History

SOLIHULL SPEAKERS CLUB was originally Solihull Toastmasters. In 1971, with many other clubs countrywide, the members decided to leave the Toastmasters which was an American organisation and form The Association of Speakers Clubs. According to a set of minutes at that time the Club Charter was returned to the Toastmasters' headquarters at Santa Anna, California.
Solihull Speakers Club met at St. John's Hotel then at St Firmain's Hotel in Herbert Road, but that hotel no longer exists. From there, the Club moved to Robin Hood Golf Club.
The nearest clubs at that time were at Stourbridge, Wolverhampton and Sutton Coldfield. A close friendship existed and, in fact, still does although other clubs have been formed within a closer area since. In the 1970s the clubs were for men only although wives and girl friends were welcomed at dinners and dances. They even arranged a coach trip to the Houses of Parliament to listen to a debate. As the years went by Solihull Speakers Club moved to Knowle, trying out several venues, eventually settling in the Downing Hall where they have been meeting for the past 20 years.
In 1986 it was agreed nationally that ladies should be invited to be club members and it soon became a great attraction for business women, teachers and any lady who wished to gain confidence in speaking. Nowadays the ladies share all the leading roles alongside the men, at all levels in the Association.