An independent publisher based in Clapham is aiming to offer a safe and open space for ‘conversations no one else is having’ this month in south London.
Claret Press will host four open conversations, starting this Friday at Etna Community Centre in Twickenham, where topics that usually remain concealed are thoughtfully drawn to public notice.
‘Conversations no one else is having’ will have a diverse lineup of authors, activists, politicians and public figures in the upcoming discussions, according to the public relations director, Sadie Mordan, 20.
Mordan said: “We have a great network of authors that also double as researchers, politicians, and professors.
“We reached out to them and said, ‘hey, we want to host these conversations that no one else is necessarily having’, and they were all very interested and that led to the line-up.”
Mordan explained each event is an hour and 45 minutes, with only 20 minutes of that time devoted to a speaker, followed by an hour of dynamic conversation.
According to Claret Press, the initiative seeks to foster a sense of community among participants, while promoting the idea of ‘changing mind’ and recognising diverse perspectives.
Tessa Glover, 23, promoter and social media marketer for Claret Press, added: “People have some quite strong opinions, and we find it hard to reconcile those and reach an agreement.
“You don’t necessarily have to change your mind, but if people would hear someone out with a different opinion, that would be a great success in my head.”
On 6 and 10 November, their event: ‘Navigating Digital Storms: Parenting in the Online Age’, will invite the public to engage with Douglas Kruger, author of bestsellers including ‘Hall of Fame’ and ‘Poverty Proof’.
The first event will take place at Etna Community Centre in Twickenham and the second event will be held at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham.
On Thursday, 20 November, at Etna Community Centre, in Twickenham, Pen Farthing will share insights from his work rescuing animals and people from war zones.
Closing the month, Katie Isbester, founder of Claret Press, will partner with Greenpeace on 28 November to explore how literature can deepen our understanding of the climate crisis, again at Etna Community Centre in Twickenham.
Sadie explained those conversations both reflect and draw inspiration from Isbester, whose approach she described is ‘values-oriented’.
The publication aims to continue the initiative during the spring of 2026, bringing to people attention topics such as ‘Dying, grief and life’ and ‘Toxic masculinity and shame’.
“We’re crossing our fingers and doing our best and hopefully there is a genuine interest in these conversations because as long as people keep coming, we will keep creating these spaces for them to come to,” said Sadie.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, with Claret Press providing tickets at the door for walk-in attendees.
For more information visit https://entertainingideas.wixsite.com/conversations
Featured image credit: Tom Hermans, Unsplash
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