An Ordinary Story – How an Ordinary Story Became an Extraordinary Journey
November 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
What if one moment could change your life? An evening of stories and conversation and unexpected inspiration.
Join Matthew Norton, founder of the Memusi Foundation and author of An Ordinary Story, for an evening of storytelling, humour, honesty and reflection.
Matthew’s extraordinary journey began with an unexpected encounter in Africa and a decision that, at the time, didn’t seem particularly significant.
That decision would lead from Yorkshire to Kenya, to classrooms, lifelong friendships, and a movement that has touched thousands of lives.
But this isn’t simply a story about Kenya and isn’t a story about a charity.
It’s a story about all of us.
It’s about the extraordinary potential hidden within ordinary people. About the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. And about how a decision that seems insignificant today can change the course of your life – and perhaps someone else’s too.
Whether you’ve read An Ordinary Story or have never heard of it, come and hear what happened when one ordinary person decided to do something.
You might leave thinking differently about the opportunities, relationships and choices that shape your own life.
About Matthew
Matthew Norton is the founder of the Memusi Foundation (1133371) and author of An Ordinary Story: From a Pencil to a Movement.
For twenty years, Matthew has worked alongside communities in Kenya to improve access to education. What began with one unexpected encounter has grown into a journey involving schools, communities, friendships and thousands of people – while teaching Matthew that some of the biggest changes can begin with the smallest acts.
An Ordinary Story
An Ordinary Story: From a Pencil to a Movement tells the story of Matthew’s journey in Kenya and the unexpected path that led him to become an accidental charity founder.
Published in December 2025, the book is also available as a podcast series, with the story serialised across all major streaming platforms.
See the Story in Real Life
Talks will run from November 2026 to September 2027. Every ticket will be entered into a draw, where one lucky person will be given the opportunity to join Matthew in Kenya for a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the people and projects in person.