Story by Alice Kirby
Photos by Peter Applerock and Osama Magdher Montfort
On the 21st of May, Christ Church Pitsmoor hosted its second TEDx evening where Pitsmoorians were given a platform to speak and share ideas.
Hundreds travelled from across the city (and even further afield) to be part of the audience and people across the world will be able to watch the talks online in the next few weeks. The evening was a great success and every seat was taken.
TEDx events are organised by local people and thousands run across the world every year. They showcase speakers from local communities in a bid to spark conversation and bring people together.
Matt Voice, an audience member from Crookes, said “It was a great night of music and personal stories – sometimes funny, always touching. I think everyone felt like a local by the end.”
Twelve people spoke on a range of subjects throughout the evening. Jackie Jones explored Sheffield dialect whilst David Kandrac spoke about Roma culture. Ingrid Hanson talked on Victorian attitudes towards bereavement; Martin Currie, who founded the event, said it was the “performance of the evening” and would be of enormous use and comfort to others.
Outstanding speeches were also given by Panni Loh, Patrick Meleady, Diane Hancock, Lee Furniss, Patrick Amber, Amy Palmer, Ange Drozdowski, Kathryn Littlewood and Martin Currie.
Five musical acts performed throughout the night; The Pitsmoor Ladies Ukulele Chorale serenaded the audience and Clare Turner played African instruments whilst people were arriving.
Huw Thomas, who compered the event, said; “Some years ago, when development of the community was beginning to take off, there was an idea around Pitsmoor. Folks imagined a time when you’d say to someone “I live in Burngreave” and they’d respond, “Oh that’s nice. I wish I lived there.” And tonight, many people went away saying just that! One guest said, “I feel privileged to be part of this community, if only for an evening!”
Months of preparation and planning went into the evening and rehearsals started in February. Many people had no previous experience of public speaking and were offered training and advice by Lee Furniss.
Clare Burnell, the main organiser, told us that the speakers from last year said the experience made them feel more confident and helped some get jobs. Martin Currie, who founded and helped to organise the event, said “We have an extraordinary community. I don’t think we could do what we do anywhere else. See you next year!"