On Thursday I was invited along to the Language Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/LearnEnglishAberdeen/) to do a storytelling workshop for adults who are improving their spoken English.  There was a great turn out with 32 people there with everyone willing to have a go.  After an introduction and fun warm up, we split into groups to each tell one truth about ourselves and one lie with the others in the group guessing which was which.  Participants then had the chance to expand – turning it into a story!
I then told one of my favourite Scottish Tales – The Laird of Morphie.

To find out more about the group, go to their Facebook page (linked above)

“Want to learn English or improve your language skills in Aberdeen? This page will have up-to-date information about classes, conversation practice, and relevant events. It’s updated by people from a range of organisations, including Grampian Regional Equality Council, Aberdeen City Council, various Community Centres, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen College, the Workers Education Institute, International House, and others.”

Weel it’s been a grand wik for tellin stories!

On Wednesday night I was privileged to join friends and fellow storytellers at an event at the Elphinstone Institute celebrating the stories of Stanley Robertson who passed away 10 years ago.  Stanley, his stories and his songs have been a huge influence to me and many others and it was jist braw to settle back and listen to some of the best.

The Elphinstone Institute said
“What a wonderful evening of stories in honour of Stanley Robertson! Many thanks to his son, Anthony Robertson, for compering the evening and inviting family and friends.

Hae a look at aa the photies here – https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fei.folklore%2Fposts%2F3818578651500470&width=500

I’m looking forward to telling a wee story at this event on Wednesday – part of the Celebration of Stanley Robertson’s life and contribution to storytelling and song!

It’s that time of year again! 
The Doric Film Festival are taking submissions for the 2020 Festival (hae a keek here – https://doricfilmfestival.com/)

I’ve only just seen the school’s winner from 2019 – Meethill Primary in Peterheid! Myself and Claire Needler worked with the bairns on their script and storyboard and helped them write their song!  I think they were weel deserved winners!

Last week Skene Square Primary School here in Aberdeen opened their newly spruced up library!  Fizzy and I were lucky enough to get invited along to tell stories to all the classes from Nursery to P7.

Super listeners and a super new setting to tell some tales!  Thanks for having us 😀

What a great way to spend our first visit to the new library! Thank you so much Pauline and Fizzy 🥰🧚‍♂️ #storytelling #earlyyearsscotland #storysetting #fizzythefairy pic.twitter.com/NPcjMimg29

— Skene Square School (@SkeneSquare) December 4, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Next Wednesday in Oldmeldrum!

https://aberdeenshire.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL&RNI=8174377&fbclid=IwAR3G2qPxTN3RRqMlmf4gQdUdoHlI392DKgxj4nQYgmB1FDp_WSCk_jeACRU

“Come along to Charles Michies, 391 Union Street, Aberdeen for some magical advertures with Fizzy the Elf. Stories for children of all ages. 11am – 2pm in the cafe.

FREE – BOOKING NOT NECESSARY”

https://www.facebook.com/events/2469424876679668/?active_tab=about

(Actually I’ll be telling most of the stories – Fizzy will be doing her best to help 😉 )

“Storytime for grown-ups. Join local storyteller Pauline Cordiner for some local myths, legends, humorous stories and terrifying tales and perhaps even a wee song to celebrate Book Week Scotland. Booking essential. This is a free event funded by the Scottish Book Trust”

Next Wednesday night at Portlethen Library. Tickets are free and can be reserved in advance from https://aberdeenshire.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/EVSESENQ/63880289/48249918,1

https://www.facebook.com/events/400070277337431/

I’ve really been enjoying the research for this event – held on the 16th November at Macduff Marine Aquarium!  More details below.

Busting Sea Myths with Macduff Marine Aquarium
Contact: Marie Dare, Macduff Marine Aquarium Learning Officer

 Mermaids, krakens, sirens, selkies; the sea has inspired tales of fantastical creatures and monsters that have been passed down the generations for hundreds of years. Joining in the ‘spooktacular’ seasonal celebrations, Macduff Marine Aquarium will be exploring murky tales of old during a special Aquarium by Night event on the evening of Saturday 16^th November. The aquarium will be opening its doors after dark, to delve into the realm of monsters, folklore and the origins of these sea stories, with the exciting ‘Busting Sea Myths’ show.

For those who have ever wondered about sea monsters, this is a night not to be missed!

The unique event will see culture, storytelling and literature come together with natural history and science to explore how sea myths started, were perpetuated and live on, even to this day. Local storyteller Pauline Cordiner will be bringing to life the tales of our favourite mysterious beasts of the deep, and teaming up with the aquarium’s own Learning Officer, Marie Dare, for a sprinkling of marine science.

Marie said ‘The oceans have always held a special fascination for us landlubbers and tales of sea monsters exist in cultures all around the world. The oceans are still largely unexplored and new species are frequently discovered so who knows what mysteries are still hidden within its depths. While we hope to dispel people’s fear of sea monsters, we would like visitors to leave with a sense of wonder at the diversity and vastness of the oceans.’

The event will run from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. There will be a treasure hunt with a real treasure reward at the end for those with enough pluck to complete it! There will also be a make and take monster printing station – as well as the chance to see the aquarium in a whole new light!

The Busting Sea Myths show will run at 5pm and again at 5:45pm. Space in the shows is limited so visitors are encouraged to pre-book their tickets by calling or emailing the aquarium at 01261 833 369 or macduff.aquarium@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Normal entry prices apply.