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“A sense of occasion, attention to detail and just a touch of theatre”
“A sense of occasion, attention to detail and just a touch of theatre”

Testimonials

    • We would like to say thank you for being part of our special day.  Your ability to keep a cool head and keeping everything and everybody moving in an unhurried manner was amazing.  Allowing us to relax and enjoy our big day knowing that you had everything under control.

      Mr & Mrs George and Jo Mellery-Pratt
  • At last I can sit down and write my thank you letters for the wonderful Installation Day you helped to organize for us. I know full well just what an imposition we placed on you, the choir, the host of Julie’s friends and of course the small matter of the Service and Dinner itself. It is a large tribute to you personally that everything went like clockwork. It will live long in the memory and for this our collective thanks. You are a total star!

    Mr Ian White Master, WCO Innholders
  • I really felt I must write and thank you for all you did for all of us at the Candlemas service yesterday. I think we snatched a minor triumph from the jaws of defeat and a great deal of it is down to you. You must have been frozen waiting so long outside the church and your organization during the ad hoc service was masterly. Lunch seemed in turn to run itself which means you must have had everything completely under control.

    Mr Hugh Thornton Master Cook, WCO Cooks
  • John, you were spectacular last night! Thank you so much for doing it and lending such presence to the occasion. And they obeyed your authoritative voice! Thanks again, and see you at yours in a couple of weeks. I am so pleased mine is over!

    Roger Walkinton
  • A note to thank you for the huge amount of hard work and meticulous organization for last nights Subscription Dinner. That the evening was such a success was due in no small measure to all the hard work and detailed planning in conjunction with Paul. Thanks too for your wit and wisdom in planning the draw and acting as auctioneer. It will be fascinating to learn exactly how much the dinner produces for the Quincentennial Appeal.

    Mr Jeremy Pope OBE Past Master, WCO Innholders
  • I just wanted to write you a brief note to express a very big thank you to you for making the Trafalgar Night such a success yesterday. Your attention to detail and ability to coordinate the various groups, and me, showed that you have not lost your adept Royal Navy touch. From my point of view I really hope I have the privilege of working with you again.

    Mr Christopher J Childs Prime Warden, Blacksmith’s Company
  • John, thank you very much for being an excellent Toastmaster – clear, authoritative yet warm and friendly, you ran the whole evening perfectly keeping me in order and I hope that I was not too much of a “difficult” chairman. I thought the Toasts went particularly well, very slick. Now the banquet is over I am much more relaxed and feel that the events were as enjoyable. Next one in May or so!

    Ted Prior, Chairman City of London Livery Beadles 2017
  • Featured Event

    Gala Dinner at St. Paul’s Cathedral Read More
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Gala Dinner

Gala Dinner in aid of the restoration of the Wren Library.

“A Gala Dinner” in aid of the restoration of the Wren Library. HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, Patron of the Friends of St Paul’s. Celebrity Readings Olivia Cole – British poet. Edward Fox – Actor and member of the famous acting Fox family. Joely Richardson – British Actress Helen McCrory – Actress Narcissa Malfroy Harry Potter.

As Master of Ceremonies for this very special charitable event, with 200 people seated within in the Knave of the Cathedral. Responsible for co-ordinating the time-line for the whole evening. As well as introducing the individual celebrity readers in the presence of HRH the Duchess of Gloucester. A very special and memorable evening.

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Profile

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    John Cash MBE

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John Cash MBE

Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies Profile

A 30 year career in the Royal Navy from 1976 to 2006 concluded with a final appointment as Stewards Training Officer responsible for all professional Stewards’s training in the Royal Navy. This as well as serving on every type of Ship in the Navy and the Staffs of eight Admirals running residences both home and abroad gives John Cash a unique depth of experience in running any function to your benefit.

Having retired from the Navy and moved to the City of London to take up the position of Hall Manager and Beadle (ceremonial officer of the company) to the ancient livery company “The Worshipful Company of Innholders”. This has simply added to his already extensive knowledge and understanding of what is important to his clients to ensure that their day and function runs smoothly and efficiently from start to conclusion. John takes great pride in ensuring that every detail of any functions however, large or small is addressed ensuring the very best service is provided. John has officiated as Maître de, Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies at many high profile occasions including the “Trafalgar Night Dinner Celebrations” in the British Embassy Washington, Maitre de on the night of the 200th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar onboard HMS VICTORY in Portsmouth. As well as an array of high profile functions in the City of London at various Livery Halls, The Mansion House, The Guildhall, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Mandarin Hotel in the West End.

Your Toastmaster

John Cash is an experienced toastmaster who has successfully completed a wide range of engagements. Based in the City of London John has conducted functions all over the country as well as his experience of working abroad. His firm but friendly hand of control will allow you to relax in the knowledge that the smooth running of your event is in very capable hands. He will add a touch of formality and style to your special occasion, ensuring that nothing is left to chance. A mature man, he is very experienced people person and an excellent communicator. The immaculate uniform of red tailcoat, black trousers, white shirt and waistcoat are not merely to add colour to the occasion. The Toastmaster has over 40 years experience in function management and catering to guide your guests with a level of diplomacy that enables the host to relax and enjoy the event in the knowledge the organisation is in capable hands. John Cash will do his utmost to provide a welcoming, friendly and happy atmosphere among the guests. He will also liaise with caterers, photographers, speakers, entertainers and others to co-ordinate the timing and smooth running of the special function. The care and satisfaction of all persons at any special function or occasion is of the utmost importance in the service offered.

I am available for the following events:

Weddings Banquets/Balls Dinner Dances Civic Events Corporate Functions Award Ceremonies Presentations Charity Dinners Ladies Festivals

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    • Reason #1

      A pre wedding meeting will enable the Bride & Bridegroom to discuss with the Toastmaster every detail of their special occasion.

  • Reason #2

    The Toastmaster will liaise with and co-ordinate all other parties involved in the celebrations.

  • Reason #3

    The Bride & Bridegroom can relax in the knowledge that the smooth running of the day will be in experienced and capable hands.

  • Reason #4

    The Toastmaster will be ready to welcome the bridal party and guests at the venue having thoroughly checked to ensure everything is correct prior to their arrival.

  • Reason #5

    Assistance during the reception to the bridal party and guests, including help to the photographer and the safe receipt and storage of presents and cards.

  • Reason #6

    If a traditional lineup is required this will be fully co-ordinated and all guests courteously introduced to the wedding party.

  • Reason #7

    The Bride & Bridegroom will be introduced and welcomed to their wedding breakfast with great applause.

  • Reason #8

    Guidance provided for the cake cutting ceremony, speeches and presentations of ‘thank you’ gifts which will all be co-ordinated and clearly announced.

  • Reason #9

    Advice, guidance and support given on protocol in the preparation and delivery of speeches and all other matters involved in the celebrations.

  • Reason #10

    Above all, the Toastmaster will deliver a quality service to achieve a totally relaxed, friendly, happy, enjoyable and a memorable day for everyone.

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Dan & Michelle

Dan & Michelle’s Wedding

“Dear John, very many thanks for acting as our Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies for our big day. Knowing you so well and your vast experience in catering ensured that both Michelle and I could enjoy our special day. In the full knowledge that whatever happened throughout the day was not a worry to us at all, as you had full control of everything and everyone!

Ensuring the whole day ran smoothly on time and seamless and all our family and guests had a day to remember. As indeed we did, so a massive thanks to you for playing such a pivotal role in our day. Many of our family members and guests have commented on your good humour and what a delight it was to have such an obvious point of contact throughout the day (must be that red tail coat as well as your immense presence). So once more many, many thanks for all your did for us, our family and friends.”

Dan & Michelle

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Biography

  1. Early Years

    1950’s 1957 – Born in Oldham Lancashire – which is famous for producing cotton during the Industrial Revolution.
  2. Early Navy Years

    1970’s 1976 – Joined the Royal Navy at HMS RALEIGH aged 18. In the 1970’s some 200 want to be sailors joined the Royal Navy every week! In a Fleet that was far larger than today and much more manpower intensive. 1978 – Americas Tour first major deployment abroad for me, visiting North America East and West Coast, South America and Central America. It remains to this day the largest number of Royal Navy warships and submarines deployed to the West Coast of America since WWII. 1979 – Selected for the Admirals personnel Staff Flag officer Sea Training in Portland Dorset working at his residence. This was the first of eight Admirals I worked for looking after the many VVIP’s that visited from members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers and MP’s, Senior members of Foreign Armed Services and local dignitaries.
  3. Falklands War

    1980’s 1982 – Served throughout the Falklands War on HMS EXETER. EXETER served with distinction throughout the conflict and was the only Destroyer to start and finish the conflict sustaining no damage or casualties. 1987 – Operation Armilla Patrol Middle East on HMS ANDROMEDA and landed ashore to work in the British Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman.
  4. Chief Steward Royal Navy

    1990’s 1990-1992 – Chief Steward to Flag officer Naval Aviation RNAS Yeolviton Somerset. 1992-1996 – Chief Steward to Flag Officer Gibraltar. 1997 – Served on HMS BEAVER during the handover of Hong Kong to China, deployed in the Far East for eight months.
  5. Late Royal Navy Years

    2000’s 2000 – While serving on HMS OCEAN promoted to Warrant Officer 1 Steward one of the Senior Stewards in the Royal Navy. 2004-2006 – Senior Steward in charge of Steward Training at all levels and responsible to Fleet at HMS RALEIGH. 2005 – 200 year celebration of the Battle of Trafalgar taking charge of the VVIP Dinner onboard HMS Victory’s Lower Gun Deck as well as overseeing the Trafalgar Dinner that year in the British Embassy in Washington USA. 2006 – Left the Royal Navy after 30 years service and selected as Beadle and Hall Manager to the Worshipful Company of Innholders in the City of London. Responsible for managing the 17th Century Livery Hall and overseeing the Innholders catering operation. 2007 – New Years Honors list awarded the MBE for Services to the Royal Navy. Specifically for contributions to professional training of Stewards. 2007 – Appointed as the Beadle to the Worshipful Company of Cook’s of London. Looking after all the ceremonial and protocol for the Cook’s various functions held at Innholders’ Hall and various other Hall’s and banqueting venues in London.
  6. Beadle & Toastmaster Years

    2010’s 2010 – Elected as Ward Beadle to the Ward of Dowgate to Alderman Alison Gowman in the City of London. The Ward Beadle is the oldest elected position in Britain and the Beadle was responsible to the Alderman for keeping good order in the Ward (Parish). Today it is more a ceremonial role and Ward Beadles can often be seen gowned, carrying the ward mace at such occasions as The Lord Mayor’s Show and the United Guilds at St Paul’s. 2011 – Started my own business JC Toastmaster. 2012 – Made a Freeman of the City of London – traditionally a Freeman was allowed to ply trade within the walled City of London. Today it is simply ceremonial honor, however, as a Freeman you are allowed to drive your sheep over London Bridge. 2014 – Appointed as Beadle to the Worshipful Company of Distillers’. 2016 – Made an Honorary Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cook’s. While already a Freeman of the City I’m now honored to have become a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cook’s of London.

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