A Passion For Fashion - Vintage Fashion Show & Auction

Being made up by hair & beauty - Completely You of Westgate

On Wednesday night the Walpole Bay Hotel ballroom came to life when the vintage fashion show in aid of Pilgrims Hospices burst on the scene.  The event had been sold out for weeks and the 120 expectant were not disappointed. 

Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators had begun planning back in September and all the volunteers and contributors came together to make it a night to remember.

Jane Bishop opened proceedings by welcoming everyone to her beautiful hotel. 

The vintage clothes were worn by the gorgeous male and female models who strutted their stuff under the stage lights provided by Paul Camp and the music by Thomas Alcock and all photographed for posterity by David Court. 

The ballroom was buzzing from start to finish and the raffle drawn by the Mayor of Margate, Iris Johnson and the auction were well supported.

Jenny & Frances from Frocks ‘n’ Stock in Margate had spent many hours putting the styles together and it worked superbly.  With hair and make-up by Completely You the whole event had a feeling of a top class fashion show.

A large sum was raised for the charity and Nikki & Jonathan would like to thank everyone for making the night so special.

Let’s do it again soon.

Please have a look at the gallery section of our website - you will find a vast selection of photographs!

Event sponsored by:

Walpole Bay Hotel, Frocks ‘n’ Stock, Completely You, Paul Camp – The Light Brigade, Thomas Alcock - DJ, David Court - courtoncamera, TG Aviation, LHB, Milos, Hairlines Minnis Bay, Cafe G, Quex Carriages, Quex Park, Denise’s Cakes for all Occasions, Rent a Bar, Manston Riding Centre, Bannatynes Gym,  Emma mobile hairdresser, Mark Boyd - DJ, Seaward Copy Shop

The Hidden Treasure that is Whitstable Castle

The Hidden Treasure that is Whitstable Castle revealed itself on Sunday 20^th November as a great venue for a wedding.

With the marquee in the grounds built around the wonderful fountain and the rooms of the castle filled with wonderful exhibitors.

All the guests were greeted by Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators, and were encouraged to take in all that the castle had to offer.

All day Estelle, Darren and the team worked tirelessly and their reward was a lot of future brides considering the fairy tale venue for their special day.  Your Toastmasters would encourage more to do the same.  Perhaps they could also consider some of the other exhibitors:

WOW weddings, Rogers Menswear, Martin Croones, Old & Blue wedding cars, Studio 125, Slaters men’s wear Canterbury  to name just a few.



Your Lady Toastmaster Nikki
teaching Barry the finer skills of sabrage!



As dusk approached Your Toastmasters offered sabrage to Barry from the trustees and with one flash from the blade of the sabre the champagne bottle was opened!  Thanks to Jean this moment was caught for posterity.   



Barry from Whitstable Castle
conquers sabrage!



What a fitting end to a splendid day!

The Splendour of Quex Park

Wedding fairs don’t come much better than this.  Quex is a beautiful house set in its own grounds in Birchington.  On Sunday 13^th November it hosted a lovely event on a perfect autumnal day.

The staff had set out the exhibitors tables throughout the galleries so that visitors could appreciate both the array of wedding professional’s offerings and the artefacts on show.

All the visitors were encouraged by Your Toastmasters to visit the Hannah Dining Suite which was set up for a wedding breakfast and here they were given a glass of wine and a selection of delicious food to sample.  What a perfect end to a lovely day.

Why not visit and see for yourself what Quex Park has to offer?

Turner Contemporary’s Royal Visitor 11th November 2011.


It’s always pleasurable being a toastmaster because you attend events where people want to enjoy themselves.



Well, on Friday 11^th November 2011 at the Turner Contemporary we reached heights that we could only have dreamt of a few days earlier.

The lovely staff of the gallery invited both of us to be the toastmasters for their Royal Visit.

What an honour for us, with 250 guests, Her Majesty and Prince Philip attending the special occasion.





Your Toastmaster Jonathan
overseeing the receiving line.



Your Lady Toastmaster Nikki
welcoming Her Majesty









From start to finish everything ran beautifully because all the management and staff worked as a team to show the Turner Contemporary in its best light – even Turner himself would have appreciated that!





Well done to everyone involved – What a day to remember.











Vintage Fashion Show and Auction in Aid of Pilgrims Hospices

The 30th November is fast approaching -

have you bought your tickets yet?

Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators in association with Frocks 'n' Stock Margate present a passion for fashion - vintage fashion show & auction in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.

There will be a varied selection of clothes for men and women including 'vintage', high end fashion/designer, occasion and wedding wear. All clothing and accessories will be on sale on the night as well as an auction of items such as A champagne carriage ride a...round Quex Park donated by Quex Carriages, a 20 minute trail flying lesson from Manston with T.G. Aviation, a 1/2 hour riding lesson at Manston Riding Centre, Beautiful floral displays by Balloons for all Occasions & Le Boutique King Street Ramsgate, Cake by Denise's cakes for all occasions Ramsgate, facial and cut & blow dry by Completely You Westgate. (Please note cash only!)

Tickets are £5 and are available from Frocks 'n' Stock 9 Market Street Margate, Walpole Bay Hotel Fifth Avenue Cliftonville, Completely You 10 Cuthbert Rd Westgate, Balloons for all Occasions 54 King Street Ramsgate, and via Your Toastmasters facebook page or website.

Ticket price includes arrival drink and entry to a raffle on the night - prizes include lunch for 2 at Walpole Bay Hotel, Champagne donated by the Lighthouse Bar Margate, cut & finish by Hairlines Minnis Bay, lunch for 2 with beverages at cafe G Margate and a voucher for Frocks 'n' Stock Margate.

Other businesses who are supporting the event include Thanetian Weddings Westgate who are supplying chair covers, Mark Boyd Professional DJ who is providing a play list, Completely You Westgate who are styling the models hair & make up, Paul Camp who is providing lighting, David Court Master photographer, Frocks 'n' Stock Margate providing the clothes & accessories and of course The Walpole Bay Hotel for the stunning venue.

A Wedding Fair with a difference

Video 2011 Dover Film

Your Gorgeous Kent Wedding organised by Gorgeous To Go  



Your Toastmaster Jonathan
at Your Gorgeous Kent Wedding Fair



Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators visit a lot of wedding fairs but the one we attended on Sunday 23^rd October at Dover College, organised by Gorgeous To Go, was rather special.

Michelle, Kylie and the team of Gorgeous To Go had a vision and wanted to offer something different to their visitors.

The marquee in the grounds was an excellent start as was the hog roast gently cooking nearby.

Inside the visitors were greeted to an array of exhibitors from jewellery, cakes, sweets, dresses, venues, photographers, disco and vintage cars.



Entertainment throughout the day, compered by Your Toastmasters, came from a nonstop fashion show that displayed a variety of clothing.  There was also an operatic singer – the lovely Jennifer Brisk, Magician and balloon artist and even an area to sit for delicious refreshments.



Your Toastmaster Jonathan
compering the fashion show at
Your Gorgeous Kent Wedding

Your Toastmaster Nikki
compering at
Your Gorgeous Kent Wedding

Gorgeous To Go hope to run the show again next year – look out for the date and make sure you put it in your diary.

Just some of the exhibitors that attended the Your Gorgeous Kent Wedding Fair organised by Gorgeous To Go



Your Toastmaster Jonathan with
some of the exhibitors and models
at Your Gorgeous Kent Wedding

Coco Rose - Millinery 

Country Brides of Faversham - Bridal Wear

 Make up By Gem - Wedding Make Up

Dover College - Venue

 Dover Design Photography - Photographer



Vanilla Rooms - Hair and Make-up

 Maid-Up Make Up Artistry - Make-Up

Robert Martin - Caricaturist  

Gavin Photography - Photographer

Purple Lilly Jewellery - Jewellery

River Cake Company - Wedding Cake

Always Roses - Flowers
Flowers By Reeds - Flowers

Tasha's Tasty Treats - Cakes and Favours

Dreams Bridal Studio - Bridal Wear

Ramada Hotel Dover - Venue

Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa - Venue 

Creative Glass - Stained Glass

Your Finishing Touches

Linda Miller Photography - Photographer 
White Doves of Dover - Doves Release

Alkham Valley Hog Roast Company

Tuppers Tux

The Balloon Store

Old and Blue Wedding Cars

 The Pure Skin Clinic

T Cupcakes Temptation by Design 

All About Cake

Super Sounds Mobile Disco
Debenhams Wedding Services - Westwood Cross
Mascarada Fancy Dress

Raineys Boutique - Broadstairs

Not On The High Street.Com

Rebecca Schofield - Visage Image Consultant

Wordzrock Dover - Memories you can Hold

Your Toastmasters

Sandilands

Samantha Morton

T & T Nails

Aisle of Dreams - Cars

Sweet about Sweets

Kent Bride - Magazine

A Kentish Ceremony -KCC magazines only

Ditch Green Photography

Forever Wedding Cars

Gowns and Glass

Hayleys Bloomers

More Tea Vicar - Vintage China

The Bridal Studio

Wow Wedding Company





Whitstable's best kept secret



The front of Whitstable Castle taken by Your Toastmasters



Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators travelled to Whitstable on Friday 21st but not to eat oysters or see the harbour.  We had the good fortune to visit  Whitstable Castle on Tower Hill.  What a fabulous venue for a wedding.  It really is  a fairy tale building with panelled rooms, wonderful fireplaces and gorgeous ceilings.

 

The roof terrace taken by Your Toastmasters



The castle also offers a roof terrace with views over the sea.

 

Play area at Whitstable Castle
taken by Your Toastmasters



Estelle, one of the castle's trustees, showed us around the grounds which were extensive, the large purpose built play area and the gazebo for those special photographs.





Finally, we entered the Orangery, which is part of the castle, to discover a very well run restaurant and tea room.

Whitstable Castle gardens and gazebo
taken by Your Toastmasters

Whitstable Castle is a hidden gem and a must to visit so why not join us at their wedding fair on Sunday 20th November 2011 11am - 4pm - You won't be disappointed.



Exciting times ahead!

Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators spent a pleasant hour with Amanda at Thanetian Weddings in Westgate.  Amanda has over 13 years experience at bringing people and companies together to create a special day for her couples.  We enjoyed her company and look forward to seeing more of her in the future.

Pegwell Bay is a lovely peaceful hamlet between Ramsgate and Cliffsend.  Rising proudly from the cliffs is the Pegwell Bay Hotel.  The function rooms both have large open decking attached that overlooks the sea.  The hotel is able to cater for all sized wedding parties and Your Toastmasters enjoyed our visit.

Exciting times ahead for Your Toastmasters following a meeting with Jenny & Frances from Pilgrims Hospice Charity shop, Frocks 'n' Stock, at Cafe G in Margate.  The arrangements for the forthcoming A Passion for Fashion 'Vintage' Fashion Show and Auction at the Walpole Bay Hotel on Wednesday 30th November 2011 at 7pm are really coming together.  A date for your diaries with clothing, accessories, raffle prizes and wonderful auction items.  There is so much available so watch this space.  Tickets will be priced at £5 and will include entry on the night, entry to a raffle and a glass of bucks fizz!

Superb wedding venues in Kent

Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators have been busy again visiting venues to meet members of hospitality teams who happily give up their time to show us round their establishments.

Once again we have been delighted with all that is available in Kent for couples wishing to plan their special day.

The Ramada in Maidstone has recently changed hands and is now the Mercure.  Their food and beverage manager, David Ghailani, is extremely enthusiastic about the future and with a venue that can cater for small and large groups it is well worth considering.



Civil Ceremony in the gazebo,
Mercure Maidstone

 

External view Mercure Maidstone



Your Toastmasters also visited Leeds Castle, this is a well known venue and very popular with couples.

Tudor Park near Bearsted is another top venue and again its team of planners are there to advise and support.  Your Toastmasters met Chloe and were impressed with her knowledge and sense of enjoyment.

Only a few miles from Tudor Park is Chilston Park, a beautiful country house that caters for wedding parties.  Your Toastmasters were very impressed with the grounds and facilities - any couple would be proud to be married there.

Front View of Chilston Park
by Your Toastmasters



Your Toastmaster Jon in the
grounds of Chilston Park

 



In Thanet, Your Toastmasters, went to the coast at Palm Bay to visit The Fayreness.  This hotel and wedding venue by the sea has recently been taken over by the Shepherd Neame Brewery.  Paula the Events Coordinator showed us a variety of rooms that can cater for small and medium sized weddings.  The views over the sea would be a great backdrop to any event held there.



Having been trained by the English Toastmasters Association Your Toastmasters are able of offer their professional services at any of these superb venues.  Contact us to find out how we can help you add the WOW factor to your special occasion.

Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators have been busy visiting venues in Thanet and Maidstone.

On Tuesday 4th October Nikki & Jon, Your Toastmasters, met Mark at Court Stairs Manor in Pegwell, Ramsgate. 

Front view by Your Toastmasters

Court Stairs Manor is a fascinating 19th century manor house.  It boasts superb grounds & gardens and stunning sea views as well as having ample on site parking.

Your Toastmaster Jon on one of the outside
spiral stairs that leads to the gazebo.

In the rear garden, Your Toastmaster Jon
looking out to sea with Court Stairs Manor
in the background 

Court Stairs offers exclusive use of this magnificent building on your special day.  It is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships. Depending on the style of wedding you are planning it offers various areas for your ceremony from the beautiful gazebo in the garden overlooking the sea to the glorious Gothic hall with sweeping staircase.

 



The magnificent Gothic staircase
by Your Toastmasters



View from the balcony
by Your Toastmasters





Your Toastmaster Nikki in the gazebo with
Court Stairs Manor in the background.

Planning a Civil Ceremony ?
Imagine ...
Standing at the top of the magnificent Gothic stairs and meeting the eyes of your true love waiting for you, as you glide down the sweeping stairs you meet and your ceremony begins!

OR

Standing at the top of the spiral stairs with the stunning sea view in front of you, your guests sitting in the sun in front of the gazebo, you walk slowly along the garden path toward the love of your life until your eyes meet! 

Whether you wish to have your ceremony or wedding breakfast at  Court Stairs Manor Mark and the hospitality team pride themselves on being able of offer that little bit of magic.



Perfect Wedding Venues in The Emerald Isle September 2011

Wondering what we were up to in the missing weeks?

Your Toastmasters & Event Coordinators visited some of the Emerald Isle's stunning wedding/special occasion venues and the lovely people who work in them!



Your Toastmaster, Jonathan
outside Craigavon Civic Centre .

 Following a telephone conversation with Julie Bailie, Johnstone Publishing (NI) Events and Exhibitions Executive about one of the wedding fayres she was organising.  (Julie has the wonderful job of bringing together wedding professionals and brides!)  We went along to Craigavon Civic Centre, Co. Armagh to meet her.  Julie was very positive about the services Your Toastmasters and Event Coordinators had to offer and understood how having a toastmaster at an event could add something special to the occasion. If you want to find out more about wedding fayres in Northern Ireland please call Julie on 02838395504.

Visiting the Civic Centre was excellent and we followed up some of the invites to visit local wedding venues ...







Seagoe Hotel



The first was the Seagoe Hotel.  Without giving away my age too much I had not been in the Seagoe since I was in my late teens - some 20 years ago!  I was blown away with the transformation.

A bride outside the Seagoe

The hotel has been developed with contemporary style in mind - from the moment you enter the foyer one cannot but be impressed with the marvellous spiralling staircase and attention to detail.  Indeed this attention to detail and professionalism is married with the care and attention that awaits you with the conference and banqueting team - Louise, David and Andrea. 





Louise took time out of her busy schedule to show us round the hotels facilities. 


Getting ready for the wedding breakfast



The Seagoe is ideally placed as it is set within it's own grounds and offers ample parking.

We actually visited the Seagoe twice as they were keen for us to see their venue set up for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast - the team at the Seagoe certainly work hard the setup was perfect!

From talking with both Louise & David it was evident they have a passion for delivering quality service where nothing is too much trouble - indeed they have such an eye for detail and abundant ideas they offer bespoke/tailored weddings as opposed to a wedding package.





Your Toastmaster, Nikki
outside Armagh City Hotel



Our next visit was one that I am ashamed to say -  had been planning to do since it was built 10 years ago - after the visit my only regret was not getting to see the hotel sooner!  

Armagh City Hotel is in a perfect location within Northern Ireland and has good road links with the South and has extensive car parking.

 Armagh City Hotel offers panoramic views over the historic city of Armagh - Ireland's oldest!  



Rear view of Armagh City Hotel by night

Over coffee in the hotel's spacious reception area - indeed a hub of activity - chatted to Cheryl Patterson, the hotels Sales Executive.



We felt privileged to be shown around the hotel and its magnificent facilities.  Indeed I could not agree more with Cheryl's views in that the hotel offers a wonderful choice of idyllic and historic backdrops for your wedding photographs.  The hotels ultra modern facilities ensure the biggest day of your life meets all your expectations and more.



Indeed the City Hotel offers an extensive wedding package for all types of wedding from the large to the intimate.



Unfortunately, due to time constraints we were unable to visit as many venues as we would have liked.  To you we promise to visit next time.  To those we did get to spend time with Your Toastmasters and Event Coordinators would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to spend time with us and we look forward to working with you all in the near future!