Category Archives: Classic Stories

February cold is here

So that surely is a great time to get writing and crafting and telling. Perfect time for cosy fireside tales, quiet reflection and dark and magical enchantments. Time to recall the stories from childhood – who told what and to whom …

When I was young my Grandfather used to tell me a story about Paddington. No, not the bear. He would tell me about the station and all the different trains that visited – their distant journeys and their exotic passengers and the quiet corners of the station that cosseted its secrets and allowed those who wished, to hide from their fellow travellers. London seemed such a long distance and time away back then.

The Blue Rose

I loved this story as a child so when I rediscovered it a little while back I turned it into a poem. You can read it here.

It’s the story of a king’s search for a suitor for his daughter. It needed to be someone who would prove worthy of her wisdom and intelligence of course. You may remember it – an impossible task to seek out a blue rose. I’ve still got my copy of ‘The Favourite Wonder Book’ and so have been able to re-read this and other familiar stories in adulthood. This particular story can also be found online here.

Wooden Tony

I must find a copy of ‘Wooden Tony’ by Lucy Lane Clifford. This was the inspiration to tonight’s wonderful adaptation of ‘The Boy at the Edge of the Room’ presented by Forest Forge at Bridport Arts Centre. Written a long time before autism was diagnosed and around the same time as Pinochio, it tells the story of a boy who longs to retreat into a ‘life’ as a wooden puppet. Somewhat tense and reflective and yet very moving. Great to hear the writer in conversation afterwards too and to get an insight into his and the actors’ motivation.

Story-telling Café

Another wonderful evening at Bridport Arts Centre. I do so enjoy the story-telling café events. Each one has been so rich and varied. It’s almost impossible to make comparison. Last night was a fresh working of a silkie (or selkie) tale – a seal which sheds its skin to take on human form. Entitled ‘Under her Skin’, it was a beautiful crafting of fine words and music and so energetic. If you get the chance to see either Debs Newbold (storyteller) or Laurel Swift (musician) then do – their energies are contagious and heart-warming.