Previous Message Return to Archive 2002 Next Message

Archive Number 2508

Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2003 17:57:10 EST
From: List Subscriber
Subject: UK National Storytelling week 1st - 6th Feb 2003






Hi folks. - delurking again

As some of you know, as well as being a lurker on this list I am also a
director of the Society for Storytelling in the UK.

I am just letting you know about National Storytelling Week which will be
1st-8th Feb in the UK this year. This is the third year and the intention is
to support and encourage schools, museums, arts centres or anyone to put on a
storytelling event and let people know that this tradition is alive and
kicking! Last year over 300 events were held around England and Wales, and
this year there will be even more . Details of planned events are on
www.sfs.org .uk- and more are coming in every day.

This week was chosen because it coincides with the old church calendar
festival of Candlemas, which falls on the 2nd of February. Part of the old
rituals for this festival includes a blessing on the throat, a prime tool in
the store of nearly every storyteller. The Society for Storytelling was set
up to promote the oldest art form in the world. Storytelling (as people on
this list will know) is at the root of every art form: we think in story
form, make sense of our world in narrative - from something we've seen,
through last night's television, to what family and folk stories we remember
and retell. Performance storytelling can be a powerful experience, both
entertaining and moving. Story is also the traditional medium of
communication from generation to generation, a tool for education and
therapy.

The Society for Storytelling provides advice on organising and publicising
events, possible sources for funding information. We publish the Directory of
Storytellers, which provides detailed information on over 150 storytellers
throughout the UK. Plus we have a link page on our website to publicise
events, promote networking and encourage the sharing of information and
ideas. There is also a National Storytelling Week Pack contains information
on promoting storytelling events, storytelling in schools, libraries museums
and art galleries. If you want it in a pretty cover you can ring 020 8866
4232 , or e-mail me and i'll send you a zipped version.

Please do look out for events and go and listen to some good stories.

We are beginning to plan events and contacts for next year- if you think your
club or organisation may be interested in getting involved in some way-
please get in touch !

Cheers


Janet Dowling
from little acorns mighty oaks do grow