Christmas, Parties and The Nativity

Where did 2013 fly too?   I think it must be a sign of my getting old but it seems that time whips round so much more quickly these days!

For me this Christmas season has been one of business, preparation and of revisiting the stories at its heart.

In the last few weeks it has been a real privilage for me to attend local pre-school settings as part of their parties, of end of term celebrations sharing in the fun and telling the Nativity story in a fresh way for many listeners. 

Coming together, putting the book down and telling it from the heart, unfolding a wonder with voice and gesture, holding the space to marvel together at the characters, at the angels, at a time gone by.

These characters are so familiar to many of us that we often forget that with each year of a child's development their perception changes, they notice or remember something new, or in later years find comfort in the ritual of tradition.

I wish you and yours the peace and comfort of being together this Christmas, and oportunities to cherish the moments, stories of memories gone by and adventures yet to come. 

Happy New Year Everyone.

Heads and Tales, Storytelling Cafe in Ringwood

Heads up it's Heads and Tales, 8pm tomorrow September 19th at The Boston Tea Party Cafe, in the centre of Ringwood.

The theme for the first half tomorrow is Jealousy and Friendship from myself and other New Forest Tellers together with a few floor spots available for those who dare.

After a refreshment break to re-fill your mugs and plates with delicious treats from the cafe we will settle back to hear visiting guest tellers Michael and Wendy Dacre, Master storytellers from the West Country.

You may have seen or heard Michael at our wonderful "Field of Stories" event but he has promised to leave the Giants at home this visit.

More information about Wendy and Michael here or better still come along and see us all for yourself!

Plenty of free parking available at The Furlong so invite a friend. Then find the Cafe next to Waitrose

Melksham Food and Drink Festival 2013

Stories for the Food Fayre 

With my pockets stuffed with Foodie Themed Tales I travelled across the border last weekend to Melksham, Wiltshire for their increasingly popular Food and Drink Festival.

It was chilly but the weather turned out drier than that forecast, luckily avoiding the deluge that struck other parts of the country!

Tucked away under the most beautiful tree in the grounds of the Assembly Hall I set up an inviting space for families to enjoy a smorgasboard of delicious stories. 

The children picked which pocket they wanted from my belt, thus choosing the story, but it was no surprise to me how it was more the stories that chose them.  Especially for one delighted little boy when he unknowingly picked "The Magic Porridge Pot" and yes, he just so happened to be a porridge lover, at its best with Honey on top - just like the little girl in the story.

Another tale that went down well was that of The Three Wishes, also known as 'Sausage Nose' when one of the characters ends up with a string of sausages magically attached to their face. It caused much laughter and I hope they will recall it when they next sit down to Bangers and Mash. I hope they don't get told off for playing with their food as a result!

I think that many families were surprised to see I had no story books, instead telling from my heart and my head. Yet they were well pleased with their first experience of this.  And in true oral tradition though I told the story of "The Talking Carrot" many times throughout the day it never came out quite the same twice.  

The festival itself was well attended but it was a bit cold for sitting around, maybe I should have entered the popular chilli eating competition to warm myself up... but then again looking at the green faces of those who did I was safer sticking to my Storytelling.

It was a great day, well organised by Pam and her team, I hope by now they have recovered from all their hard work and look forward to see them again another time. 

The Sting in The Tale 2013

 10 Years of Storytelling in East Dorset

What a privilege to be part of this festival, on the committee and as a performer!

The highlight for me was our day of celebration at The Centre of Ancient Technology: "A Field of Stories".

This full day event was organised by myself, Graham Rogers and others from the New Forest Storytellers, in collaboration with staff and volunteers from the centre.   There was a full programme of story telling from us throughout the day, a story round, demonstrations by traditional craftspeople - woodworkers, weavers, felters, basketmakers, hands on craft for the children, food, fun, music and frivolities.  Plus we were visited by Giants and Dragons, courtesy of Wendy and Michael Dacre, and an outdoor puppet show from Hand to Mouth Theatre.

Being the middle Wednesday among other Sting Performances we were unsure of how many people would come, but come they did in 100's and the site was buzzing. If you have never been to the Ancient Technology Centre do keep and eye on their website for open days and other Storytelling events and get yourself there. Since walking across the bridge at the ATC is literally like stepping across the threshold to another world. With its five replica buildings including the nationally acclaimed storytelling venue The Earthouse, the Viking Longhouse and the Forge there was plenty of cover had it rained, but as you can see from the photos the sun shone all day long!

Inside The Earthouse

In the music industry people often release accoustic albums and I can't help drawing a comparison with that to our wonderful day. People came with their picnics, enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, soaked up story after story and enjoyed being with each other far away from modern technology, sound systems, screens and mobile phones, it literally was entertainment "Unplugged"

I am so proud to have been part of this day, having the opportunity to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Sting in the Tale and thank those behind its inception.  But most of all I loved seeing the delight on peoples faces, hearing them laugh













and for the chance to perform again in The Earthouse escorting eager listeners to faraway places in their imaginations.

If only the land could speak...

What a Setting, What a Place, What Stories have Lived Here... 

It has been such a varied and wonderful summer for me starting with a fortnight in Devon, on a campsite by the beach in Start Bay.  Such a great opportunity to be fully human, engage with others, talk face to face with strangers, tell anecdotes, yarns and hear the stories of the place and of the people.

At the pub, queuing for ice-cream, at the shop, doing the washing up at the communal sinks, waiting at the water tap. There is something about life slowing down on a campsite that allows us to breathe, things become simpler and for stories to live through being shared.

If only the land could speak... 

We often say the phrase but we forget that it is through us opening our mouths, sharing and listening to each other that those stories can be breathed into life again. It's by taking time to sit in a place, allowing our imagination to roam that the land can speak by prompting a memory or thought, or creating a new story to tell about our being there.

The best thing is it doesn't have to be just for holidays...  and that's what I love about being a storyteller.

Hampshire Storyteller turns Pirate

With plenty of Yar-Aah and Yo-Ho I was delighted to unleash my debut performance of Pirates Aboard on the landlubbers of Romsey Primary School.

Children from Sunhill Juniors, Arlesford, had a sneak preview of one of the tales at their annual Story night the week before, but the interweaving of two entertaining and exaggerated salty yarns with sing along songs, props, and interactive sound effects into a full length performance went down a storm.


The project, crafted on request to fit the schools themed Pirate day, was a huge hit and youngsters and teachers sat wide eyed and eager to hear the stories unfold.

Though purely fictional and at times fantastical, my pirate stories give a flavour of all that is fondly attributed to these bunch of ruffians. With plenty of piratical vocabulary, treasure islands and predictable elements, all washed down with a tot of the magical make for a wonderful voyage on the seas of the imagination.

Summer in the New Forest!

What a difference a week can make!

With the children back at school for their final stint of the year and the sun blazing at last it might be easy to forget the wild and windy weather at Hordle Walhampton's Summer Fete.

But though the wind buffeted our tent of tales, its banners and flags waved wildly inviting children in for sessions of stories and adventures in their imagination.

Throughout the afternoon groups of children attended age matched performances in the cozy decorated space, it was the best place to be and not only because it was out of the weather!

With wide eyes they journeyed to muddy farmyards, enchanted woods, African plains, across seas and home to castles in time for tea.

I am looking forward to returning to this charming school in Lymmington for more next year, but perhaps with a bigger tent so Parents and Grandparents can listen too!

What's Hot in Dorset this Summer!!

 The Sting in the Tale Festival 2013

It's that time of year again, half term is not yet done but people's thoughts turn already to what might be fun to book for the summer holiday period.

Well Story Lovers, the Committee for Sting in the Tale have been busy putting together a fantastic programme of Story Performances around venues in East Dorset during August for such wonderings as these.  Make sure you check out the website HERE for details or find them on Facebook.

I'm really excited about my involvement this year, particularly telling at the amazing ATC in Cranborne for A Field of Stories on  August 21st, I will post more details at a later date, the site is amazing in it's own right but couple that with performance storytelling , puppets, music, crafts,workshops and hopefully sunshine makes it well worth putting in your diaries.

I have also been enjoying a week of story posting on facebook, telling the story of "The Key Flower" for people to share and tell to others by installment each day.   I'm looking forward to making it into a short video telling to go on the site too, when a bit of good weather and a suitable hillside come my way!

Keep your eyes open for further updates and spread the word, it will be a wonderful summer of stories...

Help for Heroes

What an amazing evening I had, telling stories with CoCo P and colleague Steph from Wykeham Tales to celebrate May Day at Tedworth,Wiltshire.


When we reached Tedworth and walked in the magnificent entrance we felt our spirits lift and any initial apprehensions
vanished.  The atmosphere in the place was positively alive, with stress on the word  positive. It was going to be a night to remember!

Steph and I were given a short tour of the open parts of the building including a viewing of the amazing sport therapy areas and gymnasium in the aptly named Phoenix Centre. The grounds themselves were stunning with areas dedicated for recreation and work plots for 'growing their own'. It was here out in the gardens we discovered the barbecue and fire pit being lit, the band tuning up, and visiting Chelsea Pensioners mixing with current service men residents and whizzing about on Segways!

As we mingled and chatted people were intrigued as to who we were, what we did and what stories we would be telling.  Sitting to eat  amongst some of the most newly arrived solidiers we were soon joined by Dave, who revealed himself to be one of the
youngest Chelsea Pensioners present and Performance Poet!


When the sun started to set and the band finished playing, people progressed round to a drumming workshop led by another artist. We all made quite a rumpus, which if not strictly a beautiful noise, was pleasingly rhythmic and it was good to see people relax and laugh freely as they explored using the djembes and other percussion.

Steph N-Smith telling
'The man who lost his luck'

And then it was our turn to entertain, it had got quite late but thankfully there was still time for a tale each. I chose to share an autobiographical story about visiting a hospital as a child and then years later as a patient.  I had faith that it was the right story for those listening and in such a place where lives are helped to be put back together, its lived out message of hope was well received. Steph and I were particularly heart warmed that one of the soldiers felt prompted to read a poem to his colleagues, our stories had done their work and invited others aboard...

We were sad to leave that evening, the place seemed so vibrant, and we had rubbed shoulders and imaginations with those who were relearning to value being fully alive.

Wykeham Tales salutes both the staff and soldiers at Tedworth House and looks forward to a return visit soon.  Click here to watch and  find out what amazing help they offer our forces and please support them if you can when you next see a Help for Heroes collection or event.

April Adventures

It has seemed a quiet month here on my website, though in reality has been anything but.
A whirl of stories, friends, visits, planning future events and learning new tales has kept me out of mischief. However the two most contrasting Hi-lights to mention have been:

Cozy warmth in the cellar!

The warmest welcome ever for Wykeham Tales in the Hyde Tavern Cellar, thanks to the borrowed Chiminea from my friend Mandy. The hiss, crackle and occasional roar of the flames accompanying our stories of Awakenings and Transformations. I loved the opportunity to tell a favourite tale "The Speedy Messenger" in this very special location, among true story lovers... magic!

"It was bedtime..."

vs: Telling chilling stories of a darker nature atThe Hub in Verwood, for a night of Ghost stories with The New Forest Storytellers.Each of us told a tale in different style and setting, enhanced with atmospheric live music from Gill Redmond, Graham and Pete. With theatrical lighting and an occasional puff from the smoke machine, it was an exciting venue to perform in and made a great evening out. However, my adaptation of 'The Sandman' had one or two of the audience checking under their beds before bedtime and listening out for noises on the stairs!

As May beckons I am excited by the amazing opportunities that are already planned, and eagerly await what else the month has in store...

"Such pretty pretty eyes..."

Dates for Your Diary:

8th April Wykeham Tales 8pm at The Hyde Tavern
  "Wishing and Maybe's"

16th May  New Forest Storytellers 8pm, at The Boston Tea Party Cafe, Ringwood. "Across the Seas and Over the Hills"

Hampshire Storyteller on the Manor Farm and Country Park Story Trail

Early last Sunday Morning six brave but chilly families turned out with me to explore the woods of Manor Farm and Country Park to follow the Story Trail.

Yet once we set off on our adventure the children became lost in their imaginations. They didn't appear to feel the cold and with the tide full in it enhanced the story perfectly.

The Pixie Bridge to Buttercup Meadow

Our trail took us for a walk of just over 1km on trail paths, stopping at places along the way to hear the next installment.  It was a tad muddy ... to be honest, where isn't at the moment? ... but with our wellies on we jumped our way through the puddles and kept smiling. A slight flurry of snow met us at the Pixie Bridge and added to the sense of awe and magic!

The Fairy Throne Seat

With our wings and elf hats on we stood near the jetty and heard of the great moot that was held among the woodland folk at midnight till the sun rose, with the King and Queen of the Fairies holding court from their thrones.

The children were delighted at the magical appearance of the wishing tree and stopped to make their own wishes.

Then to our utter amazement nature itself joined in, a curious little Robin red breast appeared, bobbing from fence post to fence post ahead of us, leading the way up the hill to the final story location!

I can't guarantee Robin will show up again, nor will you always find me, Suzanne the Storyteller flitting through the woods but its well worth checking out the tale trail for yourself. Click the link for details  of the Manor Farm trail and at other parks around Hampshire.

Wykeham Tales- Story Telling for March in Winchester

In like a lion ... out like a lamb 

The monthly theme in the story cellar this time stems from the above saying about the month of March.

At the moment the weather is realistically more "in like a polar bear and out like a penguin" 

However, this aside - do come and join us for stories about either to The Hyde Tavern, at 8 -10pm tomorrow, 13th of March.  

This event is open to both tellers and listeners without charge, but do bring some beer money to spend in the bar.
ps. Wrap up warm - though we aim to have the fire Roaring!

Manor Farm and Country Park Story Trail

Just got back from an exciting planning meeting with the lovely Katherine Gardiner, Education Officer at Manor Farm and Country Park.

We have been scheming together to co-ordinate a fabulous guided story walk to promote the story trail booklets available for use at Country Parks around Hampshire.

The Story of the Manor Farm Fairy Folk takes you on an accessible walk around the woodland paths taking in the beautiful park surroundings whilst stimulating your children's imagination with this magical tale.

On Sunday 24th March I will be leading groups for your delight & entertainment at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Get children in the mood by bringing your own wings, wands and fairy friends!

Click the link here: Story Trail Bookings  for more information or to make your booking call  the Farm Visitor Centre on 01489 787055

Cost per child: £5  Meet by the kiosk at Barnfield car park. Booking Essential.


Charge includes a set of 6 Story Trails at countryside sites around Hampshire. 

Each trail also has its own special bag with puppets, toys and other items that will help to bring the story to life. There is one bag for each Story Trail, so loans are subject to availability - for more information, please contact the staff at each location


https://www.facebook.com/ManorFarmCP

Storytelling for World Book Day 2013

Shirley Infants was the place to be in Southampton last Thursday for World Book Day. Staff, Children, and Storyteller alike were dressed up, full of enthusiasm, ready to celebrate the excitement of story adventures.

Each class took there turn to visit the music and drama room which I had decorated to help create a welcoming and imagination stimulating experience.



With my tales chosen to fit with recent topics and interests the children had lots of fun, and their eyes sparkled as they engaged with the stories I presented to them.

Reception children smiled and laughed at the antics of the Runaway Pancake and other farm based tales. Whilst Year 1 visualised a selection of adventures with  Princes and Brave Princesses, dragons, and giants - they were so caught up at times that they even turned around to look behind them at key moments to see the approach of new characters and scenery descriptions. I love such truly magical moments where for a time the invisible becomes visable by the suggestion of the spoken word alone.

Year 2 children explored a Wondertale together, with the opportunity to imagine and draw their own mystical creatures which I then endeavoured to incorporate into the action of the story. Their young minds created some fabulous yet scary guardians of the magic waters and many felt rightly proud to hear their ideas become part of the tale for their classmates to hear.

Teachers were impressed with their classes listening and engagement, as was I. When each set of stories finished there were contented sighs and a moment of satisfied silence while we gently landed us back in the real world!

Thank you Shirley Infants for a fabulous day, I would love to come back and see you again...

Hampshire Storytellers Celebrate a Year of Tales in Winchester

Good Cake, Good Company, Great Stories!

It may have been as as cold as it was on the 2nd Wednesday of February 2012, yet  in the cellar of the Hyde Tavern - Winchester spirits were high and the stories flowing.

It's hard to believe that we've made it to our first birthday as a story club without missing a single month, but mission accomplished! Throughout the year the humble walls of our now beloved cellar have become saturated with tales on a wide range of topics, including Animal Antics, Helpers & Heroes, Treasures & Gifts, Flaming June and Stories of Snow and Ice...

Our evening began with my telling of 'The Monkey and the Jellyfish' the first story told when the club opened in the cellar, and then we moved into tales of celebratory occasions and feasting. Among them: How Boots Fooled the King, The Three Dolls, Cape of Rushes, and The Vanishing Boy.

Also shared (between mouthfuls of cake), were personal reminiscences of listeners own Birthdays and celebrations. Most memorable being Emma's tale of a party on the beach in where well meaning villagers presented her with the choice delicacies from the Birthday feast... chicken head and feet!

To my delight our gathering brought to mind something I had forgotten for many years. At my 6th Birthday party my Father sat my guests down after tea and begin to spin a story about finding a magical tree. He left the room only to return with a small potted tree covered with lollipops. I guess storytelling is more in my blood than I had remembered - Thank you Dad for your gift of imagination.

I adore the way stories give birth to other stories and memories in our minds. It is a continual source of wonder to me and what makes such gatherings, face to face, with openness and laughter together something worth preserving and promoting. Here's to another year and more besides!

My musings on the evening would not be complete without expressing heartfelt thanks to Steph with whom I co-host 'Wykeham Tales', who bravely said "I can't believe a City like Winchester has no Story Club" and dared to dream it into being.

Thank you to Jill who came all the way up from Christchurch to tell us a story, as she did on our very first night in 2012. Also a big 'hurrah' to Janet who told her first story and was fabulous, we look forward to hearing more.

 Mike Rogers, you were sorely missed and I'll bake cake again for you in March... if anyone else wants a piece you'll have to turn up for yourself and join us.

Find out for yourself what the most friendly club in Winchester is like, March 13th gathering 7.30pm onwards in the Hyde Tavern bar for an 8pm start in the cellar.