Who is the Story Traveller?

Who is the Story Traveller?

I am Bill Church, a Story Teller and a great believer in the oral tradition. I love stories in all their many fascinating forms. I love finding new ones, learning them and telling them. I also write stories and I hope to have a story called “Don’t Look at me Like That!” published in the near future.

I have told stories for a wide range of audiences from the very young to audiences of the Third Age. I have told stories on behalf of organisations like the National Literacy Trust, WWT, RSPB and W.I.s. and ages vary from 3 to 103!

I am currently Story Teller in residence at the Farm for City Children’s Wick Court in Gloucestershire (This is a wonderful farm set up by Clare and Michael Morpurgo where children from urban areas in the UK spend a memorable week helping on the farm). I tell stories every week in a wonderful Round House on a purpose built chair by a fire. A lovely atmospheric setting!

I am a former teacher (rumour has it I started when the Romans landed in Britain) and Gloucestershire Head Teacher where I led two schools; Cashes’ Green and Dursley C. of E. for 21 years. During this career I was able to work with colleagues in other schools developing children’s writing and running workshops for staff. I was also a Consultant Headteacher. While at Dursley I was fortunate enough to work with teachers on the South Atlantic Island of St. Helena for 3 months developing literacy themes; while there I told stories in schools and on the island’s radio.

Whenever I can I will cycle to my Gigs on one of my trusty mounts (usually “Shadowfax”) with the panniers full of props!

When not working I can be found volunteering at Wick Court (Farm for City Children) taking young people bird watching (which is great fun). You might also find me cycling or playing and watching sport (if watching my beloved Luton Town can be called sport!) or carrying a telescope watching birds in and around the River Severn.

 

2 thoughts on “Who is the Story Traveller?

  1. Dear Bill,
    Hope you have had a fantastic first year of freedom!! Would love to have you in for our book week – w/b 24th Sept. Please could you let me know if you would be able to do something and how much you would charge etc. We can be flexible with times and days. Would be great if you could do something with all the age ranges.
    Look forward to hearing from you
    Best wishes
    Lisa Hinkley
    Headteacher Whitminster Endowed C of E Primary
    P.S. our e-mails are down so telephone number if you need it:
    01452 740406

  2. Hello Bill
    Trying again to contact you. Would you be interested in coming to Hopelands School to do some story telling?
    Could you get in touch if you would. Look forward to hearing from you

    Best wishes

    Pauline

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