History of the Toastmaster

History of the Toastmaster



The historical origins of the modern Toastmaster are cloaked in mystery, as there is little definitive reference documentation. In the middle ages the keeper of the wine in great houses was referred to and became known as the ‘Master of the Toast’.
The “Master of the Toast” would toast small pieces of bread before a fire, dip them into herbs and spices before stirring them into a bowl of wine to enhance its flavour.
Towards the end of the 17th century the toasting of one’s friends became an accepted custom especially to VIP’s attending banquets. Its origins can be linked to the following;

A banquet was being held in the Pump Room at Bath in the year 1649.
Two young men attending wandered into the adjacent spa where languishing in the waters was a ‘Lady of the Town’ covered in ‘little more than blushes’. One of the young men wanted to jump into the water to be with her but was prevented by his friend who scooped some water into his empty drinking vessel. There remained at the bottom of his vessel the small piece of spiced toast from the previous drink of wine. On drinking from the newly charged vessel he is reputed to have said, “Nay, though I likest not the beverage (i.e. the water from the bath) I will take toast with the lady” he then proceeded to drink the water containing the toast and entered the water.

The major-domo of old was the modern toastmaster’s predecessor. He was employed in the houses of Spanish and Italian Nobles as the ‘Manager’ The English version at this time was the ‘House Steward’ nowadays called the Butler. One of the Butlers duties was to announce guests arriving for dinner who would then be greeted and received by the Host and Hostess.

Private clubs often appointed a member to act as Toastmaster and to ensure that these Toastmasters did not over imbibe in alcohol a toastmasters glass was designed, made of thick glass but it would only hold a small measure, thus ensuring the Toastmaster remained sober!
The origin and history of the redcoat as worn by the modern Toastmaster are generally accepted as being introduced by the late William Knight-Smith. He remarked to his wife, his concern at being dressed like a headwaiter or butler, his wife suggested that he wear a red coat. Another account is that the occasion at which he changed his coat to a red one the then Prince of Wales admired it and commented favourably on it. It is also accepted that William Knight-Smith was the first to be recognised as a bone- fide toastmaster setting the scene for others to emulate.
Each and every function must be treated individually. The toastmaster’s advice is sought on many occasions. It is therefore imperative to have the knowledge of protocol and preambles for all engagements. Your toastmaster must never appear to be more important than the event at which he is officiating.
A Toastmaster must be dignified in appearance, have the ability to control large numbers of people without being too authoritarian, have a good personality, strong voice, clarity of diction and an intelligent approach to all engagements at which he officiates.
Note. In the City of London the toastmasters red coat remains a black tailcoat with the addition of the red and white sash of the City of London being worn over the right shoulder.




With thanks to Mr Graham Hunt.


Graham is both proud and honoured to be Past President of the
Association of the UK School of Professional Toastmasters.
Founder/Director UK School of Professional Toastmasters Limited

Wedding Fayres 2011

With the New Year just around the corner I will be attending the following Wedding fayres in the early New Year
Sunday 16th January Frederick's Hotel Maidenhead
Sunday 23rd January Hampshire Court Hotel Basingstoke
Sunday 13th FebruaryElcot Park Hotel Newbury
Sunday 20th February Trunkwell Mansion House Reading
Sunday 20th March Reading Town Hall

If you are planning your weddding for 2011/ 2012 and are looking for inspiration then why not come along to one of these events. More details can be found at http://www.dreamweddingfairs.com/wedding-shows-berkshire.html

I look forward to meeting you in 2011

Happy New Year

2011 Looks like being a busy year

Well Christmas is over and the turkey is nearly eaten. As the New Year approaches it looks like people are planning their Weddings and events for 2011. With 2 enquiries already today for weddings in July and August it looks like it is going to be a good year.

Planning is key to a successful event and early engagement of key suppliers is important if you want to have that dream wedding or successful function.

A Professional Toastmaster is sometimes considered a luxury, but if you want to be able to sit back and enjoy your function then I would say a Toastmaster is a necessity which you really can't do without.

Why not visit my web site at www.timothyleetoastmaster .co.uk and see how I can help you make your event that really special occassion

Wedding Fayre Badgemore Park Golf Club Henley

I will be at the Badgemore Park Golf Club Henley on Sunday 24th October for the wedding fayre organised by Dream wedding Fairs. I will be offering a 10% discount for brides who book as result of the fayre so why not come along and meet me there.

The show opening times are 11am - 3.30pm and the address is:

Badgemore Park Golf Club Badgemore, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 4NR

I look forward to seeing you there

So the Wedding Fair season is now well underway again and i have recently attended fairs at Donnington Valley Spa & Hotel in Newbury and also Reading Town Hall. This coming Sunday 2nd October I will be at Wokingham Town Hall so why not come along and meet me there.

Wedding Fairs 2010

The Wedding Fair season is upon us again and I will be at a number over the next few weeks as follows:
12th September Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa near Newbury
26th September Reading Town Hall
3rd October Workingham Town Hall
17th October Windsor Heathrow Marriott Hotel
24th October Badgemore Park Golf Club near Henley
7th November Truckwell Mansion House near Reading

If you are a prospective bride them why not visit one if these fairs and come along and have a chat.
More details on each event can be found at www.dreamweddingfairs.com/wedding-links.html

I look forward to meeting you

Sunday 28th March I will be at the Reading Town Hall Wedding Fair run by Dreamweddingfairs. I attended the last wedding fair held here in 2009 and wrote about it in my blog. It really is a great wedding venue based in the centre of Reading so why not come along to see the venue and some of the great exhibitors. For further information go to www.dreamweddingfairs.com or the Reading Town Hall wedsite at http://www.readingarts.com/TownHall/