This is a fun, story-generating workshop with Somerset children’s author Emma Bettridge (Goodbye Hobbs, Red is Home & The Ranch at the End of the World) and her dog Nell. During the workshop, we will go for a walk in the wilds down to a secret location where we will gather to write and use dictaphones to record stories and ideas.  It is a relaxed, interesting and inspiring workshop for children aged 5+.

The workshop involves Nell the dog – a very friendly and lovely Labrador x Golden Retriever.

This activity is about empowering young people to find their own creative voices, whilst acting as an insightful and helpful aid for assisting children on a pastoral and emotional level. Children in receipt of SEND & CAHMS support have found this workshop particularly confidence giving.

About Emma:

I am a children’s author, theatre producer and early years facilitator who lives in lovely Wiveliscombe. I’ve worked for several major theatres and festivals including Bristol Old Vic, Pulse festival at the New Wolsey Theatre, Caravan2014 (Farnham Maltings/Brighton Festival) and the Pleasance London & Edinburgh Theatres. I’ve always worked with children and animals, through training young horses and dogs, to PGL residential camps, as a riding school teacher for many year. I now practice equine assisted learning at EAQ Manor Farm as well as taking ‘Stories in the Wilds’ out across alternative education provision throughout the South West.

My picture books are available in all good bookstores, with my first Young Adult novel – The Ranch at the End of the World – available now!

About Nell:

Nell is a very softy, waggly, goldador (golden retriever x labrador). She is the worlds largest lapdop, would eat tripe for all meals if she could and is to be found either running and running really fast through forest and field, or sleeping upside down with her belly out on the sofa or on Emma’s head.

Stories in the wilds is made possible by the brilliant Arts Council England project grants.