EIGHT inspiring speakers took to the stage in front of a sold-out crowd at Northwich Memorial Court last week as the first TEDxNorthwich was hosted in the town.

The independently organised event, licensed by TED, featured local voices and TED Talks videos under the theme of ‘be the best you can be’ and covered topics as varied as wellbeing, education, waterways, technology, pain and singing.

Pete Attwood, volunteer and training co-ordinator from Groundwork Cheshire Lancashire and Merseyside opened the event with his talk Do we flush and forget? as he made the audience think about our responsibilities to the rivers of Northwich. Paula Cohen, former international athlete and business coach at Taylory was next and delivered ‘Eyeballs out and wobbly cheeks’ as she shared valuable life-lessons from her time as a sprinter.

Northwich Guardian:

Liverpool hotelier and property developer Lawrence Kenwright discussed entrepreneurial socialism and how businesses can help the homeless and was followed by child and adolescent psychotherapist and CEO of Mini-Me Yoga, Ashley Costello, who made a compelling case for why she feels education is broken.

The second half saw talks from Karen Rogers, health and wellness coach and founder of Fit for Life Mums as she shared ‘the three keys in her pocket’ and Neville Roberts, the chief executive of Manchester-based Planixs, tackled the ever-pressing question ‘Technology, who’s controlling who?’.

Northwich Guardian:

The event’s two final speakers were chiropractor and medical acupuncturist Julia Gover who debunked some of the most common myths around pain and Heather Baker, the founder of Heather Baker Singing Studios, who explained why we should all sing and spread the joy, regardless of how good we are.

The event was brought to a close by TEDxNorthwich’s Poet in Residence Kate Jenkinson, who delivered a very special piece of impromptu performance poetry to celebrate TEDx’s ethos of ideas worth sharing and to commemorate the evening.

Catherine Sandland, co-organiser of TEDxNorthwich and host on the night said: “Within a week of tickets going on sale we were sold out and we had quite a waiting list in operation too, so we know that bringing TEDx to Northwich really struck a chord with local people. We definitely delivered on our vision of sparking debate and sharing big ideas and Friday’s event was one of high-energy and enquiring minds. We are very hopeful this will be the first of many TEDxNorthwich events.”

Northwich Guardian:

Launched in 2009, TEDx is a programme of locally organised events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. Some of the best talks from TEDx events have gone on to be featured on TED.com and garner millions of views from audiences across the globe.

It is hoped that videos of all eight speakers at TEDxNorthwich will be approved for upload to the TEDx website over the coming two months.

READ>Tears for Fears roll back the years at Delamere Forest

Sam Newey, co-organiser of TEDxNorthwich, added: “We selected each of our speakers based on the knowledge and passion they have in their respective fields and because of their infectious delivery and ability to engage with the audience. They did that in spades on Friday and we cannot thank them enough for the commitment they have shown in helping us to make the first TEDxNorthwich such a resounding success.”