Masonic Festival

A Masonic Ladies’ Festival (or indeed Gentlemen’s Festival) is the social highlight of the year for most Freemasons’ Lodges. It is important that the event proceeds smoothly, with consideration for all those involved, to ensure that everyone present, whether Freemason or guest, can fully enjoy their evening together. My experience as Master of Ceremonies (and on the square) will prove invaluable in guiding the President and his Lady, or the President and her Gentleman, in all aspects of the event.

Civic and Corporate Events

There is a wide variety of formal functions at which a Toastmaster can officiate. It could be at the Town Hall with the Town or Borough Mayor, or it could be an awards dinner or product launch at a corporate event with guest speakers and entertainers. Whatever the function, whoever is present, I will act as Master of Ceremonies and ensure the occasion runs smoothly in accordance with the appropriate protocols.

<<May it please Your Majesty – I am also available for Royal engagements.>>

Charity and Fundraising

The Annual Ball presents one of the biggest fundraising opportunities for a charity organisation, but the last thing you need is to worry about how the evening will progress. As Master of Ceremonies, I will liaise with the other suppliers and entertainers, taking advantage of all fund-raising opportunities. I will take care of the raffle presentation and assist as auctioneer, if required, helping to ensure that the raffle and auction are both entertaining and profitable. I can advise and assist you on the most effective way of promoting the charity and selling tickets. I can also advise and assist you on conducting the draw to entertaining effect.

Word Book of Records, Palace of Westminster, London

I was recently invited by ITW Playworx , a media and entertainment company, to serve as Toastmaster for the World Book of Records International Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Palace of Westminster in the presence of members of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guriji and other distinguished guests.

My duties included interviewing the recipients of the awards, particularly challenging as most responses were in Hindi (for the benefit of the video) as were the speeches and most of the proceedings throughout the evening. It was probably significant that the event was held on Hindi Diwas, the day that marks the commemoration of the occasion when Hindi was adopted as one of India’s official languages.

My thanks to Aaqib Edavan Kattil and  Ankur Sharma of  ITW Playworx, and my co-hostess Khush Saikia for her valuable advice.

4 Counties Wedding Awards, Knebworth House, Hertfordshire

Tracy writes: “John was the Toastmaster / Master of Ceremonies for our Wedding Awards Gala Presentation at Knebworth House. He was super-efficient and professional with his admin and communication before and during the event, providing a detailed schedule. Very calm, friendly and extremely smartly dressed. He arrived early to familiarise himself with the venue and the schedule, offering suggestions where he felt they would help the smooth flow of the event. His assistance throughout the event was discreet and professional and he dealt with any changes with calming flexibility. He presented the charity raffle and made great suggestions for the Silent Auction we ran on the night. He clearly knows his stuff! The evening ran perfectly and that was partly due to John’s presence. I would recommend John where you require the event to run smoothly in a calm, organised and professional way.”

Luton & Herts. Insurance Institute, Knebworth Barns, Hertfordshire

I was pleased to be invited, albeit at just three weeks’ notice, to serve as Toastmaster at the Luton & Hertfordshire Insurance Institute’s annual awards dinner held at the lovingly restored 16th century Manor Barn attached to Knebworth House.
Mark Morris, President of the Institute, writes ”We booked John as our Master of Ceremonies for our Dinner […] and cannot thank him enough for the work that he put in that made the event run so smoothly. With having John there, it took a lot of pressure of myself and the running of the event.”

Rest assured; I will always work with your best interests in mind. If you have any questions or would like further information about the services I offer, contact me for a no-obligation chat, so that I can fully understand your requirements and we can begin planning your event.

John Ashmele FGPT
Fellow of the Guild of Professional Toastmasters
Graduate of the Professional Toastmasters’ Academy
m: 07710 400412 e: john@ashmele.co.uk