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London Toastmaster

Richard Birtchnell is The London Toastmaster

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History of the Toastmaster

May 4, 2012 By WebMaster

A Toastmaster’s Preamble

The professional “Toastmaster” must not be confused with “Toastmasters International”. Whilst we are engaged as announcers and event managers at formal occasions, those who join the global Toastmasters club seek to improve their public speaking skills and we have no formal connection with them.

Although the Society of London Toastmasters was formed 60 years ago, the role of the Toastmaster has evolved over many centuries.

Toasting the Gods

The taking of wine, Toasts and drinking a person’s health can be traced back to the early Greek and Roman civilisations where many surviving mosaics indicate the raising of goblets and drinking either a friend’s or a God’s health by holding the goblets aloft.

At ancient Greek banquets the host would toast to the health of the guests to assure them that the wine they were about to drink was safe. In those days, spiking wine with poison was a common way to dispose of an enemy. It therefore became a symbol of friendship for the host to pour wine from a decanter or common pitcher, drink it before his guests, and satisfied that it was good, raise his glass to his friends to do likewise.

Improving the wine

We go from poisoning the wine to improving it. For centuries, the beverages served to guests were mead, porter, sack or very poor wine. In the middle ages at great and noble houses, someone was appointed to look after the cellars in the big houses and he would experiment with various flavourings in the wines to improve their flavour. At banquets, he would have before him a large bowl of the brew and in smaller bowls would have herbs and spices. He would take a small piece of bread, hold it before a fire or in a flame until it was toasted; he would then dip that into the herbs and spices and stir it into the bowl of wine. This man was known as the ?Master of the Toast?. It was a highly skilled occupation much prized for its talents.

The formal banquet

The wine-blender of old was the modern toastmaster’s predecessor. In the houses of Spanish and Italian nobles he was called the “Manager”. The English version of this majordomo in the 17th and 18th centuries was the “House Steward” nowadays called the “Butler”. In addition to the duties of wine management, the butler would also announce guests arriving for dinner who would then be greeted and received by the host.

The red coat

The origin of the distinctive redcoat worn by the Toastmaster is generally accepted as being introduced by a Toastmaster William Knightsmith in 1894. Expressing concern at being dressed like a head waiter or butler, his wife suggested that he wear a red coat to stand out. On the occasion at which he changed his coat to a red one the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) admired it and commented favourably on it. Subsequently, the ‘hunting pink’ tailcoat became the adopted form of dress for Toastmasters (the name is derived from Mr Pink, the tailor who designed them). It is also accepted that William Knightsmith was the first to be recognised as a bona-fide Toastmaster setting the standards for others to emulate.

Note: In the City of London the ‘hunting pink’ tailcoat is generally not worn because the law stated that the hunt was not allowed to pass through the City. Toastmasters in the City sometimes wear a sash of red and white under their black tailcoat.

Toastmastering today

In its modern form it is an exclusively British occupation, carried out by some 500 professional Toastmasters throughout the country, many of whom belong to an affiliation like my own, the Society of London Toastmasters. Rather like regiments of an army, at the last count there were 14 such organisations, all formed since our own inception in 1952 and each proud of its heritage and high standards. In the interests of harmony, I have collated this story of the Toastmaster’s genesis from their various websites and declare my gratitude.

If you require a Toastmaster for an event, whether it be a wedding, a banquet or charity auction, call 0207 730 3725 or email today.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: history of Toastmasters, london toastmasters, toastmasters

The Toastmaster Has A Way With Words

February 29, 2012 By WebMaster

He is predominantly a professional practitioner in presentation and proper procedure, primarily an expert in protocol, privilege, priority, precedence, procession and propriety.

After preparing preliminaries with the president, principal or producer, and prefacing with his preamble, he will promptly proclaim: ?Pray silence!? then pronounce, project, praise, promulgate and propose in precise, profound prose.

His prominent presence, profile and pragmatic proficiency in the programme will prevent problems, protect probity, and, preserving principle and pride, provide prestige to your production.

Promise.

About the Author: Richard Birtchnell is not only a Master of Ceremonies,?but he is also the?London Toastmaster. If you want to make your?event one to run smoothly and on time, then why not?contact Richard to check his availability.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Events, London, london toastmaster, master of ceremonies, toastmaster, Wedding Toastmaster, Weddings

London Toastmaster Enters Eggheads

March 17, 2010 By WebMaster

Richard Teams Up to Challenge the Eggheads

Eggheads BBC tv show logoI was recently captain of a team of Toastmasters invited to challenge the highly-regarded ‘Eggheads’ who appear nightly on BBC2. For those who are unfamiliar with the format, the ‘Eggheads’ are a team of Britain’s most successful quiz and game show champions and in each episode a different challenging team attempts to beat them through a series of rounds for a cash prize. As our particular show is not to be broadcast until Autumn 2010, I am not at liberty reveal the outcome until after transmission.

Anyone may create a challenging team. Application forms are available from the BBC. If satisfactory at this stage, there follows an audition which involves mental and presentational skills and if through, the team is taken to Glasgow where the programme is filmed and although a little scary it was great fun to participate.

In the photograph the Eggheads are standing left to right: CJ, Chris, Barry, Daphne, Kevin and show host Jeremy Vine and seated, looking very smart I am sure you will agree, are my Toastmasters team left to right: Mike Jacobs (standby), Richard Birtchnell, Neil Hunt, Ian Low, Tony Forward and Roger Galton-Davies.

London Toastmaster on TV show Eggheads

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About the Author: Richard Birtchnell, now a celebrity Toastmaster?after appearing on BBC TV’s Eggheads, covers events all over London and beyond. Why not contact Richard to check his availability.

Filed Under: Events, General, News Tagged With: bbc eggheads, celebrity toastmaster, Eggheads, eggheads bbc, eggheads quiz, famous toastmaster, london toastmaster, tv show eggheads

Wedding Toastmaster at Gibson Hall

January 28, 2010 By WebMaster

The London Wedding Toastmaster at Gibson Hall, London

Here are a?couple of?photos of me as the wedding toastmaster?at a wedding at Gibson Hall, London. A special thank you goes to Graham Lacdao for supplying the photographs.

The Main Hall is a spectacular setting for a wedding celebrations. An idyllic romantic venue for weddings of all sizes,?the courtyard garden is ideal for a drink reception.

The London Toastmaster, Richard Birtchnell standing in the Main Hall of Gibson Hall, London. Photo by Graham Lacdao

The London Toastmaster, Richard Birtchnell standing in the Main Hall of Gibson Hall, London. Photo by Graham Lacdao

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Wedding Toastmaster, Richard Birtchnell, talking to wedding guest as the Master of Ceremonies

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About the Author: Richard Birtchnell, a wedding toastmaster?who covers wedding events all over London and beyond. Why not contact Richard to check his availability.

Wedding Toastmaster | London Wedding Toastmasters

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City of London Toastmasters

January 26, 2010 By WebMaster

City of London Toastmasters and their History and Customs

City of London Toastmaster

City of London Toastmaster, Richard Birtchnell leading HRH the Duke of Gloucester into a reception at Mercers' Hall. Photo by Michael O'Sullivan

When we talk of the ‘City’ of London, we are referring to the ‘Square Mile’ representing mainly the international financial district, which since Norman times was the capital’s hub of craft and commercial activity. The City is a democratic self-governing entity with its own Lord Mayor and rich in tradition, history and what may be thought of as quaint ceremonial customs.

One such is that the City of London Toastmaster does not wear his red tailcoat, instead he wears a black one. It is said the reason for this is that by tradition, a foxhunt may not pass through the City’s streets and as the Toastmaster’s red coat is reminiscent of mounted foxhunters, it is preferred that he maintains a less ostentatious profile. However, this policy creates a problem of identity. A Toastmaster’s work in the City is inevitably at Mansion House (home of the Lord Mayor) or the Guildhall or one of the 40 Livery Halls where formal banquets are held, often with members of the Royal Family, Government and Heads of State present. Frequently guests at such functions will wear white tie and black tails, just like the Toastmaster, who no longer will be identifiable by his red jacket. An elegant solution was devised whereby the Toastmaster would wear a red and white sash over his right shoulder, representing the colours of the City’s crest. This way, he stands out, even if on occasion he gets mistaken for the Polish Ambassador!

City of London Toastmaster, Richard Birtchnell. Photo by Michael O'Sullivan

City of London Toastmaster, Richard Birtchnell. Photo by Michael O'Sullivan

Acting as a City Toastmaster requires a higher degree of knowledge and protocol than for example, in the ‘West End’ and there are many subtle differences in procedure. For example, outside the City when introducing a guest speaker with a post-nominal (eg OBE) the Toastmaster would say “Pray silence for John Smith, an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” but within the City the Toastmaster simply says “Pray silence for John Smith”. Another example would be how the Loyal Toast (“The Queen!”) is introduced. Outside the City the Toastmaster would gavel for attention and say: “Would you all please stand.. and.. pray silence for the Chairman who will now propose the Loyal Toast”. In the City, when we get to this point in the meal (before the coffee is served) the Toastmaster simply taps his gavel three times, does not speak at all and the host will rise and pronounce: “The Queen!” then all guests rise and repeat the exclamation.

About the Author: Richard Birtchnell is not only a Master of Ceremonies,?but he is also a City of London Toastmaster. If you want to make your?event one to run smoothly and on time, then why not contact Richard to check his availability.

City of London Toastmaster | London Toastmasters

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The Livery Company Beadle

January 19, 2010 By WebMaster

The City of London Livery Companies and their Beadles

Richard Birtchnell is Beadle to two Livery Companies: The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights and The Worshipful Company of Masons. Many people do not know what a Beadle does, or how the position originated, so here is the explanation. Beadle, sometimes spelled “bedel” is derived from the Latin “bidellus” or “bedellus”, rooted in words for “herald.” He was originally an official of the Roman Temple. The word Beadle has also been used to describe early policemen and church or parish wardens.

Beadle Richard Birtchnell leading the procession at a Wheelwrights' banquet in Mansion House including the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor Ian Luder and the Lady Mayoress. Photo kindly supplied by Sharp Photo

Beadle Richard Birtchnell leading the procession at a Wheelwrights' banquet in Mansion House including the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor Ian Luder and the Lady Mayoress. Photo kindly supplied by Sharp Photo

The Livery Companies, as they evolved many hundreds of years ago, needed a point of contact between the Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistants and the Livery in general. They therefore appointed (and paid for) a Beadle, who took care of the Company’s meeting place (‘Hall’), called the Court members and/or Livery together on behalf of the Master, and enforced any disciplinary measures decided by the Court.

The Beadle would also find suitable apprentices, and would organise the social and ceremonial functions. He was, in summary, a policeman, an almoner, a friend, social worker and communicator.

Whilst the Livery all lived and worked within the Square Mile, the Beadle was able to summon them personally, but, as people became dispersed, there grew a need for someone who could write and so use the new postal services to summon the Court. The humble Clerk then began his rise in importance to his position today as the chief executive of the Company. The office of Beadle, meanwhile, has become a ceremonial function.

Discussing the seating plans with guests at a Wheelwrights' Installation dinner in Drapers' Hall. Photo kindly supplied by Sharp Photo

Discussing the seating plans with guests at a Wheelwrights' Installation dinner in Drapers' Hall. Photo kindly supplied by Sharp Photo

The Beadle in most Companies retains his stewardship of the Company’s property, including in many cases, the fabric of buildings owned by a Company. The Beadle advises on matters of protocol, and acts in collaboration with the Clerk, to ensure all Livery functions take place smoothly and with due decorum; that the required regalia and treasure is produced, in place, and returned to the vaults after a function. He will attend the Master and Wardens on all proper occasions, to ensure that they are properly gowned and badged, and to assist the company by acting as Toastmaster at all its functions.

He would be issued with a Staff of Office, often wrongly called a ‘mace’, with which to protect the Master and enforce discipline. The Staff is usually a tall one so that it could be used as a rallying point at Common Hall etc. when the Livery was summoned to “Attend upon the Master”. The Wheelwrights’ staff which appears in the photos was made in London by John Carter in 1774 and bears the Company’s Coat of Arms and motto.

You can find out more about the work of Beadles by visiting the website www.thebeadlesoflondon.com

About the Author: Richard Birtchnell is not only a Beadle to two Livery Conpanies, he is als0 a?Toastmaster in London. If you want to make your?event one to run smoothly and on time, then why not contact Richard to check his availability.

Toastmasters in London | London Toastmasters

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The London Toastmaster

Richard Birtchnell
The London Toastmaster
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