TheToastmaster.co.uk   Professional Essex Wedding Toastmaster for hire

Experienced Professional Wedding Toastmaster for Hire

Professional Corporate Toastmaster for Hire

Masonic Ladies Festivals, Dinner Dances

Richard Palmer for your wedding or special occasion.....

Richard is a first class, caring and experienced toastmaster for hire.

I offer a friendly and courteous best quality toastmaster service for all types of weddings, functions and occasions. All sizes and types of events are catered for from the largest to the smallest, to make sure that your event is run your way and to suit you. I am pleased to work at virtually any venue in the UK or world wide. All wedding day toastmaster's duties that you require will be provided in the way and style that you want. My favourote words from any bride would be " I would like you to be my wedding toastmaster " or from any client " I would like you to be my toastmaster ".  From that moment on I focus on my client's needs to make sure that they feel that they would not be able to get a better service anywhere. For any major events I have a professional team for your peace of mind. I am also the recommended toastmaster at many venues and enjoy working at any new venues where you need a first class quality toastmaster service.

As your toastmaster I will take very great care of you and look after you and your guests on your special day. Both you and your guests should be made to feel pampered and special.

Dignitaries, celebrities, royal, military and special guests may be treated with special care and to your instructions.

I also offer services for events of all types. These include corporate, government, military, royal, civil and civic functions. I am pleased to offer services as an event organiser, manager, event planner, celebrant, quiz master, auctioneer and master of the ceremonies at all types of functions and events. I live and work in Essex and favourite venues include Mulberry House, Ye Olde Plough House, Layer Marney Tower, Pontlands Park, Channels and Boreham House. I offer a world wide, world class service.

This showreel is by courtesy of my very good friend Harish Patel

There are also three clips taken by Colin Sadler of Colmar Film Productions in Essex which have been used to make this video.

For excellent quality video services please contact Harish Mobile No. 07729 487861  Tel.  0208 905 7640    Fax. 05603 427494    E-mail  info@jeuxdimages.co.uk   Web Site  www.jeuxdimages.co.uk

Harish is an excellent videographer and works to the highest standards with state of

the art equipment to make sure that you get excellent quality delivered on time

and with the wow factor. Jeux D'Images Photography & Video

A few testimonials from the weddings in the DVD shown above.

A kind e-mail arrived 3rd July 2010 from Natasha and Rav whose wedding took place on 24th and 25th April 2010 at Boreham House, Chelmsford, Essex

Dear Richard, Sorry it has taken so long for us to send this to you, with the honeymoon, moving house and college this is our first opportunity.

It was really nice to sit down and talk about the wedding after it happened. We thouroughly enjoyed our wedding weekend and all our guests loved both days too. We cannot thank you enough for all your advice prior to the wedding and over both days. Your presence really was an asset and you made our parents and us comfortable. It was great to have you there making sure that everything was seamless.

We originally only booked you for the Civil Ceremony but are so pleased that we also booked you for the Hindu ceremony. You brought a relaxed structure and relieved us of any worries, knowing that you would make sure the day went perfectly as we had planned.

We will not hesitate to recommend you to our friends as we know they will definitely benefit with you involved at their weddings.

We just watched the wedding videos fron Harish and they were perfect! Exactly what we wanted, and we booked him on your recommendation.

It would be great to stay in touch and I will be updating you on my progress with the wedding planning!   Kind regards   Rav and Natasha

An e-mail from Danielle and Matt whose wedding was at Boreham House, Chelmsford, Essex on 14th January 2010.

Hi Richard, A girl I went to school with just e-mailed me and said she is meeting with you on Saturday and asked if I would recommend you. Of course, I did not hesitate for a second and told her how fantastic you were and how you absolutely made our day. Without you, I truly believe our day could have been very different.

To be honest if it hadn't been for your passion for your job and for your kindness in taking Matt and I out to diner, we would have known very little about how the day would run. Never for a second did I doubt our day would be perfect as we had you on our side.

We really cannot thank you enough for everthing you did for us both in the run up to, and on the day. I genuinely belive that having you, Paul and John with us was the main reason I was able to relax and thoroughly enjoy my wedding day. I can honestly say there wasn't a single second where I felt even remotely stressed for I knew you would take care of every detail. Despite Matt's initial reluctance to have a toastmaster, I know he agrees 100% and we cannot thank you enough.

As I say, I have nothing but extremely positive stories to tell about you and would highly recommend you to anyone who asked. Danielle and Matt.

A lovely card from Kathryn and Richard who were married at The Talbot Inn, Ripley, Surrey on 12th February 2010

Richard, Thank you for being our toastmaster. Thank you for all your support. Love Kathryn and Richard

I will next be at the Talbot Inn, Ripley on 12th November 2010

A wonderful thank you letter from Rebecca from Raydon, Suffolk

Dear Richard, Really all I wanted to do was to personally say Thank You for all your help on our Wedding Day. I'm sure with the resposibility of being our toastmaster and to complete the set up of the disco, in such adverse weather conditions, it makes you a saint!

I'm sure that there must have been a lot of problems throughout the day, but for it not to be portrayed to my guests nor myself amazes me, as it just seemed to be the perfect day in my eyes.

It is with a sincere compliment to yourself that our day went so perfectly.

We are very lucky as all of our guests had a fantastic time, but so many of our guests memntioned your name personally with things that you had done throughout our day as toastmaster, helping them and especially how great you were proir to my Husband and I attending our wedding breakfast in the marqueee. Seating everyone, geeing them up and how funny you were to get them into the spirit of things, so when we made our entrance, having had a little time to ourselves, as you advised, the marquee felt electric and just as we wanted everyone to be....Happy!!

For people to remember your name Richard and to say so naturally "Oh Richard was great with this and that" almost as part of the family....You obvioyslymade the day so relaxed and put everyone in high spirits.

Once again Richard, Thank You so much. I have recommended you to three of my clients so far and hope they contact you and will continue to compliment your services in the future.  Rebecca

On Sunday 8th August 2010, I worked at the High Sheriff of Essex's, Carriages in the Park Event at Riffhams, Danbury where I supplied a mains free Public Address system for making announcements and music during the day. The High Sheriff raises money for his charities during his year of office and has put on some marvelous events to support his charities. What a pleasure it is to be involved at such wonderful occasions that are a part of our heritage and which are being kept alive by people like the High Sheriff and his family. Here are a few of the pictures that I was able to take at what was a wonderful example of how a summer's day could be spent enjoying quality entertainment in such splendid surroundings, in the heart of Essex.

A thank you note has arrived from Mr. Michael Hindmarch which reads as follows;-  Dear Richard, Thank you for looking after us on the Carriage Day and your 'free time' given to support the charities. You could not have helped us more and I will recommend your company as often as I can. Kindest regards  Michael

If you are able to support the Essex High Sheriff in his fund raising for his charities this year, please contact him directly at mwh@botb.com

28th July 2010, I worked at the Kings Suite, Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, Cold Norton, Essex for the Maldon and Dengie Licensed Victuallers' Association Annual Dinner and Dance. I have now looked after this function several times and very much enjoy this event. The licensed victuallers are generally having a hard time and it is good to help them enjoy themselves and raise money for local worthy causes in the proccess. This is the first year that I have take the opportunity to have a photo with the President, Mr Henry Groenendke, Managing Director of Cabana Soft Drinks and the Chairman, Mr. Ray Cornish from the Warwich Arms in Maldon High Street.

This picture was taken by Amanda from Surrey Events Photography who did a sterling job. It is interesting to hear people say, "The photographer is taking her time to get the photos" and when they then say "The photos are really stunning or excellent", that you know that you are with a professional that cares and takes a pride in her work. Amanda's written comments to me were,

Thanks for your help last night it was really appreciated. I'll also be adding you to the links page on my Surrey Events site. I'll certainly be recommending you to anyone who looks like they need a good toastmaster / MC at their function. Richard Palmer is an excellent Toastmaster and goes above and beyond the call of duty. Having worked with him, I can highly recommend him. Hopefully, we'll meet again soon.  Amanda www.surreyeventsphotography.co.uk

On Sunday 11th July 2010, I worked at the Ramgarhia Community Centre, Ulverscroft Road, Leicester at a Punjabi Sikh wedding for Davinder and Mandeep's wedding. I was privileged to be chosen as their toastmaster and arrived at the Centre at 8.30am for the Milni ceremony. The left hand picture gives only a small indication of this ceremony which is where the families meet and greet each other, with garlands being exchanged and breakfast following.  From here we all went off for the Anand Karaj at the Ramgarhia Board Sikh Gurdwara for the very quick civil ceremony and then the main wedding ceremony. After the wedding it was a flying trip back to the community centre for the cake cutting, dinner and dancing. I was asked to seat all of the 750 guests on specific tables and so took two very able assistants to help. The bride and groom ( Mona and Ricky ) were led into the huge dining hall by two dohl players and started off the celebrations with the cutting of the wedding cake as shown by the middle picture. The party started immediately and the meal was served in between the dancing.

These are a few of the pictures that we took to give an indication of the colour and spleder of a Punjabi Sikh wedding. A thank you e-mail arrived from the groom's family ( Kuldip Sehmi and Family ) which reads as follows.  

Dear Richard, I would like to thank you for all of your help and assistance at my son's wedding and for looking after Philip Kaye ( Chairman of the Prezzo Group ) throughout the day. You were a great help and I will definitely pass on your details to anyone I know who is looking for a toastmaster for any occasion. Best regards

On Saturday 10th July 2010, I worked at Layer Marney Tower near Colchester Essex for Helen and Andy's wedding.  A thank you card arrived from the Helen and Andy which reads as follows.

Dearest Richard, What can we say - you really were worth your weight in gold on uour wedding day! Thank you so much for all your help before and during the wedding. The day ran like clockwork and we wouldn't have expected anything less with your professional attitude and attention to detail - you truly are a Toastmaster extra ordinaire. Thank you so much again. lots of Love  Helen & Andy

On Friday 25th June 2010 the Chairman of Essex County Council invited guests to the Chairman's Annual Reception, which is held each year at various locations around the county.

Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant in Essex, Lord Petre from Ingatestone Hall, delivered an address to the guests at the gathering, after the Chairman of Essex County Council, County Councillor Rodney Bass welcomed all of the guests. Dignitaries from Essex and the surrounding counties got the chance to meet and discuss issues and make relationships which often help to stimulate the economy from many different angles.

Local authority councillors and staff get the chance to meet people from local groups including youth groups, buisness people, trade organisations, charities, the police and fire services and MPs, and discuss subjects covering many aspects of work and life in Essex.

Meetings like this have formed a very useful basis to grow important relationships to stimulate life and trade in Essex. Let us hope that cuts do not take away the very soul of the community. Meetings like this one give encouragement to people in the county that can help to make a difference to the very framework of our community. I feel very privileged to be a part of our heritage when I am working at functions such as these.

An e-mail has just arrived from Lorraine King, Head of Civic Services Team, Member Support and Governance at Essex County Council, County Hall Chelmsford, Essex which reads,

Hi Richard,   Thank you for looking after us so well on Friday evening. The Chairman was very pleased with all you did and as usual you never let us down. Many thanks for all your help and I look forward to seeing you again soon at our next event.  With best wishes   Lorraine King

A letter arrived from The Essex Wildlife Trust relating to their Corporate Golf Day which was held at the Warren Golf Club at Danbury, Essex on Tuesday 22nd June 2010 and I attended as their toastmaster and auctioneer.

Dear Richard,   Thank you so much for supporting the Essex Wildlfe Trust at our recent Charity Golf Day at the Warren Golf Club, Woodham Walter.

Your interaction with the guests for pre-auction bids is highly valuable and as a result a greater figure is achieved during the event, so thank you for your attendance, it is very much appreciated and was very successful, raising in excess of £5,500.00, which will be put to very good use in helping to protect our beautiful County and the many habitats that are under threat in Essex.

Thank you again for helping to make this event such a success.   With very best wishes   Yours sincerely  Michele Farrant   Corporate Manager

A very kind thank you e-mail from Stella and Perry regarding their wedding at Newport Church and reception at Parklands,
Quendon, Essex on Sunday 13th June 2010

Hi Richard, So many thanks for being an excellent toastmaster at our wedding last Sunday. You may not think much of what you did but I can honestly tell you that the day would not have run as smoothly without your coordination and professionalism. You were patient with my guests and knew what to do at every point in time.

You made Perry and I so comfortable and assured to the point that we didn't have to worry about a single thing. You managed my guests so well and so calmly especially with my very large mad family.

I was extreemly pleased with your services on the day and was so grareful for the little touches you added to my big day like straightening my dress and carrying my flowers and even telling a few jokes to get the guests going.

I hope with all that you had to do that you were able to enjoy yourself. I look forward to seeing that cheeky photo I took with you and Andrew whilst adjusting your bow tie. (Shown Left)

Honestly, I can't emphasise how well you did and how much work you did on the day to make my wedding a huge success. Just to mention that everyone at our wedding said you did a sterling job.

I would have no reservation in recommending you to any of my friends looking to take the plunge.

Thank you Richard for such a memorable day.  Our best   Stella and Perry

Thank you goes to Ivan Finch from Town and Country Photographic for the two photos above and a big thank you to my good friend and fellow toastmaster Andrew Morgan for your support over the weekend.  Andrew may be found at www.mctoastmaster.com

A very kind thank you e-mail from the parents of the bride, Caroline and Babor regarding their wedding and reception at South Farm, Royston,
Hertfordshire SG8 0HR near Cambridge on Sunday 30th May 2010

Thank you so very much for doing such a superb job in managing our daughter's wedding. We really appreciated your friendliness and efficiency and the way that you were able to take control with such a light touch. It was great for us to be able to relax and enjoy the day knowing that everything was taken care of. The day was a huge success and we realise that much of it was due to the splendid team behind it all, so many thanks again for your part in making it such a special day. Best wishes in your future ventures, Patrick and Jane

A kind letter with a difference arrived regarding a job that I had to pass on to a colleague because I had a booking for a wedding, which came in just before this job was finalised. The letter is from Tina Knight, District Councillor for the Wards of Debden & Wimbish and President of the Tang Ting Twinning Association and related to the Aniversary Dinner on Saturday 15th May at Carver Barracks.

Dear Richard, Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay writing to you, but I have had a particularly hectic diary since the event.

When you were recommended as a toastmaster by the Newport Business Association, I was just pleased that there would be someone at the event to help ensure it ran smoothly and take the pressure off me.

Over my many years in business I have learnt that the best way to judge the calibre of a professional is not by the things that go right, but by how they handle the things that go wrong. You very kindly offered to act as toastmaster at the above charity dinner and then found that, due to circumstances beyond your control, would not be able to attend. I must admit I thought it may have been an excuse; however, your efforts to find a replacement were admirable. More to the point you gave up your valuable time to bring your replacement to meet me for a pre-event meeting and provided invaluable advice on all manner of things for which I am truely grateful. You even managed to come along later in the evening and kindly took some magnificent photographs and then sent them to us. This truly was above and beyond the call of duty.

To have two such well turned-out gentlemen at the function raised the status of the evening considerably. The excellent work by you and Jude helped enormously to contribute to the success of the evening which, as you may have heard, raised such a magnificent sum that we will be able to start work immediately on extending the Children's Day Centre.

I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you to anyone, regardless of the type or size of event, as I know you would make it special and I am more than happy for you to use my name in your testimonials.

Yours sincerely Tina Knight

The photos that are shown with the testimonial above have been taken by me to try to help the Tang Ting Twinning Association to get more recognition for the work that they do for this small village in Nepal. Their website is at www.tangting.org and if you are able to offer any help to this worthy cause, please do get in touch with Tina Knight. My standard of photography is not even on the scale compared to my very good friend David Court of Court on Camera, but David is teaching me more about taking excellent photos. There is a total difference however between my work and that of a true professional like Dave. I am hoping that David will be helping at this function next year so that they will get some stunning photos to further help their efforts in Nepal.

The following is a small excerpt from the Saffron Walden reporter about the Tang Ting Charity Dinner

"HE Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise and his wife, Milan Adhikary, turned up at the Tang Ting Twinning Association’s (TTTA) third anniversary celebrations held at the Officer’s Mess at Carver Barracks. The charity twins the villages of Debden and Wimbish with Tang Ting in Nepal.

The evening proved to be a huge success with the magnificent sum of £10,500 raised - money which will enable work to start on the extension to the children’s day care centre in the Nepalese village.

Also in attendance on the evening were Lt Col Bell, Lt Col Barrett and Major Burridge representing 101 and 33 Royal Engineers, and chairman of the TTTA, Moray Bayliss.

Capt Gau Gurung, welfare officer for the barracks, headed the attendance for the Nepalese community while Kell Ryan, co-founder of Ryan Airways, entertained the guests with a speech.

The diner was followed by a spectacular auction of prizes, auctioned by Sworders Auction House in Stansted.

President of the TTTA, Uttlesford District councillor Tina Knight, said: “I am overwhelmed by the support from all of the Wimbish and Debden business men and women, particularly the Newport Business Association, who made the evening such an unprecedented success.

“This money will enable us to start work on the foundations for the extension to the children’s day care centre.”

For more information visit tangting.org or call 01799 540881 or 01799 516109."

The picture on the left shows Matt arriving at the church as only a farmer with flair and style could. This is one of the pictures that I took at the church whilst waiting for the lovely bride and bridegroom who were married at Stoke by Clare church on Saturday 1st May 2010 and moved onto the White Hart at Great Yeldham, Essex for their wedding reception and evening party.

Emma and Matt's wedding was wonderful with everything running like clockwork and lovely guests. I was so pleased to be chosen as their toastmaster and to be with them and to look after them on their wedding day.

Unfortunately, a mishap occurred at the venue, when a full glass of orange was spilt over Emma's beautiful wedding dress. I have never seen a bride keep her cool in the way that Emma did, when she realised that her dress was covered in orange juice. We went outside and began the operation of removing the resulting orange stain that was covering a large area of her dress. One of the venue staff helped and with my stain removal kit and many clean dry white cloths, the evidence was soon removed and Emma was able to enjoy the rest of her day with her wedding dress back in prime condition.

I am so pleased to have received a thank you card from Emma and Matt which reads as follows;-

To Richard, We really can't thank you enough for being our toastmaster. You were absolutely fantastic and we just can't imagine how the day would have gone without you. Your stain removal kit proved invaluable and the first dance was just great thanks to you and your projector! All of our guests have commented on your professionalism, and we will be highly recommending your services. We look forward to seeing you again Richard and we thank you once again. All of our love and best wishes. Matt & Emma  xxx

I probably have the largest array of equipment and items to make sure that you and your guests are properly cared for. Regardless of any eventuality or size of event I will be pleased to take care of you and make sure that you get what you want. My huge kit of parts includes the latest Bose sound systems and various models (which may be at extra cost). This is to ensure that your event will be a quality memorable occasion. From the latest computer controlled mood lighting (again at extra costs) to garden games, you have access to a one stop shop for virtually anything you want for all types of functions. All of your requirements regardless of the size or type of function may be taken care of.

I work mainly in and around Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Surrey and Kent. I will also be pleased to travel anywhere in the world to be your toastmaster so that your event will be run the way that you would like it to be. I will pay special attention to your requests and instructions, taking great care that every detail is attended to for you.

I am the only toastmaster in the world to work to the highest 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 be. If you are looking for the highest quality services - I am here for you. For excellence at your event choose a professional toastmaster that cares........

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

I believe that all toastmasters at all functions should make everyone feel cared for and special.  The team that looks after the bride and bridegroom needs to be taken care of as well as the clients and I honestly believe that not enough toastmasters seem to care for the people that they work with. Caring and kindness go a long way to making sure that everyone gets the best day possible. 

Weddings of all types and cultures are my specialty and my love

I will be pleased to attend and take care of you at any of the following weddings;-

Civil Weddings, Church Weddings, Weddings in Temples, Weddings in Synagogues, Registry Office Weddings,

Jewish Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Hindu Weddings, Sikh Weddings, Muslim Weddings,

Open Air Weddings, Multi Faith Weddings

Other services include Celebrant for Affirmation of Vows, Baby Naming Ceremonies, funerals and any other ceremonies where you need a caring celebrant to look after you and meet your wishes.

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

Thank you for visiting my web site

A little known quality wedding venue in Essex that is well worth a visit.

The Barn Brasserie at Great Tey, just off the A120, south of Colchester is an excellent place to have your wedding reception.

The setting is idyllic, in the heart of the Essex countryside and there are excellent car parking facilities. This little known wedding reception venue offers really great food and very client focussed service with lots of smiles.

There are several options according to the size of your wedding party with the most stunning being the barn itself, where guests cannot fail to be impressed from the moment they drive into the extensive landscaped car parking area, and walk through the York stone paved courtyard.

You will find yet more beauty unveiled as you experience the "wow" factor upon entering the main barn. It could be said that The Barn mirrors the radiance of any new bride. Contemporary furnishings, impressive lighting and open plan interior give a wonderful backdrop to your individual choice of wedding setting.

Food at The Barn is a labour of love with mouth-watering menus offering the flexibility to cater for virtually any requirements. Catering for up to 120 guests (sit down) and 200 guests (buffet style), the experienced staff will ensure your celebration is one to remember whether an intimate or lavish affair. Service is second to none at The Barn Brasserie and the management team will be on hand to assist with the planning and delivery of your perfect day. Why not visit this super venue and judge for yourself just how truly breathtaking a wedding venue can be?

For enquiries regarding availability, menus and prices, please contact Nicky Corke on 07825 515655 or nicola@thebarnbrasserie.co.uk.

Venues may prefer their clients to use a toastmaster that they know will give them excellent quality service. This is so that their clients have the best possible overall professional experience on their wedding day and that they are made to feel special and cared for, with no worries.

Be careful because some venues charge service providers for being rocommended. If that is the case you may loose out in two ways. 1.  You may not get a quality service provider  -  you may get a service provider that needs the work and therefore is prepared to pay the fee.  2.  You are paying the venue twice. Once in your booking fee and again for the pleasure of using the people that you have chosen to give you excellent service.

A bit about a Boreham House wedding and future weddings at Boreham House.

This year (2010) I have completed three weddings over four days at Boreham House. the first one in January, where despite the weather, the bride and bridegroom had an absolutely marvellous day. I was fortunate to work with a really excellent team of photographers and videographers and just to start the year right, we all had breakfast together before the wedding day started. I will add a few more details about this wedding as I get the time, just to give you a flavour of the venue and the way that I work, and what my clients, the venue and other contractors say about the way that I work. (More to follow)

The second wedding in April was a muslim wedding with a really lovely family and wedding guests that were there to support them. I talked in the holy man for this wedding and enjoyed meeting him and looking after everyone that was there to enjoy the day. The bride's mother did most of the organisation and would definitely make an excellent wedding planner.

My third wedding at Boreham House, also in April, was a Hindu wedding over two days. The first day was for the civil ceremony and looking after the legalities. The second day was for the Hindu ceremony and was very colourful with a priest who made the ceremony enjoyable and understandable for all the guests. I do love Asian weddings. There is so much more pagentry, colourful clothes, decoration and celebration where the families come together as one. The days are often longer and there are generally more people involved, but they are brilliant events to work at and I think that I am lucky to get the absolutely best clients.

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 and Vaulty Manor as wall as any venue where you feel that you would like to use my services.

Nathan, one of the two top chefs at these venues commented, "If you say that the guests will be ready to eat at 4.00pm, I know that if you are running the day, I will be serving the food at 4.00pm".

I asked Claire O'Sullivan, the wedding and events co-ordinator / manager at the time, when she was at at Boreham House, the Why Me? question and Claire's answers were as follows;-

You offer the personal touch, always show attention to detail and are immaculately turned out.

You are easy to work with properly because you always communicate with the all the staff, whereas most other toastmasters do their own thing.

You save the venue staff running around because you know their schedule and work to it, letting the Boreham House staff know what is happening, before it actually takes place. We work together as a team.

Some venues have found that knowing exactly what they will get, equates to no less than service excellence for their clients.

The picture of Boreham House shown above was taken by my very good friend and excellent wedding photographer David Court at www.courtoncamera.co.uk  David is an excellent wedding photographer and is my favourite photographer to work with.

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

White out for wedding.  On Thursday 17th December 2009 there was a snow storm in most of Essex and surrounding counties. If you were dreaming of a white Christmas, this was your dream come true. However I had a wedding to go to and it was biting cold. A big diversion was in place around Vaulty Manor, Heybridge, Essex and I was due to be at a wedding with a fair amount of equipment to set up. A positive attitude and a smile is all you need to tackle such a situation. Plus thermals, a kind disposition, in terms of, we will make the most of this situation, and a wedding party to enjoy and make sure that everyone is made to feel special and cared for. Well I must admit that I was more than pleased to get this testimonial the next day from the father of the bride. Even more pleased when I did a little research to find out more about the man that wrote such a stunning and different testimonial.

Here are some of Ivan's contact details, because I was amazed at the positive attitude, professionalism and kindness that the family showed me on the day of Elizabeth's wedding to Simon. If you are in business and looking for a coach, Ivan will be a good man to visit.  PS  Ivan is a top presenter with one of the best can do attitudes in the business.

Taken from the BBC News  Saturday, 28 August, 2004    Father's Arch to Arc challenge

A father plans to run, swim and cycle from London to Paris to raise awareness of life-threatening allergies. Ivan Newman, (now 56), of Chelmsford, Essex, is thought to be the first person aged over 50 to take on the 289-mile triathlon challenge. His daughter Elizabeth, of Canterbury, Kent, suffers from anaphylaxis - a severe form of allergy. He begins the challenge - which should take about five days - from Marble Arch to Arc de Triomphe on 3 September. The challenge begins at Marble Arch in London with an 87-mile run to Dover; from Dover Mr Newman will swim the 22-miles to Calais and complete the course with a 180-mile cycle ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Ivan's Company Information

Help turn your customers from people and organisations who just buy from you into "raving fans" of your business - who then buy more, more often and tell their colleagues and friends.

Ivan has a track record in delivering service excellence.  Over 21 years at Reuters across roles as varied as Sales Management, leading Recruitment in the UK and directing Group Property projects around the world, his approach has been to focus on the customer’s need and deliver to those.  Invariably the delivery of great service involves changing an organisation’s culture. Ivan is a successful communicator and manager of culture change programmes.  He has now taken his experience into his own consulting company, Living Inside the Brand®, making it available to members of the Startup Community.

His formal training in Physics gives him a logical and enquiring mind and an ability to get to the heart of often complex issues whilst proposing simple solutions.  These solutions are frequently a mix of improving processes and helping people change the way they think about their customers.

He is a Chartered Engineer in the UK and on the Continent (CEng, EurING) and a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).  In addition he is a member of the professional bodies British Institute of Communicators in Business (CiB), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and the Chartered Institute of Management (CIM).

Subscribe to the Service Excellence Newsletter at www.livinginsidethebrand.com 

Richard...we’d be happy for you to use the below to promote your Service.

Take the worst weather of the year – stinging snow on a ferocious easterly wind, frost, ice on already drenched roads.  Add guests from far flung places in the UK and beyond, including Australia. Mix in the closure of Goldhanger Lane and a 20 mile diversion or a shorter cross-country route down winding, slippy lanes full of oncoming trucks wider than the single carriageway and you have all the ingredients to ruin a day that had been months in the planning. 

Enter Richard Palmer who through his calm mastery of events, prior meetings and working with the bride and her family, as well as his understated leadership skills snatched a fabulous success from the “jaws of disaster”.

We wholeheartedly recommend Richard.

Richard, many thanks for making our day one the family will truly remember for all the right reasons.

Viv and Ivan Newman, their daughter Elizabeth and new son-in-law Simon McLoughlin.  Kind regards...Ivan

Ivan Newman,  Triathlete since 1983  Level 1 Triathlon Coach  Raced for the Great Britain Age Group team at: European Championships 1993, 2006, 2008, 2009

World Championships 1994, 2003, 2008, 2009  Follow my 2009 World Championships and training blog at http://ivannewman.blogspot.com   +44(0)79 9056 8359

Havens Hospices, Incorporating Fair Havens Adult Hospice and Little Havens Childrens Hospice Insurance Industry Quiz Evening was held on Thursday 19th November 2009 at Gibsons Hall, 13 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3BA. There was a special Guest Appearance by Rachel Riley, the co-host of Countdown and I was the host and quiz master at this event.

For more information and details of future quiz evenings or if you would like to be a corporate sponser to the Havens Hospices, please call Tanya King on 01702 220316

Gibson Hall, located in the heart of the City of London has an impeccable reputation as one of the finest banqueting and conference venues in London. This was recently recognised as they were a winner of the Corporate Hospitality and Events Association's Award of Venue of the Year. The Hall was completed in 1865 and was designed by architect John Gibson for the National Provincial Bank of England. Gibson Hall was the greatest of the City's banking halls and portrays the classical Victorian elegance prevalent at the time. The venue now incorporates many of the facilities required for modern event management and the flexibility of the hall and smaller break out rooms allows clients the freedom to create truly memorable occasions.

A very kind thank you card from another very special couple, Jen and Chris regarding their wedding and reception at The Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, Cold Norton, Essex on Saturday 3rd October 2009  

To Richard, Thank you so much  for joining us on our wedding day. Thanks to you our day was enjoyable and stress free. Our guests loved you and were so impressed with everything you did. You really do think of everything - including a cleaning kit, to clean my dress after people spilt drink down it. We can't thank you enough and I will be recommending you to everyone. Thanks again Jen & Chris

A very kind thank you e-mail from another very special couple, Kellie and Aran regarding their wedding and reception at The Chichester, Wickford, Essex 

Hello Richard, I'd just like to say a big thank you for doing such a great job at our wedding on Friday 2nd October 2009 at the Chichester Hotel. The day went exactly to plan and I have no doubt that it was because you were there to oversee the day and make sure everyone was well looked after. All the guests said what a really lovely man you are, and Aran's Grandma was particularly won over. I've attached some photographs for you which you may like to use on your website or something. Thank you very much for making our day special. Aran & Kelly

A wonderful bride and bridegroom were married at The Castle at Heddingham on Saturday 26th September 2009 and moved onto the White Hart at Great Yeldham, Essex. Victoria and Chris had a wonderful day with everything running like clockwork and with fantastic guests that were there for them! I was honoured to be chosen as their toastmaster

Dear Richard, I hope you are well. I'm so sorry it has taken so long to write this email.  I thought things were supposed to quieten down after a wedding but we still seem to be very busy! We wanted to write and say thank you so so much for being our Toastmaster.  Put simply, you made our wedding. When Chris and I got engaged and started planning our wedding we decided that we didn't need a toastmaster and that one of our ushers could do all the announcements etc.  How wrong we were.

The announcements and introductions are just a small part of the work you do in the run up to and the wedding day itself.  When Chris and I met with you, you instantly put our minds at ease and went through with us every single detail of the wedding day.  For any bride, her wedding day is one of the biggest days of her life and Richard, you made us feel like it was just as important for you.

Any time I needed to speak to you before the wedding, you were there happy to help and offer advice. On the wedding day itself, you were invaluable, you made the day flow effortlessly.  All our guests commented on how lovely you are and how well you dealt with getting their attention and moving them from one area to another. We knew as soon as we met you that you would bring so much to our wedding day but two moments from the day, that may seem a little insignificant to others, made me realise on the day itself how wonderful you are.

When we arrived back to The White Hart after a wonderful journey on the horse and carriage I walked across to pat the horses and say thank you and after a long two and half mile trip from the Castle they were naturally very warm and I got lots of horse hair stuck to my hand.  You instantly ran off to your car to get some wet wipes.

Another moment that sticks in my mind is when we were called for the receiving line.  You came to get Chris and I and as we were walking to the Barn I realised that I hadn't seen the DJ.  I turned to you and you said "The DJ is here, I've spoken to him, and Take That is ready to be played at two minutes twenty seconds in to the song" 

Throughout the entire day you were always on hand and when you weren't  helping Chris or I with something, you were off making sure that everyone was prepared for the next step in the day. Thank you so much for being our Toastmaster and for ensuring our day went perfectly.  We couldn't have asked for more. Take care, Chris & Victoria

A fantastic bride and bride groom were married at Thaxted Church on Thursday 13th August.  Faye and Richard had a wonderful day with the dream team of wedding professionals giving them the best support that they could wish for.

I was honoured to be chosen as their toastmaster and DJ and to share in the enjoyment of looking after such a wonderful couple.

Here are some of the photos from courtoncamera.co.uk who is the most excellent wedding photographer that takes fabulous photos and is an absolute pleasure to work with.  John Rose was the videographer and their carriage was provided by The Ostler Carriage Company .

Faye's written comments about the way I worked for her as her toastmaster were very kind with excellent comments about all the aspects of my work including courtesy, presentation, smartness, announcements, helpfulness and time keeping and how I made a difference to her day.  Faye has written that "You created a relaxed and very fun environment, tells funny jokes! and looks after every aspect of our day and more importantly was there for us.  It was all so nice!" xxx

And now a card which reads - Dear Richard, Thank you for being part of our special day which wouldn't have been the same without you. Thanks for all your support behind the scenes and on the day! and making it our special day! xx Lots of Love x Fay and Richard!x

A very kind thank you card from Katie and Mark regarding their wedding and reception at Gaynes Park Barns, near Epping, Essex on Saturday 8th August 2009

To our great wedding toastmaster we wanted to say Thank You. Richard you made our wedding a fun celebration for everyone.  THANK YOU!  Richard, Thank you so much! You were a fantastic Toastmaster and DJ! Katie & Mark xxx

A very kind thank you card from Darren and Julie regarding their wedding and reception at Pontlands Park, Chelmsford, Essex on Saturday 11th July 2009

Richard  Just a little note to say a big thank you for making our special day so wonderful. With your help everything ran smoothly. You gave us so much advice and put us all at ease. It was absolutely perfect and we couldn't have asked for more. Thank you so very much. Best wishes from Darren and Julie.

Some comments from an Essex wedding professional (concerning his daughter's wedding) follow:-

The next item here is taken from http://www.vintagedreams.co.uk/links.php Adrian's daughter Kelly was married to John on Friday 10th July 2009 at St. John's Church in Danbury and went on to Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester for their wedding reception and evening party.

"The first links on this page have a high priority, as they are the suppliers to our own Daughter's Wedding in July this year. We occupy a privileged view point because we have worked with the best, and listed below are probably the best of the best, bloody well hope so or there will trouble for Adrian from a certain young lady named Kelly

And the Results from Friday 10th July 2009 are

Toastmaster   Richard Palmer   Chosen as the MC for our Daughters Wedding. Result was?  Richard came to the rehearsal, took notice, understood the plan for the day, helped the Ushers, walked Mum into Church, was helpful and considerate, and worked hard all day to make sure all went smoothly.

He put together the most amazing entrance for Bride and Groom. They walked in as the new Mr & Mrs  to Katrina & the Waves, Walking on Sunshine, with Confetti Canons going off, absolutely spectacular and fit for a Princess  

www.thetoastmaster.co.uk     and    www.thedisco.co.uk

So grateful to you Richard, book him again ? Absolutely"

A thank you card has also been received from Kelly and John which reads;- To Richard, Thank you very much for all your help and effort in making our day so special. The reception entrance with the confetti cannons was amazing and you looked after us. Thanks again Kelly + John

The two photos nearest above show Del Boy (Left) arriving to interfere with the best man during his speech. I have never seen watches being sold during the wedding speeches, but there has to be a first. The picture on the right shows the bride, bridegroom and guests preparing for the dove release.

The photographers were Kevin and Sabrina from Pengelly Photography www.pengellyphotography.co.uk

(They are always a pleasure to work with and you can see them both on the picture above right)

On Sunday 5th July I was pleased to look after Lee and Joanne for their civil ceremony and wedding breakfast at Stock Brook Golf and Country Club. 

They had a fabulous day and I was pleased to be working with a very good and trusted friend who was their photographer.  Both Lee and Joanne were commenting about how pleased they were to have chosen us and how good we were to them when we are working together.

The two pictures shown above were taken by Scott from The Edge Photography who is really great to work with and always gets on well with his clients.  Scott captured the mood (photo above left) when Joanne was worried about some marks on her dress.  You will notice how everyone seemed to enjoy the attention when I was spot cleaning her dress.  Scott commented that "Joanne was far more relaxed knowing that her dress was immaculate again and her attention was more on the photos after her worries about the dress were sorted".

The photo on the right above ( also taken by Scott Johnson, The Edge Photography ) was when Joanne thought that I too should look immaculate and adjusted my bow tie accordingly.  Joanne and Lee were such a lovely couple to work with and look after and working with the right team, we could make sure that they got the day of their dreams.

Scott also commented that "Knowing Richard was the toastmaster put my mind at ease, knowing that the bride and bride groom and I would be well looked after and have fun all day". 

Caring and kindness go along way to making sure that everyone gets the best day possible.   Thank you Scott for the photos and good luck with your photography around Essex ,

A very kind thank you card from Jo and Dave relating to their church wedding at North Stifford and wedding reception at Pontlands Park, Great Baddow, Essex on Saturday 20th June 2009

To Richard,  Dave and I would just like to say a BIG thank you for all your help on our wedding day at Pontlands Park. You were 100% fantastic and helped in many ways throughout the day.  Even 5 weeks on and friends and family are still talking about the wedding and how great you were with everything. Even my mum still talks about you walking her to her seat in church. We can't thank you enough in making our wedding day one we will never forget. We have enclosed a photo that we had taken for you. Lots of love Jo and Dave

A very kind thank you letter from Nichola and Howard relating to their civil wedding and wedding reception at The Reid Rooms, Essex on Thursday 11th June 2009

Dear Richard, We are writing to say thank you very much for being our toastmaster and DJ at our wedding.  We both had a fantastic day and enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you for making it as worry free for both of us, with the small touches and advice. Everyone that came to the wedding said you were an excellent toastmaster.

Thank you for your part in making our day so perfect.  Nichola and Howard

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.

And now a very kind thank you letter from Clare and Pat relating to their church wedding at Ingatestone and wedding reception at Layer Marney Tower, Essex    Dear Richard,  Pat and I just wanted to write to thank you for the marvellous job you did on the day of our wedding. From making sure everyone was presentable at the church, to calming nerves, from looking after my dress at the reception to ensuring we had a drink during the photographs.  You made the day effortless and ensured we were able to relax and enjoy it.  We had the most amazing day which you managed to make even more special. Thank you. Best wishes Clare and Pat xx

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 All Saints Church, Creeksea, Essex 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 using an excellent quality Bose sound system that I find is easy to manage and gives excellent quality sound. 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

The picture on the left was very kindly sent to me with a Christmas card and a note that said -"You made our day Richard love 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. The atmosphere that they create ensures that their clients 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 (2008) 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 to be working as a toastmaster and also 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

Medieval Mobile Disco at Layer Marney Tower

The picture on the right hand side shows how the Classic Nomad mobile wedding disco may be completely disguised using my shields from my jousting days and some very nice quality velvet material in whatever colours suit your wedding. Would you ever recognise the rig as a disco. This is how it appeared during the day for a medieval wedding at Layer Marney Tower in December 2009.

In the evening the lights went up, but to only just over the top of the level where the shields hang as it is shown.  There is no ugly overhead rigging. Funny how the disco is going back to Layer Marney Tower, where the East Anglian Jousting Association was run from, some years ago. The venue is looking stunning now and has just won the best toilets of the year award!!!!!!  The disco also hides all the sound and lighting for the day and evening and further details of this Essex Wedding Disco company may be found here.

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....

Train to be a toastmaster with the English Toastmasters Association

Please give me a call at any time on

07971 409977

or

01245 222392

• Wedding Ceremonies

• Hindu Weddings

• Asian Weddings

• Sikh Weddings

• Milni Ceremonies

• Jewish Weddings

• Simchas of any type

• 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

• Charity Events

• 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 Events

• Quiz Master

• Charity Auctioneer

• Product Launches

• Wedding Anniversary

• I will attend at your

• Church
• Cathedral
• Regestry Office
• Synagogue
• Temple
• or whereever your ceremony or service will be held, if you would like me to.

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

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

01708 688396

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

01277 373828

Audley End House
Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

01799 529403

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

01206 210001

Blake Hall
Ongar , Essex, CM5 0DG

01277 366687/362502

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

01992 525151

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

01245 200777

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

01376 352266

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

01621 892305

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

01279 817056

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

01245 440005

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

Coggeshall Village Hall
Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, CO6 1UH

01206 734301

Colchester Arts Centre
Church Street, Colchester, CO1 1NF

01206 500900

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

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

01787 224343

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

01376 572643

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

01621 783169

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

01376 584903

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

01268 559772

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

01277 841115

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

01277 226418

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

01279 731441

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

01255 220450

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

01702 279955

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

01376 324555

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

01621 868 888

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

01621 891406

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

01268 543222

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

07863 101517

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

01277 355111

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

01992 560830

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

01992 578332

Gosfield Hall
Gosfield, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1SF

01787 472914

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

01279 506475

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

01277 829990

Halfway House
Southend Arterial Road, Brentwood, CM13 3LL

01277811235

Hedingham Castle
Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ

01787 463862

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

0870 4009003

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

0870 4009012

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

0870 4009020

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

01702 559980

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

01277 231439

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

01245 496800

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

01277 353040

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

01702 551125

Layer Marney Tower
Near Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

01206 330784

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

01206 323778

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

01245 362555

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

01371 872857

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

01279 726554

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

01245325959

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

01245 231515

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

07711 197947

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

01206 322367

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

07769 676735

Marygreen Manor Hotel
London Road, Brentwood, CM14 4NR

01277 225252

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

01245 435820

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

01208 5002735

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

01279 424074

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

01277 211549

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

01277 365398

Newland Hall
Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4LH

01245 231010

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

01992 522118

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

01268 510111

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

01279 829988

Parklands
Quendon Hall, Quendon, Essex, CB11 3XN

01799 543800

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

01279 876661

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

01245 476444

Prested Hall
Feering, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9EE

01376 573399/572175

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

01992 573138

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

01206 230900

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

01702 318120

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

01245 440005

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

01206 866677

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

01702 545554

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

01245 435820

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

01787 374544

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

01245 264564

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

01255 823057

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

01763 279354

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

01277 653616

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

01277 200885

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

01279 420246

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

01371 830129

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

01206 212345

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

01268 522828

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

01787 472144

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

01268 561234

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

01376 561322

The County Hotel
Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PZ

01245 455700

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

01799 530515

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

01787 224466

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

01279 442521

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

01277 651816

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

01255 812 343

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

01702 614777

The Lawn
Hall Road, Rochford, SS4 1PJ

01702 203701

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

01268 544417

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

01255 241212

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

01245 231800

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

01376 516969

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

01245 231800

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

01799 522676

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

07790 198157

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

01371 811596

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

01255 504952

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

01245 223258

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

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

01787 237250

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

01621 828631

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

01376 326802

Town Hall
High Street, Colchester, CO1 1FR

01206 282200

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

01621 855628

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

01992 717170

Waterfront Place
Wharf Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6LU

01245 252000

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

01206 272300

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

01279 850603

Wivenhoe House Hotel
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ

01206 863666

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

01440 762581

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

0208 5002549

Ye Olde Plough House

Bulphan RM14 3SR
01375 891592

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.

( I met Sarah and Matt again on 30th May 2010 at one of their friend's weddings at South Farm, near Cambridge and it was really good to see them and to know that they have now started a family. Very best wishes and lots of love to them and I look forward to seeing them again very soon. )

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!!'

The pictures above are courtesy of Pengelly Photography Tel: 01787 377 503 www.pengelly-photography.co.uk Thank you Kevin and Sabrina 

Wedding and reception below at Vaulty Manor on Saturday 22nd September 2007 with a short note from Louse and Martin before they went away to say;-

'Just like to thank you for our wonderful day and all your hard work xxx'

and when they returned we had a really great thank you letter with reads

'Firstly a huge thank you for all your help on our fantastic wedding day, because without your help and support it would not have been the same. You were invaluable to have and because of you the day ran so smoothly and problem free. Our family and friends also send their thanks to you for helping to put them at ease.

If you weren't offering to get them drinks or helping with buttonholes, or my nan with her corsage, then you were helping us keep our nerves. We all appreciate your hard work and all the effort you put in. Everyone who came to the wedding has been singing your praises since and we know we made the right decision in hiring you. Martin and I would never hesitate in recommending you or your staff to anyone. A HUGE thank you for making our day one we will never forget.' Martin & Louise x

The four pictures below are courtesy of David Court, www.courtoncamera.co.uk who is always lots of fun to work with.  

David sent me an e-mail and his very kind words read as follows, "I would like to place on record how once again it was a privilege working with you (again) at Spains Hall and Brentwood Cathedral (Terri and David's Wedding). As a Professional Photographer I can honestly say that there is no other toastmaster that I would recommend as highly as you, nor for that matter enjoy working with as much".

This wedding is featured on the front cover of the Essex Wedding Magazine Jan Feb 2008 issue with an article inside and many more of David's very fine pictures.

Terri's comment about the highlight of her day, as taken from that article reads, -

"My favourite part of the day was walking into the room for the wedding breakfast.  Our toastmaster had hyped up our guests, who gave us the best welcome.  I'll always remember that first time we were called Mr and Mrs Bearman".

Wedding and reception at Vaulty Manor on Friday 17th August 2007 Just had an e-mail on 5th September 2007 

Hi Richard, hope you are well.  Got back from our honeymoon Sunday night, had a great 2 weeks. Just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks for your efforts on our wedding day.

It really helped to have you there to talk to, it made me feel everything was under control and that calmed me down a lot. During the day you were exceptionally helpful & polite, many of our friends and family commented on this, Thank you.   Jodie, Matt & Livvy

Wedding and reception at Pontlands Park, Great Baddow on Saturday 4th August 2007  

Richard Thank you so much for being our Toastmaster. You were so good and we really can't thank you enough. Everyone really enjoyed the day. You really are a big shining star!* Thank you.  Natalie and Darren

Wedding at Cold Norton and reception at Crondon Park on Saturday 7th July 2007 with an e-mail on Monday and the card on 4th September 2007  

Hello Richard, how are you? I am sorry it has taken so long for us to write to you, however we do want you to know how grateful we are that you were our toastmaster on the 7th July. I have a thank you card that I will drop round to you tonight so I wont go on too much on this email. I have attached a couple of photographs that we are happy for you to display on your website as well as our words in our thank you card if you so wish. Our day was absolutely amazing with your hard work helping the day run so smoothly.

And the card arrived and reads as follows -

'Dear Richard,  Wow, what an absolutely amazing day we all had - it was more magical than we had imagined! We would like you to know that your professionalism on our wedding day was hugely appreciated. Greg and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of us and making sure the day ran smoothly. Everything, including the weather was perfect and it is certainly a day we will never forget. We believe that your work throughout our day, from being at the church right up to our 1st dance was a big part of why the day went so well. Thank you for your kind hearted work - we know that you will make many more couples very happy on their wedding days.   With love and regards'   Greg & Anneliese

The picture on the left above shows Richard adjusting Anneliese's wedding dress at the church. When Richard attends church weddings, he wears a black long coat with a red waistcoat for this part of the day, as he believes that the red toastmaster's tail coat, which is based on the "hunting pink", is not appropriate to be worn at church. This picture is courtesy of Studio One www.studione.biz Thank you Danny!

Chairman of Essex County Council's annual reception at Layer Marney Tower Thursday 26th July 2007  

'Dear Richard, Once again you have absolutely turned up trumps and I would like to say a very sincere thank you for all your support and help on Thursday evening. It is very reassuring to know that you are attending to so much detail and I am very pleased that it all went so smoothly for you as well. With kindest regards.

Yours sincerely   Councilor Gerard McEwen Chairman of the Council'

Wedding at Stock Brook Country Club Saturday 21st July 2007   An extract taken from the bride and grooms blog reads as follows, and be found at http://www.handbag.com/social/forums-relationships_weddings_wedding-report-21st-july-2007

The guests all sat down for dinner and we waited outside until our toastmaster announced us in. As we walked through we got the biggest cheer and biggest round of applause - it was brilliant. I will say at this point that a toastmaster is worth their weight in gold. Our toastmaster really did make our day go smoothly. If you live in Essex we can highly recommend Richard Palmer. During the meal people started chinking their glasses which signified that Jamie and I would share a kiss, which we did. Then they did it again a little later and we kissed again and then they did it a third time (so we kissed before asking the toastmaster if we could turn it round). After we'd finished speeches the toastmaster announced us out of the room and everyone cheered and clapped again. Sarah Brigstock

Wedding at Tilbury and Grays and reception at Park Inn, Lakeside Saturday 30th June 2007  

'Dear Richard,  Words cannot describe how grateful we are for all you did for us leading up to our wedding and on the day. If anything went wrong during the wedding we certainly didn't know about it as you were always on hand for all the other staff that helped us on the day. You kept us and all our guests entertained with your great humour. Everyone commented on how wonderful you are and some even said they want you in the future for their weddings! It was a pleasure having you as one of our witnesses, the little hiccup we had the day before was calmed by you and we are so grateful that you went out of your way on the Sunday to support us with the final part of our wedding.

You truly are a wonderful man. Thank you for everything that you have done for us and we hope to see you soon.'

Leanne and Marc

Wedding at Epping and reception at The Grove, Watford 23rd June 2007  

'Dear Richard, We wanted to take this opportunity, to thank you so much for all of your hard work and co-ordination on our wedding day. You really made everything run like clockwork and it was comforting just having you around. You really helped to make our special day truly memorable and we cannot thank you enough. You were like our guardian angel for the day. Thank you again.'   Lucy and Gary x

Wedding at Gaynes Park Saturday 2nd June 2007  

'Dear Richard, We both want to say a huge thank you for all your help and support with all the wedding plans. The day was perfect thanks to you being so professional. It truly was a first class service. All our guests had a wonderful day.

We wish we could do it all over again, it was so good, I can't put into words, for me it was perfect and for Russell it was better than he ever imagined. We're just waiting for the DVD so that we can relive it once more.   With love from'  Lynsey and Russell.

Photos above courtesy of Ivan Finch www.townandcountryphoto.co.uk Tel. 020 8502 3293

Wedding at Gosfield Hall Wednesday 23rd May 2007  

'Richard, We'd both like to thank you very much for your participation at our wedding. You performed your toastmaster duties to the highest standard, and helped to ensure that our special day ran very smoothly. It meant that we could relax and totally enjoy the day, leaving all organisational aspects to you. We had a truly fantastic day and now have so many fond memories to cherish. We really cannot thank you and compliment you enough.  Very best wishes' Sally and Nick

Wedding at St Mildred’s Church, Lewisham and reception at Coombe Bank School, Sundridge, Sevenoaks Saturday 5th May 2007  

'Thank you for making our day even more special. We knew from the very first meeting that you would be the man to lead us through our dreamy day. Your professionalism was complimented by friends and family who could see you topping off our absolutely fantastic day. Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts in making our special day an unforgettable experience. We wish you every success for the future and would not hesitate to recommend you.

Best wishes'  Cecil and Shirley x

Wedding at Layer Marney Tower Friday 1st December 2006  

'Thank you so much for being a fabulous toastmaster at our wedding. We couldn't have got through the day without you - you were brilliant and felt more like an old friend than our toastmaster. Our guests have all commented on how good you were and when I marry my next husband I will certainly ask you to be toastmaster!! You were worth every penny and cheap at twice the price! Thank You, Thank you, Thank you'  

Rachael and Andy

Wedding at Spains Hall Saturday 18th November 2006  

'We just wanted to thank you again for all your hard work as toastmaster - you held our day together seamlessly and really think that without you it wouldn't have gone so well. Everything you did was so professional and perfectly done - we can't thank you enough. Hopefully you had a good time as well - all our friends seem to, so hopefully a success all round!.' Krycher and Dan

Wedding at Le Talbooth Saturday 16th September 2006  

'Just a little note to say "thank you" so very much for making our wedding day so perfect. Shahram and I both felt totally relaxed, safe in the knowledge you had everything under control! All our guests were also very impressed with your professionalism. You worked extremely hard all day and it was very much noted. Hope to see you soon - with much love' Helen and Shahram

Wedding at Layer Marney Tower Sat 25th August 2006  

'Thank you so much for being our Toastmaster at our wedding. As we always knew you would from the first time we met you, you went far above and beyond your duties on the day, taking all our demands and bizarre requests in your stride and ensuring that our day was absolutely perfect. We're even sure you must have had something to do with the glorious sunshine that shone just that one day that whole week. Our guests have since commented on how professional, yet fun you were to be around. We will have no hesitation in recommending you to any and all our friends for any future functions. Thank you once again from the bottom of both our hearts. Our eternal thanks.'   Niki and Dean

Wedding at Layer Marney Tower Thursday 23rd August 2006  

'This comes to say a very big thank you for all your hard work on our wedding day. Simon and I had a truly wonderful day and thanks to you it ran very smoothly. As I said on the day, it really is no wonder that you have a book of thank you cards - you really do deserve them! You made our day extra special, got the guests organised for some of the photos, and most importantly brought numerous drinks over to us during it al!! We had several guests comment on how well organised the day was and what a difference you made to it.  Thank you again for all your work.'  Gail and Simon

Wedding reception at Stock Brook Manor Golf and Country Club Saturday 19th August 2006 

'We thought we would say a MASSIVE thank you for making our day the best day of our lives!!!! We know it sounds a bit soppy but you made everyone very relaxed and happy and it was an absolute pleasure for you to be at our wedding!!!! When looking at the pictures in the evening of the wedding everyone looks like they are having a fantastic time and that's all we really wanted - for everyone to have a memorable and happy day!!! You are a brilliant toastmaster and we both will highly recommend you. We all thought that you were very professional without being stuffy and too traditional. I have supplied a couple of photos of our wedding from our photographer as an attachment.   Once again thank you so much for being our toastmaster!!!!!   We hope to see you soon Richard!!!!!'  Sonya and Mark

The picture below shows Richard working at The Manor of Groves and was taken by Essex Wedding Photographer Dave Court who can be found at www.courtoncamera.co.uk

The important fact about this picture is probably worth an explanation.  As your toastmaster, I work closely with you and your other suppliers at your wedding.  If they need help I am there for then and for you.  This picture shows me picking up a posy for the tiny bridesmaid who is standing behind me (you can just see the bottom of her dress).  By helping in this way the photo shoot is speeded up and made more comfortable for all concerned.  Everyone else in the group stayed in their positions so the photo session was able to be carried out more quickly, giving everyone more time to relax.

A working toastmaster in action!

This picture shows Richard working at Stock Brook Golf & Country Club in August 2006 for Amudha and Chris who wrote -

'Thank you so much for your help at the wedding, your support in helping run things smoothly really took the stress out of the day.'

Richard's services, as your professional toastmaster, will enhance your special day and allow you to enjoy your celebrations, in the knowledge that all your arrangements are in excellent, experienced and capable hands and that you and your guests will be made to feel special.

Richard is often referred to as a kind toastmaster and will work in the style that you need him to. If you are looking for formal or informal, Richard will be pleased to help in a professional manner.

It does not matter where your reception is being held, from the smallest hall to the largest banqueting suite, booking Richard's services as your toastmaster will make all the difference and help to ensure that your special day runs smoothly and that you feel pampered.

Richard is available to advise on any questions that you may have, either before, or on your day and he is there to look after all parties involved, parents, best man, ushers, bridesmaids, guests, venue management, caterers, photographers, videographers and entertainers.

Richard’s duties as your toastmaster, may include greeting the bridal party on arrival, assisting at the Service or Civil Ceremony, helping to get guests together for the photos, arranging your receiving line, announcing your guests, announcing and escorting the Bride and Groom to the Top Table, introducing the speakers, assisting with presentations, announcing the Cutting of the Cake and continually liasing with everyone to ensure the smooth running of your reception. If you and your guests need help getting dressed or with your button holes, or if you would like to make sure that you are being fed and watered during your drinks reception, when your photos are being taken and the waiters and waitresses can not get near you - I am there for you.

Although Richard's duties as your Toastmaster’s will vary according to the degree of formality that you require, Richard will warmly and professionally ensure the smooth running of your day.

Quality systems help to equal quality performance

My management systems are certified to the ISO9001:2008 standard, so that you are assured of a world class quality service.  We are the only disco and toastmaster services company in the world to have achieved registration to this standard.  For more details about this standard we have included this link www.iso.org

BBC2 & 3

I have appeared on the BBC2 and 3 Wedding Stories series and may have been seen leading the bridal party away from their helicopter at the start of every program as well as working with a couple who appeared in the series, on their wedding day on 24th November last year at the Fennes Estate, Bocking, Essex.

ITV & GMTV

I appeared on ITV after working at a wedding (civil partnership) in Hylands House on 1st July 2006 and made the news nationally and internationally but specifically on ITV and GMTV, as well as most of the national press.

Coming very soon.  Our very own permanent wedding exhibition at our business unit just outside Danbury.  Please call for an appointment and we will be pleased to make you very welcome.  Please call 07971 409977 for a free no obligation appointment.

Entertainment

If you are looking for an excellent wedding disco and music services please visit www.thedisco.co.uk.

100% service offer for your wedding

Full toastmaster and disco services offered in one package to a world class service standard (ISO 9001:2008) at special prices.

This is a value for money deal when our company looks after both services for you at one function.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WRAPIT HAVE NOW GONE INTO RECEIVERSHIP

Our testimonials from brides that voted for us in the Wedding Industry Awards For Excellence

Category: Special Touches

 * Richard made our day fantastic taking all the pressure off us, helping us with buttonholes and guests - now he's one of the family.  Thank you Richard for all you have done for us, Best wishes and good luck. X

 * As a Toastmaster, Richard is the best. He is organised, approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and above all very professional. He helped our day run smoothly and any problems were dealt with discreetly and quickly. I sincerely hope Richard wins this award to show how professional he really is.

 * Our day was perfect, Richard was a star all day long as our toastmaster and all evening as our DJ.  He provided a wonderful service nothing was too much trouble for him.

 * Richard couldn't’t have done more for us on the day.  He was so attentive and helped make our day so wonderful

 * Richard Palmer made our day extra special. From planning and throughout our entire day, he looked after our needs and made sure the day ran to perfection. Many people have since commented how he added a special atmosphere to the day. A fabulous toastmaster service!

 * Richard was very professional, ensuring our day ran extremely smoothly.

 * Excellent service!

 * Without Having Richard at our wedding I really don’t know how we would of coped, He made the day enjoyable and i really would recommend anyone to use his services, It really takes the stress out of the day and you have more time to enjoy yourself and not have to worry about anything, I am glad that we choose Richard to take care of the day for us. You really don't think when booking how much Richard does for you on your big day !!!

 * friendly, professional and supportive before and throughout the event.

 * Richard offered ToastMaster services and disco. Prepared for everything, there when needed and always keeping a good mood going.  Well organised and professional (not the type to try and control the day / but very efficient).

 * Richard was the first person I saw as I arrived at the church and he straight away put me at ease, by helping me fix my dress and directing me as to what to do! Tom also said Richard was a great help at directing our rowdy ushers by getting them in their places with their button holes on correctly!  Richard not only organised everyone throughout the day but he also helped bring a touch of class to the wedding. Everyone in our wedding party felt relaxed and at ease by his professionalism. I cannot thank him enough for helping make our wedding day the best day of our lives. Thank you again Richard you were excellent! 

 * Richard was amazing. I cannot put in to words how much he made our day. Even if I had to plan a wedding with £1000 I'd still book him. Priceless to us...and our guests loved him too.

 * Richard is an outstanding toastmaster - unlike the traditional toastmasters you think of (stern and military style!!). He is a fantastic toastmaster - witty, professional, funny and very approachable. As we arrived to our venue we were greeted by a very smartly dressed Richard who then handed us our glasses of champagne (that he had bought for us!) and then introduced us to all our friends and family. We really enjoyed having him at our wedding as it felt like a he was a guest of ours not a toastmaster. He was the one that sorted out any problems of the day (and I know there was a few as told by family and friends) but not at any point did he tell us about any problems he encountered, he dealt with them swiftly and professionally. We really hope he wins this award as he is a very genuine and hard working man and he deserves this award to show our (and others) gratitude and thanks.

 * "Above and Beyond" is the perfect way to describe Richard's service before, during and even AFTER our wedding.  He is the most versatile Toastmaster you could wish for and if he hasn’t got it, by God he’ll find it for you!  The talk of our wedding and our Guardian Angel -MOST RECOMMENDED!

 * Richard took such great care of us. It rained on our day but Richard kept my spirits up and never let my dress touch the floor. He had hair spray on hand to control my fringe and controlled our rather drunk guests perfectly so our day ran without a hitch, Perfect!

 * Richard was always on hand to help, nothing was too much trouble. We thank him very much. Richard attended the church and helped correct the best mans tie, this was outside our expectations but as he said the day would not be complete without seeing you get married

If you are looking for an alternative toastmaster or any information about becoming a toastmaster please visit www.englishtoastmasters.co.uk.

The closest venues for me to work in are Essex wedding venues, however I will travel anywhere including working at wedding venues in Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and of course London.

The furthest I have traveled to a wedding was to Vancouver, Canada and I would be happy to go anywhere in the world.  The wedding in Vancouver was a Punjabi Sikh wedding which was a fantastic experience with lovely people.

Toastmaster training for the English Toastmasters Association.

I have listed below some comments about me from some of my Toastmaster friends who I have had the pleasure to share experiences with.  If you are looking to learn how to be an excellent toastmaster please visit The English Toastmasters Association web site at http://www.englishtoastmasters.co.uk/courses.php

I will be pleased to talk to anyone who would like to know more about what we do and even why we enjoy working so hard for our clients!

I don't see any changes that could possibly make this course any better. Best three days training I've ever had in 30 years of business. Brilliant. I have learnt more than I thought I ever would in such a short time. Keep up the good work.  Michael Kellett, Wakefield, Yorkshire

Excellent pacing and highly personalised, very practical and helpful at all times. I enjoyed the course immensely and found Richard's explanations and knowledge interesting, effective and informative. I can't wait to get started.  William Freeman, Surrey

The course was conducted in comfortable surroundings and was well structured. It was very helpful to meet other toastmasters and colleagues. Vanessa King, Surrey

A follow up e-mail from Vanessa arrived on 22nd March 2010   Dear Richard, Many Many Thanks. I just wanted to thank you properly for the wonderful training i've had over the last three weeks. Thank you also for the delightful lunches and the opportunity to meet David and Andrew, which I found very valuable. I feel excited beyond words about my new career and I feel your course has really prepared me well. I'm particularly grateful for the ongoing support you provide. I'm looking forward to meeting up with you again. All the best. Vanessa.

A follow up email from Vanessa arrived on 10th April 2010  Hi Richard, I just wanted to let you know I had my first planning meeting last night and it went better than I could have dreamed. Your training was absolutely first rate. Last night was proof positive that your approach really works extremely well. Warmest Regards Vanessa

Don't change anything but please don't get me so excited about toastmastering that I can't sleep before the next day of the course. Thanks again for a fantastic learning experience. Brian Crockett, West Midlands Toastmaster UK

Excellent three days, I would not change anything - for me, it suited my style of learning.  Stephen Gregory, Essex Toastmaster UK

Don't change the way that you deliver your courses, although very intense I imagine you would not receive the practical, visual and off site training with any other association. Thank you  Andrew West Cambridgeshire, UK

A follow up letter from Andrew arrived on 11th January 2010 Dear Richard  I just wanted to express how much I enjoyed the training course last week. Prior to the course, I imagined myself being stuck in front of a powerpoint presentation for three days in a cold classroom! The way in which the course was delivered by far exceeded my expectations. It was presented to me in a very relaxing atmosphere.

The course was exceptionally interesting and informative. I have learnt a lot from you within these three days and admire your enthusiasm and professional attitude towards the industry. I particularly enjoyed visiting local venues and meeting your colleagues. I am sure no other association would include this within their training courses.

Having found my car in the snow, I left the Association's Danbury Headquarters on a high. I feel very excited about my future as a toastmaster alongside my relationship with you and the association. The training that I received makes me very confident that I will become a successful toastmaster.

A big thank you to you and  Lindsey for your hospitality. Yours sincerely Andrew West

Outstanding course, well worth every penny, my thanks to Richard for his time and training he gave me for toastmastering. Many thanks, I am so happy to have become a member of the English Toastmasters Association.  Jude Garland Faversham, Kent, UK

A follow up email arrived on 7th January, Thank you for the last three days, I enjoyed every last hour, minute, second. Many Thanks, Jude

Wow what a brilliant three days. Good training, enjoyed it very much.   John Phillips, Caerphilly, South Wales, UK

Thank you Richard for helping and guiding me through the course. Loved every minute and look forward to being a member of the English Toastmasters Association.   Chris Webb, Rochford, Essex, UK

A follow up e-mail from Chris arrived on 23rd December 2009 Good morning Richard, I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work yesterday and for lunch. I found it fun, informative and was great meeting some of the guys. Also please pass on my thanks to Linda and Lindsey for their help over the last few months. Not only have I obtained the training and information for my career as a toastmaster, I feel that I have made some wonderful friends in the process. I wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous 2010, Kind regards Chris

The course content was fully covered in a very friendly and informative manner (time taken to meet any queries). A pleasure to meet other related people like photographers, toastmasters and venue organisers. Thoroughly interesting, the three days flew by and the assistance with my web site was invaluable. It was a pleasure to have attended the training course as it exceeded my expectations and provided a much greater insight into the role of the toastmaster which is down to the quality of the trainer. I look forward to meeting other toastmasters in the near future. Thank You   Jim Jardine, Anglesey, Wales

Perfect delivery in a relaxed manner, just what I like. Excellent  Ronald Greenfield, Louisiana, USA

A follow up e-mail from Ron arrived on 2nd October 2009 Hi Richard  I would just like to say a big ‘Thank you’ for the three and a half days training that I have just undertaken. As a retired teacher I know only too well that there are many different teaching styles and yours comes over so well because of your passion for your calling as a toastmaster and your impeccable attention to detail. These traits make it easy for the ‘trainee’ to grasp the fundamentals of our profession in a relaxed and informal manner. I have learned a great deal in the last few days and I now look forward to putting into practice your teachings as well as carrying the Toastmasters flag over the pond to America. It was also a pleasure to meet fellow Toastmasters of the E.T.A. at the ‘Wedding Seminar’ and I look forward to meeting more of these splendid gentlemen at our meeting on Trafalgar Day. Once again, thank you so much for your time, patience and the excellent direction that you have given me. Ronald Greenfield

First class training by a very impressive professional body. Colin R Whitehead Essex

A follow up letter from Colin arrived on 12th October 2009 Dear Richard  I would like to thank you for your professionalism in the lead up to my training with all details being covered with spot on precision. As for the training itself, I found it to be very informal which I believe allowed me to take in so much more of the information you were only happy to impart to me. I must say that I had a great insight to the world of toastmasters via your training methods which allowed for a most enjoyable few days in your company. This might not be the longest thank you letter you have ever received Richard but it is sent with my sincere thanks and sincerity for your kind help and professionalism during my training. A big thank you also must go to Lindsey for the constant flow of tea and for setting up my details on the English Toastmasters Association website.  Yours Sincerely Colin R. Whitehead Essex

The course is delivered in a relaxed one to one atmosphere with a personal insight to the profession. The back up and training is amazing and makes you feel part of a team, camaraderie is probably the word, giving you the confidence to do the job, excellent tuition, thank you for the course. Graham Skingley Essex

Professionally presented course in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Superbly supported by Lindsey and Linda.  This course has given me the confidence to offer a more professional service to future clients. A pleasurable experience throughout. Many thanks to you Richard   Roy Timms Bicester Oxford

Ideal format to learn the professional side of the toastmasters role without losing the fun part of the business. Always remembering you are in place to help and assist the bride and groom, Richard has a relaxed way of conveying all these issues. Very Impressed with Richards comments and what the Association has to offer. David Pinder Lancashire

Richard's vast experience shows through by the way he imparts knowledge as only a Master of his Profession can.  Terry Hughes,  Gloucestershire

You clearly have a wealth of information that you are happy to impart.  I came with great expectations - I left overwhelmed with the amount of information and support at my disposal.  Garry Smith,  Bedfordshire

Richard is an inspirational teacher who is a master of his craft and he has filled me with absolute enthusiasm for my career as a Toastmaster.  Kevin Goodwin,  Lancashire

A younger, fresher approach to toastmaster training, a natural and relaxed way of learning.  John Claxton, Oxfordshire

The caring manner and treatment by Richard was really great, making the learning process a pleasure.  John Parker,  Middlesex

Thank you for your hospitality, openness, absolute professionalism and knowledge sharing.  Peter Cashmore,   West Midlands

Impressed with Richard's personal integrity and feel I can trust him.   Jeff Best,  London

I was very impressed by Richard's teaching style, which was both relaxed and thorough.  At no time did he cast himself in the role of "expert", but, instead, he guided and mentored me through the course on equal terms, encouraging me to bring out and develop my own gifts and talents.  Thank you Richard for your friendship, conscientious example and consummate professionalism.  Adrian Hayes,  Essex

I do not believe that the course could have been presented any better and leave it enthusiastic and confident.  Thank you Richard.   John Churches,  Essex

Ideal format to learn the professional side of the toastmasters role without losing the fun part of the business. Always remembering you are in place to help and assist the bride and groom, Richard has a relaxed way of conveying all these issues. Very Impressed with Richards comments and what the Association has to offer. David Pinder Lancashire

Need more time, Richard Palmer is a good instructor and will also listen and answer questions honestly.  Barry W Gilden Florida USA

Everything was very concise. The tutoring was of an excellent standard, therefore keep up the great tuition, Don't Change! For anyone who wants to train as a toastmaster use The English Toastmasters Association, the standard was excellent.  Jonathan Waterman Essex

A follow up e-mail from Michael arrived on 22nd May 2009 Hello Richard. Hope you are keeping well, I just thought you may be interested in the stats for my web site, what may be of particular interest to you in promoting the marketing values of belonging to our association is the amount of hits my site has had from links to englishtoastmasters site. Michael

A follow up e-mail from Michael arrived 5th May 2009 and reads as follows;- Hi Richard, Just thought I would catch up with you to re emphasize how delighted I was with last weeks training. Having now had more chance to reflect on the course and its content, I would like to reiterate my praises of the 3 days with you.

Training with the English Toastmasters Association on a one to one basis not only includes fantastic lessons in the duties of a toastmaster but also really interesting and useful sessions on such things as customer care and how to market myself, like the assistance and advice on producing my web site. And all this in 3 days. 

I did quite a bit of research into other toastmaster associations and I don't think that I found one of them that could offer so many benefits as that at the English Toastmasters Association. Most certainly none that can match the marketing value of being linked to the English Toastmasters Association. The biggest single WOW to me was to see my name already on the first page of a Google search due to the many sites operated by ETA. Very special thanks to Linda and Lindsay for their contribution to my course.  Kind regards Michael

I believe the course fulfilled my objectives.  It was well paced and passionately delivered by Richard. The DVD's show real life weddings. These were especially helpful. The course is not only about delivering toastmaster services, but more importantly about delivering with care for the client.  Michael Wall Sheffield Yorkshire

I came onto the course with knowledge and went away with allot more. It was superb. I will be proud to wear the emblem of the English Toastmasters Association and belong to a great Association. Not only did I find a mentor, in Richard I have found a friend. Carl Brassington Essex

Thank you for sharing experiences, in a very relaxed and informative yet positive manner. Mike Culleton Liverpool

A follow up e-mail arrived 28th February 2009 from Mike and reads as follows;-  Hi Richard and Linda  Just wanted to say a formal and sincere thanks for a smashing, informative and well run induction course. It was a real pleasure to meet with you both and share your toastmaster experiences and indeed reap the rewards of your experience and advice. It was great to gain the knowledge in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, whilst also enjoying meeting various members and trade partners. I am so looking forward to getting started, and will strive to continually reach ongoing excellence for the benefit of my clients. Finally , I would be most pleased if you would pass my thanks also to Lindsey, for her charm and endless cuppa's. Thanks again, Kind Regards Mike

Another e-mail arrived from Mike today (29th October 2009) and reads as follows Hi Richard, Great to speak with you today and exchange idea's to help improve the service we give, your suggestions and advice are not only always welcome, but usually pretty accurate as well. It now seems a long time since my training in February 2009, and at the time, there was so much information and advice, all from practical experience, I wondered if I would really enjoy realising my ambition to be a 'Professional Toastmaster'

Well now 8 months later, and as the new boy, (with only 10 bookings under my belt,) I can't tell you how much pleasure and satisfaction I get after completing each function, knowing that at the very least, I've done my absolute best to make that time both memorable, and enjoyable for all concerned. In times of difficulty, I simply refer back to the training, and the training manual, or the support you are always on hand to give.

At the end of a booking, there is no greater feeling than the sincere thank-you's that come from my customers and from knowing I have done, (in the words of my clients) a thoroughly professional job, and taken the strain and tension away from them and their special day/function, in order for them to enjoy their time. It's all in the training Richard, but,....... I think you may have missed one vital bit out......... how much fun we have as well. Thanks again.  Kind Regards  Mike

Hugely informative and fantastic fun. You've put a huge amount of yourself - energy, knowledge and personality into these last three days. Thank you ever so much. Nick Lawler Cumbria

Richard runs the English Toastmasters Association training facilities where each toastmaster training course is tailored to the individual student and run on a one to one basis.  The school for toastmasters operates to the highest possible standards and is introducing a new breed of client focused toastmasters into the profession.  If you are looking for toastmaster training to the highest standards, please call Richard on 07971 409977 or visit http://www.englishtoastmasters.co.uk/courses.php where you will be made to feel very welcome.

None of the stuffy, starchy, pompous, unapproachable old school of toastmasters to be found in the English Toastmasters Association.  Just client focused, friendly, kind, helpful, professional people who are there to support you on your very special occasion.

If Richard is not available in person, he will be pleased to help you make your selection from the toastmasters at the English Toastmasters Association website. You are assured of high quality toastmasters that have one aim in their sights - to serve you and make you feel special.

Thank you for visiting my web site and please feel free to call me at any time for free impartial advice. 

Very best wishes      Richard

For other excellent wedding toastmasters please go to the English Toastmasters Association

Last edited 16.17hrs Tuesday 31st August 2010