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