Mancunians are famous for having plenty to say so the organisers of a new ‘conversation space’ are hoping their latest venture will get tongues wagging.
Anotherway Now is a new series of events organised by a training and development company aimed at bringing together like-minded people to have a good chinwag about topical issues.
The first event takes place on September 17, with three speakers focusing on the expansive topic of ‘Brave Choices’.
Mireia Uranga Arakistain, a 2005 co-nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize; Andy Raymer, a retired headteacher and Jane Bytheway, a coach and speaker, will all be sharing ideas.
Described as a ‘conversation space’, Anotherway Now is aiming to push the creation of interesting and inspiring dialogue to the fore during their bi-monthly events.
The venture is the brainchild of Anotherway Associates, a training and development company whose ethos is one of encouraging ‘positive engagement and change’ in workforces.
Despite their business taking place in London and overseas, Anotherway Associates are keen to fly the flag for Manchester and especially to engage young people.
Speaking to Mancunian Matters, company co-director Phil Brisk said he had ‘an attachment’ to Manchester, and wanted others to hear the stories of the ‘interesting folk’ he knows.
Mr Brisk admitted Raymer was a hero of his, describing him as a ‘brave leader’ in education who wasn’t interested in ‘chasing grades’.
“I believe being brave often means doing something that’s going to put you at odds with conformity,” he added.
“It’s often an important moment in people’s lives.”
He hopes that a discussion will be created between audience members and speakers, with listeners being encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences.
For Mr Brisk, the project is a ‘labour of love’ and the choice to hold the event at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation was something he was keen to emphasise.
“Anthony Burgess was a great journalist and novelist,” Mr Brisk said. “He represents the spirit of free thinking that Manchester is very good at.”
The second event, to be held on November 19, will continue with the theme of ‘Brave Choices’, as Mr Brisk believes it’s ‘got legs’.
Award-winning journalist, Meirion Jones, who worked on the 2011 Newsnight investigation into Jimmy Savile, will be speaking.
Tickets to the first event are available here.
Image is courtesy of Google StreetView, with thanks.
