Writeups are provided in order of receipt. Events for the week are divided into regions, and then loosely in the order of arrival in my in-tray (to avoid splitting up multi-day events). The regions are:
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On behalf of the Directors of The Society for Storytelling could I extend a grateful thank you to all the storytellers who took part nationwide in the 4th Annual National Storytelling Week.
Enquiries to me alone were from sources extremely wide and varied and events were even being planned as late as last friday afternoon.
So thanks of each and everyone - the profile of storytelling has been raised - the profile of the society has been raised (far higher than I would have expected) - the profile of each individual taking part has been raised.
Please send you reports in - teachers who told in their own schools too - tell us about reaction by students and by staff. If you want to know about all the other ways the Society can help you - join us! Stories we tell everyday!
See you at the Annual Gathering and lets share some time.
Del Reid
Chair of the Directors
The Society for Storytelling
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This is addressed to all the Museums, Schools,Theatres, Pubs and clubs who gave storytelling the space for a voice during National Storytelling Week this year.
On behalf of the Directors of the Society for Storytelling I'd like to say thank you for all the promotional work your organisations have done on behalf of the storytellers you've featured across the country.
Without your aid we would not be able to get to all the public who enjoy the work of the storyteller.
This year we will be beginning the campaign for National Storytelling Week 2005 around the beginning of July. If you are interest in holding more storytelling events during National Storytelling Week or at any other time please get in touch and we'll see how we can help you.
Del Reid
Chair of Directors
The Society for Storytelling
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Two Funky Guys!
To bump-start National Storytelling Week we, that is Mike O'Connor and Graham, Teller of Tales, decided to embrace the evangelistic spirit with “Wandering Words” a 5 hour story walk round Falmouth. Starting at the Art Gallery this epic embraced eight pubs at which landlords had previously agreed we could perform. Yes, a pub crawl. But as all performers know, winning and keeping a new pub audience is a challenge. Trying it eight times in an afternoon was a tall order. Did it work? Yes it did. ...
The Art Gallery, always welcoming and teller-friendly, attracted a sizable audience of parents and children. A good start, but better was to come. When we arrived at the first pub half the Art Gallery audience joined us, trebling the number of customers. Many followed us from place to place for much of the day. Often we arrived at a pub to find an audience waiting after going ahead. Some paused for a meal or a beer and then caught up with us later. Now I know how the Pied Piper felt!
It was hard work but very heartening. We took care not to disturb the wide-screen football, the cribbage, and the old-soaks¹ clubs, but even un-primed audiences were swift to listen and enjoy, and we got real pleasure from their warm response. Hearteningly, most of our audience were “young”. We took quite a lot in the hat, earned many free drinks and sold a good few CDs. But our best reward was when we overheard a phone call made by one of our young “groupies”. Asked what she was doing she replied: “We're following these two really funky guys round the town.” Now when a 56 year old storyteller is rated as funky by a nineteen year old lass, then I reckon National Storytelling Week is off to a good start!
Best Wishes
Mike
Mike O'Connor and Graham, Teller of Tales: NSW Itinerary 31 Jan Falmouth Art Gallery 11am,
Seven Stars 11.45, The Wodehouse 12.15, Jacobs Ladder 1p.m., Star and Garter 1.40, Finn
McCouls 2.15, Cork and Bottle 2.45, Kings Head 3.15, Quayside 3.45.
Tsvi Lindeman, Bob Hinton and Heather Edwards battled through rain and floods to perform their eclectic mix of stories in Bluebell , the largest bookshop in East Cumbria. Adults and Children were fascinated by the range of stories told by our intrepid trio . More fun is promised on Friday at the Storytelling Ceilidh in Croglin Village Hall. Details on the SFS website
Oral Storytelling With Children Aged One to Five This was a day of storytelling and song for 'under-fives'workers and was a joint venture between Sure Start and the University of Leicester. We celebrated National Storytelling Week by sharing and building up a small repertoire of songs and oral stories for young children in a wide range of Leicester settings, including playgroups, nurseries,
family centres, libraries and Sure Start Programmes. All stories and songs were told in English with bilingual elements. Course leaders: Jill Gray and Rose Griffiths, Leicester Sure Start Mainstreaming; Jane Hislam, University of Leicester; Shila Kachhela, Shenton Primary School; Jane Routen, Pre-school Learning Alliance. For further information contact Jane Hislam
Jane Hislam
School of Education
21 University Road
LE1 7RF
0116 2523708
Perhaps I should prove that my opening gambit for National Storytelling Week - public telling for shoppers and drinkers in downtown Falmouth- though worthwhile, is not typical! That day of course started with a public concert in an art gallery- about 30 parents and kids plus a few independent adults. Monday saw me in the primary school in the picturesque village of St Mawgan (where they filmed some of the Miss Marple programmes). But step through the equally picturesque school door and one immediately meets the usual prefabricated classrooms and kids with tons of energy. Luckily they know me from book week last year. One 40 minutes session for a double class of infants (about 40 kids) and another for two classes of juniors and the afternoon has gone. The stories are laced with riddles, word games, chorus lines and songs. Words of explanation are slipped in every so often, plus an advert for Wadebridge library.
Which is where we are on Tuesday. Crick! Wake up Jimmy! Crack! Two classes from St. Breock CP school are in the library today. These young people are well primed - it looks as though their teachers have been making good use of the SfS information available through the website. Perhaps some remember me from my Christmas storytelling.
Wednesday is a travelling day up to Somerset, for on Thursday I¹m working with a total of 65 juniors in Martock primary school. The whole year group for most of the afternoon - no wonder the teachers are smiling!
Thursday evening is a public concert in Martock parish church. Something of a step in the dark here, for me a new venue and audience. But 75 people turn up for the 2 hour show, including friends from as far away as Bristol, and I manage to sell a few CDs as well. Excellent.
Friday sees me doing two fifty minute sessions for Ash primary school. The first has about 75 reception and infants, the second about 75 juniors. Phew! But at the end the kids are shouting out their thanks and the headmistress is smiling. This school too has made good use of the SfS material I emailed them. Having first practised in class, the children have been telling stories in assembly all week. Wonderful!
So ends my contribution to NSW. Now for a cup of tea!
Best Wishes: Mike O'Connor
Summary:
Falmouth Art Gallery 30 mixed .45 mins
Falmouth Story Trail (8 venues) 170 adults 3 hours
St Mawgan CP 40 infants .45 mins
St Mawgan CP 40 juniors .45 mins
Wadebridge library 40 juniors 1 hour
Martock CP 65 juniors 1.05 minutes
Martock public concert 75 adults 2 hours
Ash CP 70 reception/infants .40 minutes
Ash CP 70 juniors 1 hour
Totals: 14 venues 600 audience 11 hours telling
Eden Valley Storytellers hosted a special Ceilidh to celebrate National storytelling week. Held in Croglin, a village famous for its vampire tales,the evening mixed stories with dance and song . Over 60 people joined the celebrations and the evening made a healthy profit for club funds. Experience the mixture yourself at 'OUT of EDEN' , The 11th.Annual Gathering of the Society for Storytelling April 2nd -4th. Same band, same caller, different stories. Details 016974 72256.
Hi
Reports as promised:
Thursday 5th
Some twenty six people come to an evening of Berkshire stories in an Earley Community Centre. A large proportion had never been to such an event before. It seemed that people enjoyed the evening and a number have recommended me/stories to friends.
Friday 6th
A visit to yr3 of Hillside Primary school Earley, a local school I visit frequently. This time I told a story from each of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Although the children accepted stories from Scotland, Ireland and Wales they seemed very surprised that there were English stories! It also showed up, to the teacher, their lack of historic understanding so I will be returning to tell stories relating to English history.
Sunday 8th
In connection with a craft activity and an exhibition of the works of John Piper stories were told to children between 4 & 14. Fortunately more of the older ones as the idea was that I told a (bowdlerised) version of Sir Gerwain and the Green Knight and Herne the Hunter to fit in with the foliate heads.
Fionnaghal
NSW activity by Word of Mouth Storytellers Honor Giles and Helen Stewart
31st Jan/1st Feb
A weekend workshop as an introduction to storytelling for those with little or no experience. Having expected the usual fall-away between expression of interest and actual booking, in the end we had to draw a line and start a waiting list. Our 17 participants included: - two newly graduated students who work in physical theatre, but wanted to develope their spoken word skills - four members of the University of the 3rd Age who already meet in a storytelling circle - a drummer who hopes to set up a self-help group for those lacking confidence and self-esteem and would like to include storytelling - an eco-activist who wants to be able to formulate his experiences through oral history - a guy who is interested in folk tradition and wants to develop his power of recall - someone who works in a Day Centre and felt it would be a useful skill - a teacher who loves stories - a retired left-brained management consultant who wants to be able to entertain her grandchildren with stories - A community worker who often works with children, and loves the oral tradition - someone who is fascinated by the way a teller opens up from within, and wanted to try the experience herself- several who just wanted to give it a go
It was a fine weekend, with plenty of hard work, challenges faced and met, and lots of fun. The comments on the evaluation sheets were very positive and heartening. Many thanks go to the International Society for the free use of their facilities. We are running another one at the end of April for those on the waiting list!
2nd - 4th February
3 x 2 hour after school club storytelling and storymaking workshops for Laticzone - the fan club for Oldham Athletic FC.
57 year 6 and 7 children participated, in three groups, a different one each day. On day two the children were exclusively Asian. The sessions went well, although the children were initially disappointed that they were not going to be using the computers which ranged round the room. Helen had a more difficult bunch, but she soon got them going - you don't teach in an inner-city special needs school without having some tricks up your sleeve! I ran the 2nd and 3rd sessions and found that the kids enjoyed my stories and re-told them back to me with enthusiasm, and they enjoyed working up stories within a small group with the guidance of an adult helper. Almost all of them felt able to contribute to the telling of their stories, and the event organizer was very pleased. The children will spend the next few weeks using a story-making software package which provides visuals for creating storyboards, and the best will be published in the match-day programmes.
6th Februay
Word of Mouth, Briton's Protection, Manchester
Giles Abbott and Peter Chand presented P.G.TIPS
These two very entertaining storytellers complimented each other very well, with a set of stories which gave our audience some handy hints on how to survive the vagaries of life, including 'Don't Give Stolen Watermelons to Shiva the Destroyer, and Don't Mess with Squirrel's Nuts!
A packed room (56) and a great atmosphere.
7th/8th February
Helen and I went on holiday to Much Wenlock and listened to some other people tell stories - fabulous!
MIDNIGHT STORYTELLERS in National Storytelling Week 2004: Karen-Eve & Chloe in the Cotswolds finally got to perform 'Tales from the Wildwood' on 6 Feb at Sundial Theatre, Cirencester.
Deferred from November 03 cos of Liz Hurley switching on local Xmas lights (don't ask!) it seemed sweetly serendipitous that the ONLY available re-book date was that Friday of National Storytelling Week.
As a result of intensive publicity we got coverage in regional weekly and daily press plus a (live!) radio interview; NSW mentioned throughout.
Our audience braved a filthy night of gales and life-threatening puddles to hear us give a programme of mainly new tales.
Karen-Eve told a powerful story from the near the real Cold Mountain USA, where she grew up, adapted from Robert Morgan's 'The Mountains Won't Remember Us'. Chloe performed versions of Sue Harwood's darkly funny 'Foxgloves', plus Manda Scott's challenging 'Of Tooth & Claw'. We have the huge good fortune to know these authors and have direct permission to work with their creations!
It was a real journey through the wildwoods of human imagination and emotion, and we weren't staying on the safe path... Much of our audience were repeat attenders, proving the lore that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers. They seemed to go home happy - even commenting that the loose roof crashing about on the building next door added to the atmosphere!!!
Best wishes to all for creativity and success in 2004.
Chloe.
www.midnightstorytellers.co.uk
Just a general 'well done' to all who took part in NSW and sorry I could not get to the Edge...hope it went well. I spent two days working in an infant school telling to children from mainly Pakistani families ...... Toy stories to 5/6 year olds and Stories in Familiar settings to 6/7 year olds. Great kids. Then probably the hardest job I have done for a while!! Storytelling to youngsters at a museum event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Priestly, minister and scientist. I couldn't tell his stories as there was an American actor there who spent his life 'being' Priestley in America so had to come up with my own stories. Ended up having to write stories ..... about an eraser (yes, apart from discovering Oxygen he used the first rubber .. careful!!) ... fizzy pop (yes you've guessed it, he discovered soda water!!)...a magnifying glass( he used one to generate heat)...and an Australian story about water. I think I earned my crust that day!
Kevin Walker
National Storytelling week was the culmination of half a term’s work done on family stories by the storytellers at Small Tales. (The members are children aged 7 to 14 years.) This included research by the individual members with help from their families and the results were astonishing. The stories came from as far back as the early 1800s and as far away as China, India, Japan, Bangladesh, Jamaica, USA, Sri Lanka and as near as London!
For me it was a totally fascinating experience and the feedback from the storytellers’ families has been overwhelming, in that parents have been keen to tell me more stories!
Small Tales’ Storytelling Clubs
For National Storytelling Week, all the young storytellers (aged 7 – 14yrs) from Small Tales told at least one family story. Over a 100 stories were told from Tuesday to Saturday at all the group venues and included at least one story from each member.
The stories were amazing, from a grandmother who chased a cobra to a mother who broke out of boarding school, a great grandfather who was saved from death by the ghost of his mother to a father who offered Murray mints and found himself being included in wedding plans! (Do you want a Murray mint? - Do you want to marry me?) And my favourite, a mother who when she was 9, persuaded her parents to buy her a pram in order to trap a bird so that she could work out how to fly! She made wings out of cardboard, climbed onto the roof and jumped off……
These and other stories were recorded onto audiotapes and will now be held in the various group venues, such as schools, art centres.
Please find enclosed a short piece on National Storytelling Week 2004, which you might like to include in Storylines.
RAMSEY STORYTELLERS - National storytelling week 2004
It was January when the group (or rather, I!) realised with horror that National Storytelling Week was fast approaching and we hadn’t anything sorted; however we managed to arrange the following events:
With the unstinting support of our local library in Ramsey we put on one evening and one Saturday morning event which did get quite a good reception from those who came.
We were approached by a local Primary school (I know one of the teachers) to ask if we could come and tell stories there, so we spent two mornings there with three storytellers each morning on a whirlwind session through all the classes. That tied in well with the schools Literacy week and judging by the childrens’ reactions they obviously enjoyed and appreciated the stories they heard, especially the older children which is less usual in my experience.
We rounded off the week by a storytelling hour at a resource and day centre for the elderly where Bill has been before, when he and I told local and anecdotal stories which went down a treat.
Possibly our most challenging event was to tell stories linked to the modern business world and on the theme of ‘Empowerment’ at a Logistics headquarters of the Ministry of Defence. Choosing stories that were appropriate to the theme wasn't easy but quite interesting, but as were surprised to find out, many traditional stories leant themselves well to the theme and have a common thread running through them of powerful and resourceful central characters combined with the idea of taking your fortune and future into your own hands. I think we managed to link them to the modern business world in both a thought provoking and amusing way.
All in all Ramsey Storytellers had a satisfying week (and a half) and helped to spread the word on storytelling a bit wider.
Richard Storey
ps. I hope to follow this up with an article on organising / running a small rural group with all it's attendant joys and sorrows.
Richard
Society for Storytelling
Patrons: Grace Hallworth, Prof. Harold Rosen, Prof. Jack Zipes, Marina Warner, Kevin Crossley-Holland and Taffy Thomas
A Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) registration no. 3139120
Over 350 nationwide storytelling events and performances were organised this year for National Storytelling Week in Theatres, Book Shops, Libraries, Schools, Museums, Arts Centres, Storytelling Clubs, Retirement Homes and Pubs! There was great support from BBC Local Radio Stations and Local and National Press, and once again the week stretched into a fortnight!
Over three hundred Schools, Libraries, Museums and Art Galleries applied for The National Storytelling Week Guide we published last year. This will be available again . Email copies will be free - paper copies will cost £5.
We're aiming to make National Storytelling Week 2004 even bigger!
We know that storytelling stretches from its simplest application in the nursery right through to the personal stories and bereavement aids in hospitals, strengthening communication in the business sphere, and as an aid to learning in education. There are also professional storytellers working with prisoners.
We are informing you early because we would like to ask as many people as possible to join in the celebration of one of the oldest traditions of the world! The more diverse organisations that take part, the bigger the week will be!
For further information or if you would like to take part, call Del Reid on 020 8866 4232 or Tina Bilbe 0118 9351381
PO Box 2344, Reading, RG6 7FG Tel: 0118 935 1381
To all interested in storytelling and the tradition listen to BBC Radio 4's Arts Programme Front the evening of Monday January 26th. The programme will be all about Storytelling and Storytellers and a mention too of National Storytelling Week.
Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Sussex
Here's our programme for National Storytelling Week, all events at CB2 cafe in Norfolk Street, Cambridge:
Sunday 1st February: Workshop led by Jamie Crawford, 10am - 4pm (£20)
Performance by Jamie 8pm (£2/3)
Thursday 5th: The history and interpretation of Fairy Tales, talk by Peter Hilken (free)
Saturday 7th: Workshop on Kenyan Storytelling, by Kip Seroney, 10am - 4pm (£20)
Sunday 8th: The Canterbury Tales, told by members of the Cambridge Storytellers. (£2/3)
For more information contact Peter on 01223 709769 or try peter.hilken@ntlworld.com.
Details of what Essex Storytellers are doing:
Phone: 01268 76770 or 01206 305630 for further details, tickets etc. carl.tale-spinner@blueyonder.co.uk
Tuesday 3rd February from 7.00pm until 8.30pm at March Library & Learning Centre, March, Cambs Maureen James will tell stories from Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ Admission is FREE but for ADULTS only.
Wednesday 4th February at Thomas Eaton Primary School, Wimblington, Cambs Maureen James will be telling stories with each of the year groups during the course of the day.
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire,Wiltshire, Worcestershire
WINTERS EDGE Wenlock Edge, Shropshire
Tickets for community events are available locally. Advance booking is essential for all other events.
Booking info: info@festivalattheedge.org
RUN-UP TO N.S.W:
Starting 19 January at Abingdon College, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Six-week course on “Storytelling Skills”, tutored by Marguerite Osborne, President of Oxford Storytelling Society.
Monday mornings from 10 to 12. Preparing people to tell stories in their communities - and during National Storytelling Week.
January 19 to 31. Display at Abingdon Library, the Charter, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, featuring National Storytelling Week events organised by members of the Oxford Storytelling Society and information on the Society itself.
N.S.W.
January 31 to February 7. Display at Westgate Central Library, Oxford, featuring featuring National Storytelling Week events organised by members of the Oxford Storytelling Society and information on the Society itself.
February 2. Publication of “The Face in the Mirror”, Volume Three of “Telling Tales” by members of the Oxford Storytelling Society published under the Leo Books imprint.
Wednesday 4 February. 7.30 pm. Abingdon Library, the Charter, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. “Ghosts and Lovers”, a programme for adults presented by Marguerite Osborne, President of Oxford Storytelling Society. After the interval members of the audience will have a chance to tell stories, too.
Wednesday 11 February. Afternoon. Storytelling workshop by Marguerite Osborne, President of Oxford Storytelling Society, at Root and Branch, Westmill Farm, Watchfield, for people with mental health difficulties. (PRIVATE EVENT.)
Thursday 12 February. 7 pm. "Nature Tales from Round the World": Storytelling for All at Root and Branch, Westmill Farm, Watchfield, near Swindon. A charity event in aid of this therapeutic horticulture centre. Two members of the Oxford Storytelling Society, Patsy Dyer, who works at the centre, and Marguerite Osborne, Society President, will be amongst the storytellers. After a refreshment break members of the audience will have a chance to tell stories, too. For more details contact info@rootandbranch.freeserve.co.uk or telephone 01793 780380.
Saturday 7th February. 7 pm. St Nicholas Church Hall, Old Marston, Oxford. “Tell a Bible Story”, introduced by Tony Price. Queries: Oxford 247034.
National Storytelling Week 2004 comes to Cirencester in the Cotswolds courtesy of the Midnight Storytellers, performing Tales from the Wildwood at the Sundial Theatre on Friday 6 February at 7.30pm.
Midnight Storytellers, Karen-Eve & Chloë will lead you through dark fantasy from the ancient forests of Europe, wild yarns from the Appalachian backwoods and dramatic tales of here and now. You'll smell the pine needles and hear the wolves howl as you experience fascinating folktales and modern myths brought to life.
Tales from the Wildwood is suitable for adults and for children old enough to enjoy Tolkien and Rowling. Tickets are £7 and £5 (concessions), from the Sundial Theatre Box Office on 01285 654228.
Sundial Theatre is on Cirencester College Campus, off the A419 Stroud Road. Plenty of free car parking. Bus from town centre stops near college gate.
Details from www.midnightstorytellers.co.uk or call Chloe on 01451 861185.
I'm a children's writer and storyteller and just wanted to let you know about my NSW 2004 events, so they can be added to the Big List!
I'll be storytelling at St Augustine's R.C. Primary School, Radford, Coventry, on Monday 2nd February, then at St Hilda's Primary School, Oldham on Thursday 5th; and at Wedderburn Infants School, Harrogate on Friday 6th.
PENNY DOLAN, Children's Writer & Storyteller.
Visit my website at www.pennydolan.com
Happy reading!
Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Yorkshire
A Bit Crack Storytellers - based in the North East present Winter Sparks - Stories to brighten winter days on Saturday 31st January from 11.00am to 12.30 at the Cumberland Arms, Byker. Newcastle upon Tyne with a A Bit Crack Storytellers
on Friday 6 February at 7.30pm at The Cumberland Arms Margot Henderson tells Storybones, Storyskin. An old bag...a craneskin bag...a dark night...turn off the light...Margot tells stories of transformation to welcome Spring
on Saturday 7 February from 10.30am to 12noon at The Caedmon in Gateshead Margot Henderson tells stories of creation myths from around the world. Donations to The Better World Community Project in Cameroon
DESTINATION ‘X’…GUARDIAN ‘UNKNOWN’…
Experiences of Evacuation during World War Two
Saturday 7th February 2004 Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle
As bombing raids attacked Britain's cities during World War Two, thousands of children were separated from their families, labelled like pieces of luggage and sent to the countryside. Most were unaware of where they were going, who they were staying with and when they were coming back…
Discovery Museum and Tyne & Wear Archives present a joint FREE event as part of National Storytelling Week.
Transport your family back in time by listening to storyteller Pat Renton.
Listen to real life recollections of events and memories of those evacuated.
Register as an ‘evacuee’ using original documents.
Imagine what life was like for evacuated children during World War Two and take inspiration from the evacuees stories to write a postcard home.
Storytelling sessions 10:30 - 12:30 & 2:00 - 4:00.
Please phone Joanne (0191 2772181) or Sophie (0191 2772183) to book your places.Drop in activities are also available.
There is no charge for this event
Eden Valley Storytelllers are holding a Winter Ceilidh in Croglin Village hall on Feb 6th
Dancing to Reunion Band. Tickets £5;50/£4 including food.
Warm words, Hot Songs Wild Music Celebrate National storytelling Week with us
Contact Peter Dicken 016974 7225 or Heather edwards 01768 88227
Saturday 31st January/Sunday 1st February
Weekend workshop at International Society, Oxford Rd, Manchester (This event is now fully booked, so we are hoping to hold another one in April). Workshops led by Honor Giles and Helen Stewart
Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th February
Storytelling and workshops at LATICZONE, an after school club run by Oldham Athletic Football Club. Sessions run by Honor Giles and Helen Stewart
Friday 6th February
Word of Mouth Storytelling at The Briton's Protection, Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester
P.G.TIPS!!!
An evening of handy hints in story form from Giles Abbott and Peter Chand. 8.00pm. £4.00/£3.00
Further details from Honor 01925 758856 Honor.Giles@talk21.com
Eden Valley Storytellers will be at Bluebell Bookshop in Penrith 10:30 - 11:30am on Tuesday 3rd February All welcome.
South Lakeland Storytelling Club
Valentine Tales
At the Watermill Inn, Ings . An evening of Tales and Stories for all the family. from 7:30pm
Taffy is aslo appearing at the Winters Edge Festival in Much Wenlock on 6th. Feb.
At Yately Library Hampshire at 10;30 on 6th
and At Mottisfor Village Hall Hampshire at 2pm on 7th Feb
Contact Penny Ward on 01962 846019 for further details.
I'm a children's writer and storyteller and just wanted to let you know about my NSW 2004 events, so they can be added to the Big List!
I'll be storytelling at St Augustine's R.C. Primary School, Radford, Coventry, on Monday 2nd February, then at St Hilda's Primary School, Oldham on Thursday 5th; and at Wedderburn Infants School, Harrogate on Friday 6th.
Also, on Wed 4th, I am working at Wigginton Primary School, near York, and Radio York hope to come over and record a short story session. Del Reid is also be talking on Radio York about Storytelling and NSW a few days before. Good luck to all NSW 2004 tellers and their tales, wherever & whyever & however!
PENNY DOLAN, Children's Writer & Storyteller.
Visit my website at www.pennydolan.com
Happy reading!
Radio York will be featuring NSW in their community slot at 2.30 in the afternoon of Wednesday 4th February. They'll include Del Reid's "national perspective" piece, and a snippet of a story at Wigginton school
Friday 6th February Monthly Storytelling - The First Friday Fling
A special treat in store for north-east story lovers; local storyteller Lorna Youngson will tell tales from her Traveller background.
Although aimed at adults we do allow over 12s if accompanied by an adult. Queen's Cross Church Lounge, Queen's Cross, Aberdeen 7.30pm -10.00pm
Recommended donation of £3.00
Contact person: Jackie Ross, Hirnley, Lumphanan, By Banchory, AB31 4QX, Tel.: 013398 86039, Email: gas_story@hotmail.com
GAS - Grampian Association of Storytellers
Annual Celebration in Story, Song & Dance of the Goddess Bride & Saint Brigid
with Peter Vallance (stories) and Diana Elaina (harp and Song).Songs, Music and participatory dance with Kate & Rory O'Connell. 8.00pm
Saturday January 31st at the Universal Hall, Findhorn Foundation, Moray. Brigids Cross making at the Community Centre, Findhorn Foundation at 1.00pm.
CD available; Brigid Celtic Goddess and Christian Saint. Her Stories and Songs. Peter Vallance & Diana Elaina.
Peter Vallance, Storyteller & Dance Teacher
email sacreddance@findhorn.org or petevallance@email.com
Home address
The Park
Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, London, Middlesex, Surrey
Brave Tales for Winter Nights - Storytelling and music in Hackney
Live performance of ancient epics from Germany, Finland, Armenia, Britain, India
8pm Wed 7 Jan Sigurd and Brunhild - Katy Cawkwell, Mandy Groom, Rachael Buxton
The Round Chapel Arts Centre, Glenarm Road meets Lower Clapton Road, E5
Buses: 38, 48, 52, 55, 106, 253. Overground: Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Homerton
Tickets: free entry, retiring collection
To receive a flyer or for more performance and workshop information contact Katy on 020 7609 2164 or katycawkwell@email.com or www.bravetales.moonfruit.com
Funded by Awards for All
Thursday 5 February at 7.30pm "Our Fascinating County" An evening of Berkshire Stories with Fionnaghal - Teller of Tales
Price £3 in advance or £3.50 on the door
At Earley Community Centre, Radstock Lane, Earley nr. Reading.
There is adequate parking at the centre which is about 5 mins. drive from junc. 12 on the M4. The centre is 10 mins walk from buses. Catch a no 12 from Reading station.
More details and tickets from Fionnaghal tel 0118 9864131 or fionnaghaltales@aol.com
Saturday 31st of January Harrow Arts Centre (A Children's Workshop) 1pm-2pm Music Stories and Fun From Around the World. Pippa Reid.
Saturday 7th February Harrows Arts Centre (A Children's Workshop) 1pm-2pm Stories from Eastern Europe and Far Flung Places. Del Reid.
£3.00 per attendee. Both Sessions for 5-10 year olds. Parents very welcome!
Harrows Arts Centre Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Middlesex. HA5 4EA. Telephone 0220 8 428 0124. Email: info@harrowarts.com
Rail: Silverlink from Euston to Hatch End thwen 3 minutes walk. Road. A 410 (next to Safeway). Bus H14 or H12 stop outside The Arts Centre. Underground Harrow on the Hill (Metropolitan then H14) Pinner (then H12).
There is a free Car Park at the Arts Centre.
Spider’s Web Storyteller’s ‘Perseus & Medusa’
Thursday 5 February 8pm (with BSL) @ Jackson’s Lane Community Centre, 269A Archway Road London N6 (close to Highgate tube)
Tel: 0208 340 5226
Tickets £7 £4 (concession)
Spider’s Web Storytellers are delighted to present their version of this well-known Greek myth, as a part of National Storytelling week. A hero does battle with monsters for love, the fates and his mother! With the aid of the goddess Athena, Perseus sets out on a monumental journey to slay the gorgon.
The Spiders are an inclusive storytelling organisation. Three women with different experiences of sight explore traditional tales from three very different perspectives.
A short discussion of how the symbolic themes within this myth reflect the representation of disability will follow this 1 hour performance.
This is a Jacksons Lane xposed commission supported by Arts Council London.
On Sunday 8th February Fionnaghal will be telling stories for children under the theme "Magic Trees and Mystical People". The children will also be able to make masks based on the stories or John Piper's work. The session runs from 2pm to 3.30pm and children can just drop in free of charge.
The event is at the Museum of Reading as part of their exhibition of the artist's work.
Details from Fionnaghal on 0118 9864131 or fionnaghaltales@aol.com
Storytelling for children with severe and profound learning disabilities. Feb 5th and 6th
Two day Storytracks workshop at the Barnsbury Centre in Islington; tutors peter Imrey, Bridge School, Nicola Grove and Keith Park, Storytracks. Peter is a teacher, Nicola a speech and language therapist, and Keith a teacher of pupils with profound disabilities and multisensory impairment. The workshop includes a visit to the Globe theatre where Keith works with local kids with disabilities doing interactive storytelling (Romeo and Juliet this term done in a mixture of Hebrew, Arabic and English). Contact peter@thebridge.islington.sch.uk for details.
Saturday 7th February, The Abbey at Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon
“She is Gold” with Jackie Singer and friends
Come gather by the fire for an evening of soulful stories and beautiful music to honour the first quiet stirrings of Spring. Jackie Singer tells traditional stories that connect us to a sacred landscape, interspersed with her original songs. For adults, but accompanied children are welcome too.
"an evening full of heart, colour, subtlety, beauty and courage" audience at the launch of “She is Gold” CD
7.30pm £8.00 (£5.00 concession). Please phone 01235 847401 to book
The Abbey is a thirteenth century building set in mature grounds in Sutton Courtenay, an ancient village in the Thames Valley between Abingdon and Didcot, Oxfordshire. Rooted in the Christian tradition and open to the wisdom of other faiths, it provides a setting for exploring spiritual values and the mystery of life.
The National Archives, Kew
Tales of India
Saturday 31 January 12pm
Storytelling by Seema Anand
See and hear images of India brought to life in wonderful, colourful tales, vividly told by an experienced storyteller. Ideal for families with children over 5. Adults £3, children free.
Tube: Kew Gardens, Rail: Kew Bridge and Kew Gardens, Bus: 391, 65 R68
The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew TW9 4DU For further information and to book tickets call 020 8392 5202/5323 or email events@nationalarchives.gov.uk
I've just embarked upon my latest Spring Tour for the Persula Foundation..... yes, I know it's only January, but it runs through to late April and incorporates around 130 storytelling performances in total! Just for the record, here are the events on the tour which fall within National Storytelling Week:
St.Ann's Toy Library,Woodlands Park Rd. London N15 - 2pm Sat 31st Jan
Coach House Residential Home, 67 Keyhaven Rd, Milford-On-Sea, Hants - 11am Mon 2nd Feb
Oakhaven Day Hospice, Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, Hants - 2pm Mon 2nd Feb
Beaumont Court, 23 Church Rd, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset - 11am Tue 3rd Feb
Norcroft Day Centre, Norcroft Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset - 2pm Tue 3rd Feb
Cherry Orchard Day Centre, Windsor Rd, Andover, Hants - 11.15am Wed 4th Feb
Longmeadow Day Centre, Cricketers Way, Andover, Hants - 3pm Wed 4th Feb
Methodist Church Hall, Ballards Lane, Finchley, London - 2pm Thu 5th Feb
Chantry High School, Mallard Way, Ipswich, Suffolk – 6.30pm Thu 5th Feb
Woodlands Residential Home, 174 Reading Rd South, Church Crookham, Hants - 2.30pm Fri 6th Feb
My performances vary between storytelling for young children, through to adult storytelling for the elderly, disabled and visually impaired, which incorporates music from the 1920's-80's. Almost all of these events are free, but many are not open to the general public. Anyone interested in attending any of the performances can contact me on 07958 460616, or Fiona Brown of the Persula Foundation on 01932 407543
Bernard Tagliavini / Multi-Story Theatre.
Cutty Sark Tea Clipper Ship
King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT
0208.858.3445
Be delighted and inspired by storytelling aboard the inspirational Greenwich tea clipper, the Cutty Sark. Explore the ship with a storyteller to learn the origin of her name and discover the animals who journeyed around the world with the captain and crew. Tales and Tails is appropriate for children, aged 3-6, and their parents/carers and free with admissions ticket.
10:15-11:00 Friday, 6 February, 2004
Admission Charges: £2.95 children, £4.25 adult, £10.50 family
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00, with last admission at 16:30.
2 to 6 year olds and their caregivers will enjoy National Storytelling Week. Discover the stories behind the amazing works of art in the Historic Queen?s House at the National Maritime Museum! Join us for an adventure and create your own masterpiece to take home with you!
Tuesdays In February
From 10.15am to 11.00am,
From 11.30am to 12.30pm
From 14.00 to 14.45
For two to six year olds (younger and older siblings welcome!)
Free
Meet in the Queen's House Entrance
Queen's House
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich, London SE10 9NF
0208 858 4422
Gail Smith
Cutty Sark Trust
TOWNCRIERS STORYTELLING CIRCLE ON THE RADIO
Please place the following two events on the website for events happening in London over Storytelling week.
The first will be on Monday 2nd February. It is a radio programme of three of the core members of Towncriers storytelling circle, namely Saffa Kartalkari (Towncriers founder), Nico Pollen (Treasurer), and Alex Somerville. They will be joined by guest Jamie Crawford from Brighton Storytellers. They will be telling tales long and short from 7 pm to 8.30 pm on 2nd February on Resonance FM 104.4FM. The radio station is London based, but can be accessed over the internet by going to www.resonancefm.com. On the Home page people will find a list, go to "Listen" and click on to
"MP3" or "Real Audio". Most computers will have the software to play immediately, if not the website offers a chance to download the software necessary to hear.
As well as Mon. 2nd Feb. there will be a radio show on Resonance FM on Thursday 5th Feb. from 5pm to 6pm. This is the start of a series of 10 weekly radio shows which Towncriers is doing on Resonance FM.
The second event is at Towncriers Storytelling Circle where Jamie Crawford is the guest. It is on Saturday 7th February at 6pm to 8pm. It happens at Neals Yard Meeting Rooms, Neal's Yard (off
Neal St.), Covent Garden, London WC2. Adm. is £5/£4 concs. and includes refreshments. Contact is Saffa on 0207-739-2281.
This is what I am doing in Surrey during NSW - most of it is not open to the public Tuesday 3rd Feb - Surrey Storytellers Guild Story Circle- open to anyone interested in telling or listening to stories. 7.30 to 10pm in Ewell, Surrey. Ring 020 8393 5370 for venue details Open session
Wednesday 4th Feb Storytelling at the Guildford House Gallery, Guildford, Surrey. This is part of a programm for local schools to explore the stories of the Brothers Grimm. This is linked to the exhibition of the etchings by David Hockney of six of the Grimm Fairy tales. Storytelling not open to the public
Thursday 5th February. Storytelling at the Childrens Trust, Tadworth, Surrey. This is part of a year long programm of telling stories with children with special needs. This is funded by the Roald Dahl Foundation. Not open to the public
Friday 6th February. Storytelling at Haringey City Learning Centre., N. London. This is part of a program to teach children storytelling skills. Not open to the public
Saturday 7th February Storytelling sessions at the Guildford House Gallery, Guildford at 10am and 11.30 am. Six stories of the Brothers Grimm to accompany the exhibition of the etchings by David Hockney of six of the Grimm Fairy tales. Open to the public. See Guildford - David Hockney Grimms Fairy Tales for details.
Thanks!
Janet Dowling
Janet Tells Stories
Ewell, Surrey, UK, EU ,This Side of the Pond, Third Rock From The Sun
Thursday 5 February 8-10pm
A Musical Stories Interractive Workshop for Teachers, Speech Therapists, Musicians, friends! with Pippa Reid (The Music Experience and Say Hello to Music) in Pinner, Middlesex area.
Details: pippasong@hotmail.com
Merlin (who appears by kind permission of MikeRoTheatre) will be telling the story of King Arthur's Conception and Birth on Wednesday, February 4th at 12.45 in the Library of The Clere School, Burghclere, Hampshire, and on Thursday February 5th (same time, same place) the story of How King Arthur Came to the Throne.
Mike Rogers (closely related to Merlin) reads his own ghost stories (sorry about reading them, but they're too carefully crafted for free telling) every Friday in the Library at 12.45
Ghost Stories as you wouldn't expect them!
http://website.lineone.net/~mikerotheatre/GhostStories.htm
Just to let you know that I shall be flying the flag for National Storytelling Week in three different counties.
Each day I shall be visiting different schools in Sussex, Hertfordshire and Kent.
So I'll be spreading the word to the next generation of adult tellers and adult audiences. The approx. number of children and teachers who will share the NSW sessions is 900.
So if they're all inspired, and who says they won't be!! - the future is assured! (Ever the optimist)
I'd like to send good wishes to all other Storytellers at this special time and trust that your week will be full of joy and success.
Best wishes
Charlie Wilson
www.crickcrack.com
Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset
Here's an updated picture of what Mike O'Connor is doing in NSW 04
31 January 1100-1130 Falmouth Art Gallery, with Graham Teller of Tales, open to the public.
31 January 1200-1500 The Great Cornish Tale Trail. story walk open to the public. Starting from the Art Gallery, Mike O'Connor and Graham Teller of Tales will visit the byways and watering holes of Falmouth.
2 February, Monday, St Mawgan CP school Cornwall 1.30 - 2.45 not a public event
3 February, Tuesday, Wadebridge Library Cornwall 1030-1130 for local schools, not a public event
5 February, Thursday afternoon, Martock school Somerset 2x 40 minutes not a public event
5 February, Thursday evening, Martock Parish Church 7-30 pm. Storytelling concert. The programme consists of two sessions of 45 minutes with an interval between. open to the public.
6 February, Friday afternoon, Ash school, 2x 40 minutes not a public event
Graham teller of tales & I are (still) trying to get together a large public event in Cornwall on the weekend 31Jan/1Feb, a possible venue is Falmouth Maritime Museum. I'll keep you posted.
Bristol Story Circle
Stories of Love - or is that Hate?
For National Storytelling Week
Wed 4 Feb, 8pm, Horse and Groom Pub, St Georges Road (off Park St), Bristol
£2, coffee included
Love, or is that hate, jealousy, murder and revenge? Delve into the fantasy world of folktales and explore love, and its many companions in preparation for Valentines Day.
Is love really so romantic? Is it all hearts and roses? The power of storytelling is to dig a little deeper and uncover the murkier realities of life. Join us in a cosy evening, sharing stories of romance, love and other nasty things!
All welcome to tell short stories, or simply relax and listen. Tellers please put your name on the running list before 8pm. Space and time is limited, but imaginations, luckily, are not.
Please take a look at our new website, to be developed over time, www.bristolstory.com
Bristol Story Circle meet every first Wednesday of the month upstairs at the Horse and Groom Pub, St Georges Road (off Park St), Bristol, 7.30pm for 8pm stories, £2 including coffee. For details contact info@bristolstory.com
We will be holding a story telling event here at Truro Library, Cornwall, on Saturday 7th February between 11.30am and 1.00pm
For children aged 6+
Traditional Stories from around the world, including South America, Indonesia, Australia and Africa
This event is open to the public.
'The Fleece on the Tree'
The story of Jason and Medea
Told by Chris White
With music for harp by John Harris
The great epic of the Voyage of the Argonauts, the Ancient Greeks' own favourite story, is set at a time when the new Olympian gods had recently been introduced by the invading Achaeans, yet the Triple Goddess was still strong.
At its centre stand two enigmatic figures. Is Jason, the Healer, hero or anti-hero? And Medea - is she the most radiant and powerful princess from the Caucasus to the Pillars of Hercules, or is she a twisted psychopath?
This telling takes us from the first appearance of the Fleece, through Jason's youth, the voyage of the Argo and the winning of the Fleece, and ends with the sensational events in Corinth and the bizarre death of Jason.
It is accompanied by haunting harp themes written and played by John Harris of Firebrand.
Fri. 6th February 8pm
Tourmaline Hall
Grange Village
Newnham on Severn
Glos
Saturday 14th February 2-4 pm traditional storytelling at the Somerset Museum for Rural Life, Glastonbury. Come and hear or tell traditional stories next to a roaring open fire in this beautiful farmhouse kitchen. Sessions led by the Somerset story circle, museum visitors welcome to drop in or just come for the event.
Storytelling Masterclass with Kevan Manwaring MA(Tallyessin,FireSprings)
Turn your favourite tale into a performance. Improve public speaking, audience awareness & spontaneity!
Sat 31st Jan 10-4pm
St Marks, Widcombe, Bath.
£45/40
Tel01225 334204
Ruthin Gaol, 46 Clwyd Street, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1HP
Jailhouse Tales
Saturday 31st January, 12pm - 3pm.
To celebrate National Storytelling Week, come and join our storyteller in Ruthin Gaol and hear tales from Ruthin's past. Stories every hour from Noon until 3pm. Free event with normal admission cost.
Adult £3, Children £2, Senior Citizen £2, Family £8
The Gaol is open daily 10am - 5pm, closed Mondays, November to March Telephone : 01824 708281
National Storytelling Week Information Pack zip file
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