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...