Jan

Jan Collings, DTM

Voice of Wales Founder

‘Forget your limitations think only of your possibilities’

At our committee meeting on October 19th 2008 we unearthed a letter that Jan had written as the foreward to the newsletter which is yet to be published. It was written in July just before she passed away and we felt it was very apt to publish it for all VOW members to read, so here it is...

Dear Toastmasters,

Our first year has ended, and ended in style! Thank you all for your enthusiasm and immense support since the Voice of Wales was launched in May of last year.

I have so appreciated the distances travelled to Usk, the courage needed to step out of comfort zones, the last-minute stepping into vacant roles, and the solid support given outside of club meetings.

As a club we can be justly proud of our achievement - winning the SELECT DISTINGUISHED CLUB award - in only our first year.

I hope you have enjoyed your VOW experience to date. Together we have pioneered the first Toastmasters club in Wales - a new and very differrent way to spend a couple of evenings a month. I hope you'll continue to get stuck into the next year now and chase those individual aims. We have so much talent in the club, both from a communication and leadership perspective, and I now look forward to taking a back seat and watching that individual talent rise to greater heights.

Many congratulations to our new President Linda Imm - also 'Toastmaster of the Year' for 2007-8. She has been a terrific support to the club, particularly behind the scenes, and I wish her and her bright new committee a wonderful year ahead.

Thank you again and very best wishes to all.

Jan

Memories and Thoughts from our Members

Dear Jan,
It is so hard to imagine our Voice of Wales meetings without you. For me you’ll still be there with your wonderful welcome, encouragement and support, keeping us up to your high standards and expectations.
It was such a privilege to know and work with you and to have your guidance. We have such a wonderful role model to follow. I for one will do my utmost to go on to ‘stand and deliver’ to a higher and higher standard for you.
With love and thanks

Tessa x

Jan had an amazing way of making you feel like you were the only one she cared about. She was so interested in you as a person and how she could help with lots of support and advise and encouragement. I was so pleased by the turnout at the Clothes Swap evening, everyone who had their own story of friendship and love. I really miss her.

Rachel K

Jan cared about everyone and always had time for people. She was especially nice to me and even though I really miss her I'm so glad that she was here for Voice of Wales' first birthday.

Daisy K

A few words about Jan Collings, our inspiration

As delivered at Voice of Wales Meeting 22nd October 2009 by Robin Chawner DTM

Coming to the club that Jan Collings founded is a special honour – to a special person.

When I visualise Jan’s face – as I do regularly – I think of a kindness, companionship and charisma; hope, happiness and huile.

I know that many of you feel your place here in VOW is, in large measure, down to Jan. And the progress you’ve been making, will have been drawing huge plaudits from Jan, the evaluator, mentor and friend - looking on with pride.

I had the great pleasure - over ten years - to know Jan at Northavon, at Solent, Voice of Wales and at other Toastmasters Contests and meetings.

‘Forget your limitations, think only of your possibilities’ – a motto to inspire generations to come.

I’d just add: Share your smile, it is gift from your soul’.

Whenever, I think of Jan, her smile transfixes me.

So, keep smiling, keep growing and keep the Toastmasters faith!

VOICE of WALES

The First Toastmasters International Club in Wales