Garry Smith - The English Toastmaster

Fleur and Simon

2009-10-05T19:22:00.001+01:00

The splendour of The National Liberal Club, Whitehall Place was the setting for the wedding breakfast on Saturday, where I was Toastmaster for Fleur & Simon Johnson.

Their marriage service took place at Temple Church, the central London location that has, in recent years seen increased interest from many tourists, due to its inclusion in Dan Browns' book, The Da Vinci Code.

Fortunately the weather was kind and the rain held off, although it was quite breezy for the guests as they walked from the Church along The Embankment to the reception venue.

It was great to work alongside the staff at The National Liberal Club and I know the bride and groom had an excellent day celebrating with their family and friends.

Mustafa & Natalie's Wedding

2009-09-28T20:59:00.000+01:00

Sunday saw me at the second of the two weddings for this past weekend. Again, a full-on day as toastmaster for 300 guests.

This time the prestigious venue was The Grove, Chandlers Cross, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG set in the Hertfordshire countryside just outside Watford.

Middle Eastern customs were evident, the couple this time being Lebanese and Turkish.

The Grove provided both a superb location with extensive grounds for some fantastic wedding photographs, but also excellent room for the wedding breakfast too.

Although I was a little weary by the end of last night, having had so much fun made me appreciate just exactly why I chose to be a Toastmaster.

Martin & Reem's Wedding

2009-09-28T20:45:00.000+01:00

A very busy weekend this past Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting Boreham House, Main Road, Boreham, Essex, CM3 3HY as toastmaster for the civil marriage ceremony of Martin and Reem.

Reem's family are Egyptian and so I was really excited to experience some Arabic customs and culture (including a belly dancer at the wedding breakfast).

Boreham House proved an excellent venue for the marriage ceremony and the stunning grounds and Pavilion in the garden made for a great day.

Loughton Masonic Lodge Ladies Festival Weekend

2009-09-20T18:24:00.000+01:00

Last night I was delighted to be the Toastmaster for the Loughton Masonic Lodge at their Ladies Festival weekend held at De Vere Staverton Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire.

This type of event usually takes place once a year and is often arranged by a festival committee headed by the Lodge president for that year.

Having spent the last four years in Norfolk for their festival weekends, the Lodge decided to change venue this year and hence came to Daventry.

It was good to meet with so many enthusiastic Freemasons and their families, it's clear that Freemasonry is still being enjoyed by those in the Loughton area.

StadiumMK Wedding Fair

2009-09-06T20:11:00.000+01:00

Having had a very busy day yesterday, I have been attending the wedding fair organised by The Perfect Wedding Guild today at the StadiumMK, home of Milton Keynes Dons football team.

A much larger venue this time for 'the guild' but we were pleased with the day, especially as there were some additional exhibitors who joined us for the first time.

We were able to stage an excellent fashion show with bridal dresses being supplied by Beretun Designs and Questor Woburn Bridal Boutique. Mother of the bride outfits from Elenis Fashions and clothing for the groom from Suitors, Buckingham

We were also fortunate to have Blue Mark Entertainments and Ariella Strings providing us with music.

Sutton Coldfield Fun Day

2009-09-06T07:17:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was an interesting day for me and another first.

I was asked by the constituency office in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham to help promote their consultation paper for their community plan. They wanted to add something different to the fun day which had been arranged by the local emergency services.

It needed to be in the style of a 'town crier' and so I was quite hoarse by the end of the afternoon.

It was a great event with lots of residents from the local community attending and I know that the fire and police services were able to raise significant funds for their respective charities.

Rohit & Tanvi's Wedding

2009-08-16T20:58:00.000+01:00

What a fantastic day yesterday!

This weekend has been very hectic in the lives of Rohit & Tanvi Choudhray. On Friday, they were married in a Civil Ceremony in the superb grounds of Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire. Unfortunately I wasn't present at this occassion but I understand everyone had an amazing day.

On Saturday, I was asked to be the toastmaster during the day which incorporated their Hindu Wedding Ceremony. Guests had come from all parts of the world to witness this ceremony. It was clear that both families of Rohit and Tanvi were delighted that so many were at this auspicious occasion. The setting for the ceremony was The Orangery, Wrest Park and it was lovely that the property was open to the public during the day so that visitors were able to experience an Asian Wedding. Guests partied well into the evening in a lavish marquee supplied by Accolade Events. The picture only shows myself and Tanvi (Rohit was still busy dancing).

The remainder of this Asian Wedding concludes back in Birmingham today where Rohit & Tanvi will celebrate with family and friends.

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire

2009-07-30T15:52:00.002+01:00

Recently I was priviledged to visit the superb wedding venue at Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire in preparation for an Asian Wedding there in August.

Having not had the opportunity to work there as a wedding toastmaster yet, I felt that it was important so as to familiarise myself with the venue and also introduce myself to the staff.

The gardens offer fantastic areas for any style of wedding with exquisitely manicured lawns, walks, follies and an abundance of trees and shrubs. Inside the house, the high ceilings and gold gilt detail offer delightful architecture.

Sean & Kelly's Wedding

2009-07-19T11:14:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I was privileged to be Wedding Toastmaster for Sean & Kelly Weston.

They married at St. Andrews Church, Harlestone, the Northamptonshire village where Kelly spent many of her formative years and the wedding breakfast was at Sedgebrook Hall, Chapel Brampton, Northamptonshire

Although the weather over the past week hasn't been particularly good, we were very fortunate to have sun most of the day and it only became overcast during the evening.

As expected, Sedgebrook Hall provided their usual superb service and it was also great to work alongside some fantastic wedding suppliers. These included Chris from C & H Video, who is a fellow member of The Perfect Wedding Guild, photographer Helen Bailey, my good friend and Rat Pack Singer Neal Astbury and also DJ Kevin Headley of Starsound Entertainement

Special Champagne Delivery

2009-07-11T11:29:00.003+01:00

Last evening I made a surprise Champagne Delivery to a friend of mine, Brenda to mark the occasion of a 'special' birthday. The party was held at the home of her daughter and son-in-law and there were a number of friends, relations and work colleagues in attendance.

Fortunately the weather was kind and so we spent a lovely time chatting in the garden.

The Perfect Wedding Guild Meeting

2009-07-10T18:28:00.002+01:00

Yesterday evening I met with many of the wedding suppliers who are members of The Perfect Wedding Guild in Milton Keynes.

We met at the Mercure Parkside Hotel, Woughton on the Green, Milton Keynes for an informal network meeting and to discuss various topics relating to weddings.

It was especially good to meet some new members but also to renew friendships with existing colleagues within the Milton Keynes wedding industry.

Parkside Hotel Wedding Fair

2009-07-05T18:19:00.000+01:00

Spent another great day today at the Mercure Parkside Hotel, Woughton on the Green, Milton Keynes for the Wedding Fair arranged by The Perfect Wedding Guild.

This fair was specifcally for guild members who are recommened wedding suppliers in and around the Milton Keynes area.

Mercure Parkside Wedding Fair

2009-07-03T20:50:00.002+01:00

I'm looking forward to an exciting wedding fair this coming Sunday 5th July at Mercure Parkside Hotel, Woughton on the Green, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK6 3LR

This event is being organised by The Perfect Wedding Guild in Milton Keynes and is exclusively open to wedding suppliers who are guild members.

I'm particularly hoping that there will be many brides and grooms who visit that will be interested in any of the services I offer such as wedding toastmaster, master of ceremonies or the special champagne delivery service.

Hayley & Andy's Wedding

2009-06-16T21:05:00.005+01:00

Another brilliant day on Saturday, this time at the wedding of Andy & Hayley Bradley.

Having got married on Friday lunchtime at the local registry office, everything was set for a Blessing and wedding breakfast on Saturday at Andy's family home.

The weather was great, the guests delightful and the setting made for a superb afternoon and evening.

I was also fortunate to spend a little time talking with the Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Tom Partridge-Underwood.

Melissa & Chris's Wedding

2009-06-07T19:28:00.007+01:00

Yesterday I had the great honour to act as Toastmaster at the wedding of Chris & Melissa Grube.

Although a little wet during the morning, the rain stopped around lunchtime and so it meant that I didn't need to come to the rescue with umbrellas at the church.

Everyone seemed to have a great time and a number of guests commented to me during the evening that it had been a fantastic day.

I was also able to meet other wedding suppliers who I haven't had chance to work with yet. Photographers Terry & Sonia Hardy, Videographer Ryan Devine and DJ James Lake

Baldock Rotary Club

2009-05-24T09:17:00.001+01:00

Last evening my wife and I had the pleasure of attending my fathers' President's Gala Evening for Baldock Rotary Club. This year members of the club were hosting and entertaining guests from their twin club Toftlund, Denmark for the weekend and so this event was the climax of the visit.

I was delighted to see my good friend and fellow toastmaster Tony Smith acted as master of ceremonies.

I know that both my parents were pleased with the outcome of the evening and they were able to donate cheques as a result of their fundraising activities this year.

Margaret & Kevin's Wedding

2009-05-14T07:18:00.007+01:00

On Friday afternoon, I spent a very pleasant afternoon and evening as toastmaster at the wedding of Kevin & Margaret.

Masonic Ladies Festival

2009-04-26T14:08:00.000+01:00

Last evening I was delighted to act as toastmaster for the Leighton Cross Ladies Festival in Leighton Buzzard.

Everyone seemed to have a great time and I received a number of good comments as guests left to go home. Focus of the evening was to raise additional funds for the local High 5's charity, which had been selected by the Presidents' lady.

St. George's Day

2009-04-23T21:38:00.001+01:00

I had a fantastic day today with members of the English Toastmasters Association. The following has been taken from the English Toasmasters Association website.

The picture below is of the installation of our first Honorary Fellow Member of the English Toastmasters Association, Patrick Stevenson, who is the great grandson of the first toastmaster to wear the red tailcoat, William knightsmith. Here Patrick is shown receiving his certificate of Honorary Fellow Membership from Lord of the Manor of Romans Fee, Writtle, Essex Richard Oscroft MBE. Richard also just happens to be the grandson in law of Harold Dean, the next distinguished toastmaster who wrote the book, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. Patrick has been made a Fellow due to his kindness to our Association and his help with our research into the history of this profession. His twin brother Richard is also being offered an honorary fellowship of our Association. We are most grateful for their help, support and kindness to our Association. Patrick delivered an excellent and very interesting presentation about the life of his great grandfather at our Gt. George's Day Meeting.

The picture above was taken by David Islip of David Islip Photography.
Thank you David for your support with our National Meeting and all you ongoing help.

St. George's Day Meeting

2009-04-22T19:32:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow I will be meeting many of my colleagues from the English Toastmasters Association at our St. George's Day celebration.

The Marle Inn Wedding Fair

2009-04-19T19:18:00.000+01:00

Today I have spent some of my time at The Marle Inn, Milton Keynes for a wedding fair. This was a new venture and so we, as wedding suppliers were delighted that there were a number of couples that came along to talk about wedding planning.

The venue is very intimate but there is a deck and patio area which looks out across Linford Lakes and it was beautiful this afternoon when the sun started to go down across the lake.

Holiday Inn Wedding Fair

2009-03-30T00:41:00.001+01:00

Looking forward to another Wedding Fair this coming weekend on Sunday 5th April 2009.

The location is Holiday Inn, London Road, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. MK16 0JA and the event is being organised by The Perfect Wedding Guild. It runs from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm.

We're hoping for a good number of brides coming along and I shall be delighted to discuss my toastmaster services with anyone who hasn't yet considered using a wedding toastmaster for their big day.

Champagne Delivery - Rosie & Mark

2009-03-29T16:20:00.000+01:00

Last evening I made a champagne delivery to Rosie and Mark who had a party at the Bull Hotel, Stony Stratford to celebrate their engagement at Christmas.

I was booked by Nicola who I met at the wedding fair at Bletchley Park back in January.

Laura-Jane & Chris

2009-03-14T22:13:00.001Z

I've spent a lovely day today in the company of Laura-Jane and Chris Lewis and their families. The occasion was their wedding at Kingsthorpe Church the afterwards at Sedgebrook Hall, Chapel Brampton.

I was booked by Laura-Jane's parents as a surprise and the couple said earlier that they were pleased that I was on hand to help them through their day.

Ruby Wedding Celebration

2009-03-08T19:27:00.000Z

I had a thoroughly pleasant afternoon in the company of my good friends, Gordon and Ann at their Ruby Wedding Anniversary lunch. The event was held at The Inn at Woburn, and it was a joy to be able to work alongside the staff at this wedding venue in Woburn.