A new independent creative space dedicated to storytelling - where people can capture and share their experiences through photography, video and writing - is launching in Altrincham town centre.
Share Your Story, which will be opening on George Street in April, is the brainchild of former teacher Simon Hepburn.
The unique space will look to bridge the gap between the ownership of storytelling tools such as cameras, microphones and notebooks, and the effective use of them.
It will host talks, workshops and courses, with Rowena Roberts already lined up to lead a series of creative writing sessions and Jane Burkinshaw, from Love Your Lens, running photography training sessions.
Share Your Story will also have a retail area, with books, albums and other creative items available for purchase.
Simon, 52, explained the concept behind his new business.
“It's all about storytelling,” he said. “One of the things you learn in life is that telling stories and capturing things is really, really important. So many people have bought things to capture stories, whether it's a camera, microphone, video camera or even a notebook, and don't ever get down to doing it because they don't really know how to do it.”
Community will be a key aspect of the new space, which will feature Inspiration, Equipment and Training areas, as well as the shop area.
Simon, who hopes to open the new venture in the former Hay’s Travel unit in time for Easter once the space has been given a complete refit, said he had been moved to go ahead with the idea after the recent death of his wife, Rachael.
The couple had originally moved up to Altrincham from St Albans in 2010 after Simon’s teaching career brought him north to St Bede’s College in Manchester. Their son, now 15, is a Year 11 pupil at St Ambrose College.
“After Rachael’s passing after a long battle with cancer, I wanted to channel my passions - for teaching, training, communication, technology and photography - into something meaningful.
“When this space came up I thought it was just an amazing opportunity, especially because this end of George Street is becoming quite a creative part of the town.”
Share Your Story will be suitable for all ages, but Simon believes he will find particular interest from younger people and the recently retired.
“As a former teacher, I’ve seen creativity decline in schools due to academic pressures,” he added.
“I hope that Share Your Story will partner with local schools to provide workshops and creative opportunities.
“Communication is also very good for mental health, and this will be a great way to introduce people to new things, or to kids who don't really get a chance to do this very much at school.”
Share Your Story has committed to a 10-year lease on George Street, and Simon is planning to recruit up to four staff members with creative backgrounds to help support and train customers.
He said the new business had been a steep learning curve, but that he was excited for the future.
“It’s been great learning all these new things - until last summer, I was a teacher!” he said.
‘It’s a new challenge but a very exciting one. I’m really looking forward to building a new creative community around Share Your Story in Altrincham.”
