We all know that it can be difficult to turn a potentially divisive or polarising encounter around English identity into a respectful conversation. A Very English Chat suggests a new way forward to explore how we can best explore other people’s differences and what we share in common in a rational, maybe even fun, way. And, if you are a subscriber to the Harrogate and Knaresborough mailing list of the More in Common Network, you can sign up to an online workshop on 17 February at 4pm. Contact andy.green@growsocialcapital.org.uk for details.
A Very English Chat forms part of a national campaign supported by the Jo Cox Foundation’s More in Common Network, Absurd Intelligence, Steps to Togetherness, Community Organisers, author/singer Billy Bragg, and author/environmental campaigner Caroline Lucas, and delivered by social enterprise Grow Social Capital CIC. The campaign runs until 23 April, St George’s Day.
The workshops aim to provide a way forward, allowing everyone to contribute to co-creating a new national narrative celebrating values of inclusivity, fairness, and respect for law and democracy. It will be a safe, generous space where participants can share civilised conversations around English identity, and enable anyone to break out of the bubbles that can tend to define their worldview.
The story of England 2026 in 50 objects
Participants are asked to share the five objects that define England, Englishness, and being English to them. These objects could be a favourite book, event, film, food, music, people, place or story. Objects can range from the profound to the playful. They could be everyday objects, no matter how banal or routine. For instance, one suggested object was ‘windbreaks’ those colourful shelters that are such a defining feature of our beaches in the summertime. There must be many objects like this that knit us together and create a shared sense of belonging and togetherness. They are the objects that embody what it is that is worth protecting, the things that we have in common around our sense of national identity.
In case that sounds daunting, there is a Conversation Starter tool to make the task easier. It’s a guide to a cross-section of other people’s responses, supported by our guest storytelling facilitator. The idea is to go beyond simply bringing people together, but to knit them together into a greater appreciation, empathy, and respect for their shared identities.
A very English chat events are being held across the country. The More In Common Network will be collecting the ideas shared across the country and co-curating them into a virtual ‘pocket museum’ which will tell The story of England 2026 in 50 objects. Related materials that will help continue the discussion and other merchandise will be available via the website www.averyEnglishchat.org.uk which is due to be launched on 23 February.
Harrogate and Knaresborough voices can contribute to the A very English chat online event and come away with a practical way to turn difficult conversations around English identity into constructive ones, and greater confidence in talking about English identity with respect and curiosity. They will also gain a feeling of shared purpose and togetherness – proof that a chat really can be better than a shout, discovering what we share, even when we differ and a greater sense of connection with others in the More in Common Network. Contact Grow Social Capital for more information and to find other local events.
Adapted from a press release
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