The Story Wagon is a touring arts space providing free creative writing, story-telling and reading facilities and activities to communities across Scotland.
The founder of Story Wagon, Luke Winter, is a writer that makes stories happen. Luke said: “I moved to London in 2013 to do freelance work and that is where I began busking with my typewriter. I started to write stories for people in the streets to make them smile.
“On my return to Scotland in early 2020, I noticed that the high street was unfortunately not as popular as it used to be so I decided to look for funding to create a ‘space’ that could pop-up in town squares and outside community centres to enable me to talk to people and let them write and share stories.
“I got in touch with Jason at the SMSA to chat about how Scottish Men’s Sheds and Shedders could become involved with the Story Wagon project but unfortunately, the pandemic put those plans on hold.
“Making the wagon through lockdown was a brilliant experience. The wagon is the end result of so many talented and generous people. We had many craftsmen and volunteers involved in the build and utilised various types of wood including Ash to make the front doors, Douglas fir to form the back gable along with pitch pine. We also recycled and repurposed materials where possible to give them a new lease of life.
“In August 2021, we had our first-ever outing in the wagon in Skye and it has grown from there. We have been popping up all across Scotland and our travels have taken us to Castle Douglas, Edinburgh and Paisley to name but a few.
“The Story Wagon is now a sanctuary for everyone to get creative and express their stories. It is a welcoming pop-up writing den that provides desk space, cups of tea, typewriters, voice recorders, books and good old-fashioned paper and pen.
“It hosts a programme of writing, reading-out-loud and storytelling activities. Its large veranda can be unfurled to provide sheltered outdoor arts activities.
“We are excited that as part of Visit Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022—a national programme of more than 60 in-person, virtual
and hybrid events—the wagon will be hitting the road to tour and are reaching out to Sheds to see if there is interest in them becoming involved in this journey.
“Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will celebrate stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. We all have a story to tell and the wagon is here to help everyone share them with others.
“Touring will take place from the end of March until the end of October and I would love to hear if Sheds would like the wagon to ‘pop-up’ near them to see their members. Shedders are also very welcome to join in on the Scotland’s Year of Stories events where the wagon will be featured.”
For more information on the Story Wagon and to see photos and videos from the wagon build project, please visit the website at www.storywagon.co.uk and follow its journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Is your Shed interested in becoming involved in The Story Wagon Scotland tour?
Contact Luke Winter at luke@storywagon.co.uk