http://www.thetoastmaster.co.uk/featured_weddings.php and also at www.thedisco.co.uk , www.essexweddingprofessionals.co.uk , and www.englishtoastmasters.co.uk .

Church wedding at St. Mary's Church, Sawbridgeworth and wedding reception at the Churchgate Hotel, Old Harlow on Saturday 5th July 2008

Dear Richard,  Just a letter to say thank you very much for all your help on our wedding day, you did a splendid job, you kept everything running smoothly, you organised everybody with great ease and got everybody smiling.  All our guests commented on how good you looked, how nice you were and what an organised man you are.  You were prepared for anything e.g. when the hotel told us yes, they had a CD player when they actually didn't, you came to the rescue.

We could not have had a more smooth and relaxing wedding, thank you for everything.

We will definitely recommend anyone we know who could be getting married to have a toastmaster and 100% would recommend you! Once again, many thanks, keep up the good work. Zoe & Graham  xx

Civil wedding and wedding reception at Newlands Hall, Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex on Friday 27th June 2008 and a very kind letter from Louise and Rob which reads -

Dear Richard,  We would both like to thank you very much for all your help on our wedding day at Newland Hall.  We could not of got through the day without you, everything ran smoothly and the day was more perfect than we could ever of imagined.  One of our favourite parts of the whole day was walking into the wedding breakfast where you announced us as Louise and Robert White for the first time and hearing all our friends and family giving us a fantastic welcome.  Once again a huge thank you for making our special day perfect.  Love Louise and Rob

I had the pleasure of looking after Tracy and Dave's family on Sunday 22nd June 2008, by being their celebrant at Channels Golf Club near Chelmsford, for their baby naming ceremony. 

It was a wonderful occasion for their family and friends to formally welcome their daughter Rachel into her extended community, by participating in a simple ceremony as an expression of their love and of the joy with which Rachel has been welcomed into their lives.

Tracy and Dave have written to say "Thank you for the wonderful job you did on Sunday, you really did make our day perfect.  You really did go the extra mile to make our day special.  The pictures are wonderful.  Thanks for a fantastic day".   Best wishes,  Tracy, Dave, David & Baby Rachel.

Civil wedding and wedding reception at Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester, Essex on Saturday 21st June 2008 and a very kind letter from Simon and Sara which reads -

Dear Richard,  Sorry this has taken so long to write but we have moved house since coming home from our honeymoon.  We wanted to say thank you so, so much for being our toastmaster.  You were wonderful. 

We have so many lovely memories of our day.  You organised everything so well, we didn't feel we had to worry about a thing, knowing everything was in your capable hands meant we felt able to relax and enjoy the day.  One of our favourite memories was when we walked into our reception and you had everyone up and cheering!  When you said you would do that at our initial meeting I'd thought - you never will!!  How wrong!  You made us feel incredibly special and nothing seemed too much.  We had so many guests comment on how good you were and one wants to book you for her wedding!!  Thank you so much for all you did.  You really were great.  I will recommend you to all of our friends.  With love and kindest wishes.  Simon and Sara

A really great E-mail from Dave at http://www.courtoncamera.co.uk/blogger.html   'Richard,  As ever it was a pleasure working with you on Saturday (31st May 2008) – Who else would be able to tuck in the groom’s shirt for photographs, escort the bride’s mother into church and create such a welcome in the reception that the chandeliers rattled.'  Dave

A great wedding with lovely people and a fabulous bride and groom, Lorna and Steve.  Firstly at the church in Bocking and then on to Gosfield Hall for the reception. 

Now a lovely thank you letter from Lorna and Steve 

'Thank you so much for your professionalism on May 31st.  Your help and guidance was fabulous and we couldn't have done it without you.  You were great all day.  Thank you again.'  Lorna and Steve

A thank you card from Gemma and Kris who were married on 30th May 2008 at Brentwood cathedral and went on to Newlands Hall for their wedding reception.

To Richard,  Thank you for your help, support and knowledge on our wedding day.  You were everywhere making sure the day ran smoothly.  We had a fantastic day and are so pleased you were part of it.  I will be recommending you to all our friends.  Thanks again.  Take care.  Gemma and Kris

Paul and Lucie, whose wedding at Hylands House, I worked at on Friday 23rd May 2007 have sent me a text message which reads as follows

"Hi Richard,  Lucie and I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you did for us yesterday.  It was a brilliant day that our families will be talking about for years to come.  We'll be in touch when we get back from our honeymoon. x

Wedding at Peldon Church and wedding reception in a marquee at Sharon and Gareth's home in Peldon, near Colchester, Essex on Saturday 17th May 2008

Dear Richard,  We just wanted to say a big thank you for helping our wedding day run so smoothly.  From start to finish you were a massive help and ensured that everything ran like clockwork.  Thank you.  With you there we did not have to worry about anything and helped us to really enjoy the day, particularly all your special touched such as the bride and groom kissing.  Thank you for all your kindness.  Love Sharon & Gareth

Civil wedding and wedding reception for Paul and Lola at Parklands, Quendon, Essex

Dear Richard, Thank you for everything that you did on our wedding day at Parklands on 6th April 2008.

We don't know how we would have coped without you!  You made our day, but nevertheless you were a star towards our guests and everyone has had an interesting story to say about you.  Thank you so much!  Paul and Lola

Civil wedding and wedding reception at Gaynes Park near Epping, Essex on Sunday 23rd March 2008 and a kind letter from Michael (Bride's father)

Just a few details about the photos below first.

1.  Can you see the snow?   2. Help with corsages   3. Seating the bride   4. Barrage for the groom's speech as he stood up, from 20 confetti cannons (I'd never seen anything like this before and most venues will not allow it).  I am told it will not happen at Gaynes Park ever again.

Dear Richard,  I am so very sorry that I never said a proper personal thank you for your very professional performance on Sunday. Not only didn't I speak to you but I can't remember even seeing you, so just how discreet can that be? Richard, your orchestration was absolutely perfect and you have my great admiration and eternal thanks for being such a truly capable toastmaster. When considering that there was never any rehearsal the whole day went as clockwork and my wife and I continue to receive rave reviews and thanks from the guests. Shall any similar event occur in the future, for which I have an input, I will unhesitatingly recommend you.   Nancy and Wayne have described their Wedding Day as absolutely perfect and that for me is all I ever wanted to hear.  Thanks again Richard, Michael Scruton  Proud Father.

Wedding at Ingatstone Church and wedding reception at Stock Brook Golf Manor Golf and Country Club, Billericay, Essex on Wednesday 13th February 2008 with an e-mail from Teresa and Richard which reads

Dear Richard,  We were let down by the printers of our official thank you card so had to re-order from another source.  So apologies for not writing sooner (official TY card in mail).  However, We both thought that our day was perfect, including the weather!  We did not believe you would deliver on the weather, but you did! 

We would like to thank you for making our wedding day so special.  Everything was perfect and we were able to totally enjoy every moment because of your professionalism.  Almost all of our guests commented on what a professional, organised and pleasant person you are.  I remember a cousin coming up to me and saying they wanted to move tables (as another guest had not arrived) this was the last thing I wanted to be bothered with.  I told them to talk to you, still a little uneasy I found you and was about to explain to you about the move and you smiled and said, "it's sorted they are moved" before I could even finish, then continuing smiling you told me to enjoy myself, and I did knowing that I had not only picked the right toastmaster, but the BEST!!!!   THANK YOU, RICHARD, FROM BOTH OF US   Richard & Teresa

Wedding and reception details below, at Crondon Park Golf Club on Sunday 30th December 2007 and a kind letter from Kelly and Richard which reads -

Dear Richard, We would like to thank you for your support and hard work leading up to our wedding and on the big day itself. You brought a sense of calm and good humour to our very special day and made everyone feel at ease, most of all us, the Bride and Groom. We had a wonderful time and everything went as smoothly as we could have wished.  Many of our guests have said what a fabulous day it was and this could only have been achieved with the help of the great team involved especially our Toast Master!

So thanks again for being so professional and fun.  Kindest regards  Kelly and Richard

Wedding and reception details below, at The Fennes Estate, Bocking on Thursday 15th November 2007 and a kind letter from Linda (Bride's mother)

Dearest Richard,   Hope this finds you well.  We would like to say a huge Thank-you for all you contributed to Tom & Tanyia’s Day at the Fennes Estate. It seems rude to use the word service, as what you provide is much much more, while your professionalism can not be faulted.  What you bought to the day is a rare gift, that doesn’t go unnoticed by anyone, guests included. You made everybody feel welcome and part of the Day.  I know that Tanyia and Tom felt safe in your hands.

Oh and Richard…….I’m convinced you have a link to Him up stairs, as you even provided plenty of sunshine!!    Take care, I feel sure we will meet again, as no wedding would be complete without you. Love and best wishes Linda PS Have a lovely Christmas!!

Wedding and reception at Channels Golf Club on Saturday 13th October 2007 and a letter from Ian and Louisa which reads

'We just wanted to say how thankful we are to you for not only helping us and giving us advice for the last year, but also for being such a fantastic part of our wedding day.  When we first decided to have a Toastmaster, we did not really understand the role, and maybe being a little naive, thought you just made announcements.  It was not until we met you that we discovered how much goes into being a Toastmaster, you were just on top of everything, locating missing button holes and teaching us how to put them on properly, time-keeping and making sure we weren’t dehydrating during the photos.  Telling us where to be and when to be there, and then of course the fantastic announcements, the way you had everyone cheering before we came into the wedding breakfast was great, we couldn’t even hear the music.  You even remained professional when my dad commented on you in his speech!!  And I loved the special touch of making us kiss every time our guests banged their glasses.

Richard, we are genuinely so grateful to you for making our whole day run so smoothly, it really would not have been the same with anyone else.  Your generosity from day one has been outstanding, i.e. taking us to lunch, the confetti and the beautiful photos you have given us……….. we truly thank you.

We would highly recommend you to everyone, and please do not hesitate to call upon us for a reference should you ever need one. With our sincere gratitude and Best Wishes'   Louisa and Ian Gibaud

Wedding and reception shown below at Layer Marney Tower on Friday 28th September 2007 with a letter from Charlotte and Nick which reads

'Thank you so much for helping to make our wedding at Layer Marney Tower the happiest day of our lives. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You made sure the day ran smoothly and we didn't have to worry about anything all day. We had such a fun and amazing day, we hope you did too. Once again thank you!!'