Storytelling scheme
HALTON Borough Council Libraries and literary organisation, Read Now Write Now, have secured Arts Council England cash, to run a series of free workshops for adults at two libraries, starting in September.
The ‘Hear I Am’ project is an eight-week adult storytelling course for beginners taking place at Widnes and Halton Lea Libraries.
The one and half hour weekly sessions will take place during the daytime and will focus on such areas as inspiration, writing, technique, style and how to perform a story in front of an audience.
The course has previously taken place with Warrington and Cheshire West & Chester libraries.
Following the workshops there will be a storytelling performance by participants at the Studio, Brindley Theatre on the evening of Friday, November 15.
An ongoing blog will be produced so people will be able to read about how the workshops are progressing and find out more information about the storytelling event.
The course is designed for adult beginners of any age and ability, although the organisers are particularly keen to work with older people and those who are isolated.
Places are available on a first come, first served basis and limited to 10 per venue.
In 2018 Read Now Write Now delivered the ‘Write Time, Write Place’ creative writing workshops with Halton Libraries to much acclaim.
‘Hear I Am’ will be run by author and storyteller Charles Lea, principal of literacy project company Read Now Write Now.
Mr Lea said: “We aim to help people learn the skills to think and write a short story and then how to ‘storytell’ it to an audience of friends and family.
“We feel that people taking part will achieve a wonderful feeling of pride and fulfilment in taking part in the project.
“Feedback from our last project in Halton was absolutely positive with almost 85% of people participating in the course stating that it was either excellent or very good.
“People have also commented on how well our courses have boosted their health and wellbeing and confidence.
“I loved working with everyone on our Write Time, Write Place project in Runcorn and Widnes and cannot wait to get started on the Hear I Am course.
“I know there are a lot of very creative people out there and I look forward to meeting them.”
Hear I Am: Writing and Storytelling workshops for adults:
Dates: September to November 2019
Course Length: Eight weeks
Places: 10 max per workshop Cost: Free Locations/dates: Halton Lea Library: Second Avenue, Runcorn WA7 2PF
From September 27 to November 15 10am to 11.30am for eight weeks.
Widnes Library: Victoria Square, Widnes, WA8 7QT
From September 27 to November 15 12.30pm to 2pm for eight weeks.
To book by email: Charles@readnowwritenow. org.uk
By telephone: Charles Lea