Toastmasters In The City Of London

From Norman times, the "Square Mile" or "City" of London has been the capital's centre for money-making happenings and worldwide fiscal dealings. The City is a democratic autonomous entity with its own mayor and is abundant in history, tradition, and what can appear as typical traditional practices.

One such tradition is that the Toastmaster does not dress in a red tailcoat, instead he wears a black one. It is said that the basis for this is that traditionally, a foxhunt could not pass through the city streets and Toastmaster's red coats are reminiscent of mounted foxhunters, it is preferable that the toastmaster retains a less ostentatious appearence. In spite of this, this policy leads to a question of identity. A Toastmaster's function in the city is inevitable at Mansion House (quarters of the mayor) or Guildhall or any of the 40 Livery Halls where official celebrations are regularly held, time and again with members of the royal family, government and Heads of State present. Regularly guests at such functions will be dressed in white tie and black tails, just as the Toastmaster, who will no longer be recognizable by his red jacket. A stylish solution was developed where Toastmasters would have a red and white sash over his right shoulder, which represents the colours of the City of London's crest. This way, he stands out, despite occasionally he gets confused with the Polish Ambassador!

City Toastmasters call for a elevated amount of knowledge and protocol than if they were performing out of the City of London. There are several subtle differences in procedure, for illustration, beyond the city when introducing a guest spokeswoman with a post-nominal (eg OBE), the Toastmaster would declare "Pray silence for John Smith, an officer of the most excellent Order of the British Empire," but in the City, the Toastmaster only says "Pray silence for John Smith."

An additional illustration is how the Loyal Toast ("The Queen!") Is introduced. Beyond the City of London, the Toastmaster would employ his gavel and declare: "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 place in the meal (before coffee is served) the Toastmaster simply taps his gavel three times, not talking at all, and the host will stand and announce: "The Queen!" Which will be followed by all guests standing up and repeating the exclamation.

By: toastmasterslondo

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