Theme: Changing the Rules

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

The Pound arts centre
Pound Pill
Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9HX
United Kingdom

Dave Jarman

Teaching Fellow in Entrepreneurship and freelancer

Dave Jarman is a Teaching Fellow in Entrepreneurship at the University of Bristol, a former University Head of Careers at Bath Spa University, a Town Councillor in Corsham, a freelancer, a husband, and a dad. Fascinated by creativity, new ideas, and how to make those ideas happen, Dave has been exploring how side projects can be a vehicle for us all to change our own rules about who we are and who we might become.

Helen Belcher

Company boss and campaigner

Helen Belcher is known locally as Chippenham's Liberal Democrat candidate in the 2017 General Election and has campaigned for many years on trans issues and press regulation. Helen has given evidence to parliamentary Inquiries, including the Leveson Inquiry. She is a founder of Trans Media Watch, and is the Chair of the LGBT Consortium. She was recognised as one of the UK's most influential LGBT people for three years running by the Independent on Sunday. Helen started a computer software company 14 years ago which continues to thrive. She has to adult children and is happily married.

Kate Cross

Director of the egg and Chair of TYA UK

Kate Cross is Director of the egg at Theatre Royal Bath. Starting in 1998 as Head of Education she worked alongside Theatre Royal staff and Board to create and build the egg, which opened in 2005. The egg is now a thriving centre for children’s theatre and creative learning, with close ties to Bath Spa University with whom it co-delivers an MA in Theatre for Young Audiences. Prior to Bath she worked for Salisbury Playhouse, Colway Theatre Trust and Beaford Arts, amongst others. She is the current Chair of TYA UK, the national centre for the international network of Theatre for Young Audiences, ASSITEJ.

Lo Barnes

Singer/ Songwriter

Lo Barnes has worked for recording studios and labels, and has been a backing localist for artists including alt-J, The Heavy, MONEY and Roots Manuva, and now at 27 is performing and recording under her own name. Produced by Toby McLaren, and the EP 'Half Told' was recorded between tours using lo-fi analogue gear set up in Toby's home studio.

Rachel Neaman

CEO of Corsham Institute

Rachel Neaman is CEO of Corsham Institute (Ci), a not-for-profit organisation working for a fair, inclusive, prosperous and creative society based on trust and security. Rachel was previously at Doteveryone, go ON UK, the Department of Health, and Digital Leaders. She is now a non-executive member of the Advisory Board as well as a non-executive member of the DigitalHealth, London and the UKCloud Health Advisory Boards. Rachel was awarded the Digital Leader' 100 Founder's Award in 2017 and featured in Computer Weekly's list of 50 Most Influential Women in IT in 2016 and 2017.

Toby Thompson

Performance Poetry

Toby Thompson first performed at the age of 16 to a select audience including Kate Tempest and Cicely Berry and later at the Roundhouse and the House of Lords, filmed and published by RSC. Toby has appeared at most major UK festivals and on the spoken word circuit. Toby has created work for the RSC, the Royal & Derngate Theatre, children's charity 5x5x5 equals creativity, and currently for the egg (Theatre Royal Bath) writing for young audiences. Toby has a planned tour in 2018 and is currently filming his poem 'People fall in Love' celebrating renowned educationalist and creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson.