Jubilant Stories to be spread across Gloucestershire

As part of a week-long series of free events, starting on Saturday 22 September, local storytellers will be visiting communities across Gloucestershire to officially launch Barnwood Trust's Jubilant Stories project.

During the week storytellers will be sharing Jubilant Stories in a variety of different locations across the county including Cheltenham, Stroud and the Forest of Dean. At each event the audience will be encouraged to share stories from their community with the assistance of the storyteller.

The aim of the Jubilant Stories project is to unearth stories of how people have come together to make life better and in hearing and sharing these stories Barnwood Trust's hope is that the community decides to take action to include those currently isolated.

Valerie Dean, who has been a Storyteller for over six years and will be at a number of the events, said:

'In my experience stories can be extremely powerful for both individuals and for communities. Whether the stories shared are traditional tales or stories based on personal experience, they hold universal truths that can touch people's hearts and may even change lives. They changed my life. These events will show how by simply sharing and talking about our own and other people's stories we can inspire one another and celebrate all that we bring to the lives of our communities.'

The process of storytelling is significant in getting people to connect with each other and understand shared experiences and as part of the Jubilant Stories project Barnwood Trust is seeking to find and share these stories to inspire people to make change in their own communities to make life better for everyone.

Richard Holmes from Barnwood Trust said:

'We think stories are fundamental to building inclusive communities. When people share how they have come together with friends and neighbours do to something they are passionate about, we learn to appreciate the skills and talents that exist on our doorstep. We're simply encouraging people to hold local conversations and share stories that have inspired them about where they live.'

The events will be held in the following places:

Saturday 22 September

1 – 3pm

I Vitae, The Chipping, Kingswood

Sunday 23 September

1.30 - 4pm

Cheltenham Connect Village Show, 252 Bath Road Market

Monday 24 September

8 – 11pm

91 The Prom Dinner Evening, Cheltenham

Tuesday 25 September

10am – 12pm

Newent Fairshares Coffee Morning, 36 Broad Street, Newent

Wednesday 26 September

2 – 4pm

Wye Valley AONB, Bracelands Campsite

Thursday 27 September

10.30am – 12pm

Salvation Army Lunch Club, Stroud Corps, Acre Street

Friday 28 September

10am – 12pm

St Aidan's Church, Cheltenham

Thursday 4 October

11am 1pm

The Old Tea House (soon to be Kelly's), 6 Hailes Street, Winchcombe

To find out more about Jubilant Stories log on to www.jubilantstories.org or contact Richard Holmes on 01452 634018 or email richard.holmes@barnwoodtrust.org.