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We were warned that Algebra was going to be really difficult, whereas Einstein was told that it was a hunt for a creature known as ‘ X ‘ and that when you caught it, it had to tell you its name.

Keith Johnstone (storyteller)

Once Upon a Story-Trail

Once Upon a Story-Trail was a series of accessible story-routes across seven locations in Wakefield District. It explored memories, history and folktales through guided walks, which took place during the Heritage Open Days 2025.

You can still enjoy the story-walks today.

• Pick up a copy of the printed map at the library in the location you’ve decided to explore.
• Or access the maps on this website.
• Then enjoy the story-routes which have been designed so that people using mobility scooters can also join in.
• Finally, at each numbered spot come back to this website and watch the video to discover the story!

Click here for the maps and videos!

About Story Trails

Story Trails is dedicated to creating fun, energising and engaging stories across multiple platforms.

I work with people of all ages and backgrounds, creating and nurturing stories that free imagination and creativity, and help us to grow.

Story Trails specialises in combining narrative curiosity with game philosophy to build interactive and engaging projects, such as:

• Storytelling performances;
• Oral history projects;
• Audio and/or story-based installations;
• Transmedia stories;
• Alternative Games;
• Podcasts.

Stories are powerful.  They capture our curiosity and, coupled with game philosophy, we can create opportunities for meaningful engagement provoking real change.

The desire to play is fundamentally the desire to be.

Sartre (philosopher)

Hope Travels

(an example short-run audio series)

Listen to Hope’s adventures as she explores our world and never gives up, even though sometimes she feels far too small.

Hope Travels is a short audio-drama series by Story Trails for all ages.  Hope is a Boggle, a tiny creature from the Enchanted Place and she’s travelled all the way to the human world. In its first two-weeks, Hope Travels was downloaded 3,245 times across thirty-seven countries.

A little hope can go a long way!

Listen to episodes now:

Hope Travels was part of WordFest and Festival of the Earth, led by Wakefield Council, until 31 October 2021 across the Wakefield district.

Live Shows

Hope Returns was a live storytelling show for children and their grown-ups, touring Wakefield libraries and the WX over October half-term 2021. The show toured eleven venues over six-days and entertained over 200-hundred children with the message of the power of stories, and our ability to tackle anything – even the caring for our environment.

Hope Returns was part of WordFest and Festival of the Earth, led by Wakefield Council, until 31 October 2021 across the Wakefield district.

Storytelling is an indispensable human preoccupation, as important to us all – almost – as breathing.

Into the Woods: John Yorke (drama expert)

Listen to the latest episode of Diary of a Space Archivist now:

I began Diary of a Space Archivist in 2018 just for fun. I didn’t expect anyone to listen to it. But they did. In fact, quite a lot of people all across the world listen to this little show now. Making it has been one of the best things I ever did because I have so many incredible people through it. And, the truth is, if I can make a show that gains a following, then so can you. Podcasting is great, and the indie podcasting community is a wonderful place to be!

If you want to give my show a listen, then you can do so here…