About us
π¦βπ₯ Welcome to Off The Record β an intellectual salon in Norwich
|| Do you ever wish there was a space to talk about the big issues β politics, society, culture, || current events β openly and respectfully, without fear of being judged or shut down?
"Off The Record" is a friendly, non-partisan group where people can come together to explore different ideas, share perspectives, and connect over meaningful conversations.
π Join us on various platforms π
We host regular meetups featuring:
- Guest speakers on politics, activism, and current affairs
- Open discussions on social and cultural topics
- Opportunities to meet like-minded people and build local community
Whether youβre passionate about a cause, curious about other viewpoints, or simply looking to have thoughtful conversations with interesting people, youβre welcome here.
Our values:
- Freedom of speech
- Respectful dialogue (this can be harder than it seems when faced with an opinion that is different to one's own)
- Curiosity
- Open-mindedness
- Equality & Inclusivity β everyone has a voice and a place at the table regardless of their views, opinions, or background.
It's ok to:
- Disagree β and agree to disagree β as long as itβs done respectfully
- Ask difficult or "unpopular" questions
- Question and challenge opinions
You do not:
- Need to be an expert on any of the topics.
- Have to engage, you can simply come to listen
What is "required":
- Being curious & open-minded
- Being open to a variety of thoughts and opinions
- Emotions are allowed, but remember that you are responsible for your actions and behaviour.
Join OTR if this resonates with you π¦βπ₯
Upcoming events
2
OTR: Democracy & Education with Prof Davide Rizza
City Hall Norwich, City Hall, St Street, Norwich ,, Norwich, GBπ§π»βπ« DEMOCRACY & EDUCATION β A CONVERSATION WITH UEA ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR β DR DAVIDE RIZZA
ποΈWhat role does education really play in a democracy? How are we responsible for the things around us through action, or lack thereof?
In this discussion-led session, Davide Rizza, UEA Associate Professor of Philosophy, explores the relationship between education, democracy, public life, and the way societies learn to think. Drawing primarily on John Deweyβs influential work Democracy and Education, the conversation will examine how education shapes not only knowledge, but also our ability to participate meaningfully in civic life, communicate across differences, and resist manipulation and propaganda.
Moving beyond narrow ideas of schooling as simple information transfer, this session asks broader questions about curiosity, inquiry, critical thinking, and what it means to develop an engaged and reflective public. Along the way, the discussion may also touch on related works and thinkers β including Deschooling Society β exploring how modern institutions influence the way we learn, think, and relate to one another.
Rather than a formal lecture, the evening is intended as an open intellectual conversation: a space for reflection, questions, differing perspectives, and thoughtful discussion about the challenges facing education, democracy, and public discourse today.
***
ποΈ 28 May 2026
π 18:00 start
πTBC (Please keep an eye out for more details!)***
πΏ ABOUT OFF THE RECORDOff The Record (OTR) is an independent discussion community for people who value honest conversation, critical thinking, and intellectual depth. OTR salon sessions are designed as open, respectful spaces to learn new things, explore complex topics beyond slogans, soundbites, or performative debate β with curiosity, nuance, and good faith at the centre.
You can find like-minded people or agree to disagree. Your participation can range from active engagement to quiet listening.
π¦βπ₯Join our OTR Community
βοΈ Buy Me A Coffee (to support our work and keep these sessions free)***
If you've any questions about the event, do get in touch with meEmail: idaliakulik@hotmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: 07504000953Clandestinely Yours,
Idalia Kulik8 attendees
OTR: A Conversation with Nick Taylor (Reform UK)
City Hall Norwich, City Hall, St Street, Norwich ,, Norwich, GBπ© A CONVERSATION WITH NORFOLK COUNTY REFORM UK CLLR NICK TAYLOR
THIS would not be OTRβs first political discussion, however it will undoubtedly be one of the most interesting ones, given the many emotion-stirring controversies surrounding one of UKβs most debated political parties β Reform UK.
As usual, you are invited to attend the evening for a direct, engaging conversation with Norwichβs new (and first) Reform Councillor, Nick Taylor.
βοΈIn order to keep the discussion balanced, we will try to ensure that a variety of political views are represented in order to avoid a disproportionate representation of those, allowing for a more diverse and vibrant conversation. πIn order for that to happen, please indicate your political leanings/views/stance e.g. Reform, Labour, LibDem, None etc in order for us to try to ensure a thoughtful and balanced discussion.
As usual, all kinds of questions, thoughts and opinions are encouraged as this is how we keep the freedom of speech (along with its derivatives β such as critical thinking β alive) but do remember that you are responsible for your own emotions, and that we expect civil and respectful behaviour regardless of your views.
***
ποΈ 17 June 2026
π 18:00 start
πTBC***
πΏ ABOUT OFF THE RECORDOff The Record (OTR) is an independent discussion community for people who value honest conversation, critical thinking, and intellectual depth. OTR salon sessions are designed as open, respectful spaces to learn new things, explore complex topics beyond slogans, soundbites, or performative debate β with curiosity, nuance, and good faith at the centre.
You can find like-minded people or agree to disagree. Your participation can range from active engagement to quiet listening.
***
π¦βπ₯Join our OTR Community
βοΈ Buy Me A Coffee (to support our work and keep these sessions free)***
If you've any questions about the event, do get in touch with meEmail: idaliakulik@hotmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: 07504000953Clandestinely Yours,
Idalia Kulik16 attendees
Past events
9
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