STORYTELLING PROJECT ON THE BUSES NORTH YORKSHIRE - Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

                   

An internationally published author is spending a week on the 36 bus route to inspire a wealth of stories to celebrate local bus travel.

Julia Crouch, a theatre director and playwright turned author of psychological thrillers, began the 36 Storytelling Project on Monday (18 November) as part of her Writer in Residency for Europe’s leading crime fiction festival, the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

It builds on last year’s success when the Festival joined forces with one of the largest public transport operators, Transdev in Harrogate, for the 36 Storytelling Project.

                    

This year sees the 50th Anniversary of engineer and consultant Dr Richard Beeching’s report on the future of the railways. In The Reshaping of British Railways, Beeching called for the closure of one-third of the country's 7,000 railway stations, with many towns being removed from the railway map altogether, including rail access between Ripon and Harrogate

Nigel Eggleton, Sales and Marketing Director at Transdev, said: “This project is a great way to really engage with the communities we serve. It’s been half a century since Ripon’s rail network was axed and we wanted to celebrate how a well-networked bus route through Ripon, Leeds and Harrogate not only delivers a needed and trusted service to residents, tourists, commuters and day-trippers, but offers ease and comfort. It’s a celebration of the bus network, which is a lifeline.”

Transdev transformed the image of bus travel with its iconic 36 twin-deck vehicles, boasting leather seats, high backs, ample leg room and tinted windows for comfort and style.

Discover Ripon is also supporting the project.

Sharon Canavar, CEO of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “As well as essential for residents, travel networks are crucial for tourism in Yorkshire, including visitors to our festivals. It seemed apt for our Writer in Resident to highlight the fantastic attractions, history and stories along the 36 route.”

The storytelling project is in association with Headline Publishing Group, publishers of Julia Crouch. Julia, author of the acclaimed thrillers Tarnished, Every Vow you Break and Cuckoo, will work with the drivers, schools and the wider community to collate memories and inspire writing from all sections of bus users along the route, with stops including Harewood House, Fountain’s Abbey and Ripon Cathedral.

This year, the theme ‘What’s in a Name’ asks people to use the names of villages and towns on the route, to inspire historical or imagined stories. Transdev staff will also write their own tale, 36 Whispers.

Julia Crouch said: “It’s worth noting that Booker prize shortlisted Magnus Mills sees his bus driving day job as an important part of the inspiration behind his writing. There's something about a physical journey that lets the imagination wander too. I hope it will help non-bus users see bus travel in a different light. This project is about encouraging the storytelling mind to travel, and the Leeds-Ripon route offers a wealth of starting points. I can't wait for the adventure."

The results will feature in a bespoke, downloadable book on the project.