Ellee Seymour

MP Richard Spring has described the publication of blacked-out expenses as a “mockery”.

He was shocked to find that his expenses were censored this way, even though he made no requests to have any items removed from publication.

The Suffolk MP has told his local paper, the East Anglian Daily Times, that it came as “a massive surprise” to see details of his expenses list smothered in black ink.

He said; “I felt it was not in the spirit of transparency to have any items covered up…. Frankly it never occurred to me that this would be the case. I am sure there are many other MPs just as amazed as me.

“It is an incredible own-goal and makes a mockery of the whole process of our relationship with the public, who must be absolutely aghast.”

He accused the House of Commons authorities of “humiliating” him by publishing the heavily-edited accounts, which would have shown he claimed £4,000 a year in food.

To view an uncensored version of Richard’s expenses, his website guides you to where they are published online.

Now that’s what I call transparency…

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I was at the 10th anniversary dinner of Cambridge Speakers’ Club a few days ago and asked our area governor Graham Frost whether the recession had seen a decline of membership.

I wondered if Toastmaster clubs were closing due to lack of support. On the contrary, he told me, the recession was making them more popular.

He told me that Toastmasters International, the world’s largest not-for-profit educational organization, has had a net gain of clubs in the U.K. and Ireland in 2008/9. Toastmasters clubs exist to help their members develop their communication and leadership skills in a mutually supportive environment. There are over 200 clubs in the U.K. and Ireland, and the growth rate has exceeded expectations for the year.

“In these uncertain times, people are recognizing that they need to be able to compete for the jobs and contracts that are available. Toastmasters International helps people to develop their public speaking skills, and this helps with self-confidence and self esteem. When you walk off stage after speaking to 50 or 60 people, you are on a high, and people are beginning to realize that you can harness that feeling to develop your feelings about yourself. This can help with the achievement of your goals,” said Graham. 

Public speaking is the biggest fear that people have – they fear it more than death, according to Graham – and I can certainly vouch for its support in helping me overcome my fear. It is a great source of inspiration to be reminded by our confident and fluent members that they have also overcome this great obstacle. When I see them speak, it is impossible to believe that one day they stuttered and stammered too.

This obviously is a great skill for people seeking new jobs, as well as learning how to improve body language too. Membership fees are extremely reasonable, so do not hesitate. In fact, we are lucky in Cambridge because, due to demand, we have two clubs; a second club called Cambridge City Communictors was set up by Mike Snoswell and Michelle Fleming to meet demand.

For further information about Toastmasters in the Eastern Region, contact contact Graham Frost on 01733 311288, 07766 916317 or at tmgrahamf@hotmail.com

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