World Peace, Cake and Stories in Ringwood

Last Thursday we had another wonderful night of stories at The Boston Tea Party with the New Forest Storytellers -Heads and Tales Story Cafe
The theme was War and Peace, and stories ranged from tales about building bridges, raging sea storms, a soldier and a Tinderbox, a unique story of an old lady and a German poem. To close, with magic in the air my telling of a Russian Wondertale  "The Speedy Messenger". 


It was great evening and the home baked Millionaires shortbread delicious.  Join us next month for more cakes and stories, 21st June @8pm 

Story Goose on the Loose in Dorset Schools

Plans for the East Dorset Story Festival are progressing nicely. This week schools nearby will soon be receiving promotional postcards for each child and the chance to win free tickets as part of the Golden Goose Competition 

For me, the most exciting thing is that each school will also receive an especially commissioned education pack written by myself to help teachers explore the story of the Golden Goose and oral storytelling methods. I'm very much looking forward to hearing how the promotion goes, and get feedback about the resources... 

Golden Moments of Storytelling in Winchester

Those in search of story treasures found them in abundance in the cellar of The Hyde Tavern last Wednesday evening!





We heard stories of discovering buried silver on an allotment, a handcrafted necklace made of driftwood from a beach with special memories, a childhood trip digging for fossils and finding a precious first edition of poems with a handwritten letter from the author inside... to name a few.These together with longer traditional spoken tales made for a wonderful evening.  


The thing that amazed me most was that both myself and Mike Rogers had unknowingly prepared stories about Golden Birds, and even stimulated a third story with this motif to be recalled from another's school days.

Mike's skillfully combined the classic Grimm's tale The Golden Bird , a Russian version with his own embellishments to weave the two together and my story came from Zambia, The Song Of The Golden Birds.   


Each of the wonder tales told of a youngest son in search of a golden bird or flock, and followed a classical pattern of an initial challenge, meeting supernatural helpers, further challenges, similar treasures and just when it seems all is well... a twist of sibling rivalry before the story is fully resolved.  You may be forgiven for thinking that such similarities might become too repetitive, but it was fascinating to all  how one enriched the other, allowing your mind to compare, contrast and make your own meanings. 


The stories can be read for yourself by clicking on the title links but nothing beats hearing them told orally and if you meet me one day I'll gladly tell mine...

Set your watch for 8pm at the Hyde Tavern!

In the mean time don't miss out on the chance to hear other fabulous stories next month in the cellar,  on the theme of  Flaming June... think heat, fire, spice and no more rain!!!!


Not from Hampshire? Why not look for a story club or event near you via the Society for Storytelling.

Storyteller Spotted in Bursledon Tesco

It was only a moment but it made my day and still makes me smile thinking about it...

As I walked from my car towards my local store I noticed the eyes of a small child staring at me intently up and down. I smiled at him as I passed and then heard him speak loudly and excitedly to his parent.

      "Mum, Mum that's the Storyteller!"  

I turned round over my shoulder, gave them a wave and a cheerful nod - both of them beamed back before each of us continued with our day. 

I chuckled and allowed myself a warm glow, knowing that just a half hour of stories had stayed with him, making an impact enough to shout about...   Job done!

Storytellers Prepare for an Exciting Evening Gathering in Winchester

Tomorrow is the second Wednesday of May and my favourite night of the month in Winchester!

Yes, it's time to gather together in the cellar of the Hyde Tavern for more tales, great company and creativity in the community. I'm really looking forward to seeing familiar friendly faces and greeting new ones.

From 8 -10pm we will be forgetting about the rain and sharing stories of Treasures and Gifts, whether that be gold, jewels, gifts of magical transformations or powers - come along and hear for yourself.

They'll be opportunities to contribute your own tales or personal memories too... get thinking...What is the most precious gift you have ever received, given or found?

57 Hyde Street, SO23 7DY

We'll be in the bar from 7.30pm and go downstairs together at 8pm... I can hardly wait...