Why are stories important?

To celebrate National Storytelling Week 2014 we decided to think about what stories mean to us. Our projects all involve some element of story, not only storytelling performances but also sharing personal stories which help build confidence in all sorts of amazing ways. We love taking time to stop and listen to other people's stories too.

So this is why stories matter to us....

1) Because they have true meaning of what it's like to have a disability (Katie)
2) They can help anyone with problems by seeing people in stories going through the same thing (Ruth)


Salisbury Playhouse/Dominic Parkes

3) It brings out the shine in people and they are always full of joy (Clemma)
4) Because it feels good to share experiences (Lara)
5) Because it's a way of communicating with people and building friendships (Cindy)
6) They spark your imagination (Emma)
7) Because they are a living history (Emma)

Salisbury Playhouse/Dominic Parkes

8) Because they are fun and enjoyable to perform and watch (Katie)
9) We can learn history of the world and history of everywhere (Ruth)
10) They brings happiness to people and it brings a sparkle to their eyes hearing delightful stories (Clemma)


A great team (with Sounding Out Somerset)



What do you think - why are stories important to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts too....






PARLIAMENT WEEK BY ROBIN.

I attended a Parliament week session for people with L.D called 'Ask your question'. 

30 People asked different questions about important issues such as disability hate crime.  

I did the pictures for the Parliament week website. This was the first 'Ask your question' for people with L.D.   

Merry Christmas

This is our last day before Christmas and we were feeling Christmassy. So we are sending you a happy Christmas picture. hope you have a lovely holiday.



And check out our Happy Christmas message on our Facebook page.

Dick Whittington By Clemma, Robin and Suzie

On Monday we all met up at the Frome office and we went to Salisbury playhouse, to watch the Dick Whittington panto which was very good. We all decided that going to the panto was a nice Christmas outing, for us all even the food was lovely the gammon and chips and pineapple was delicious and the pudding was lovely as well. I thought the king rat was horrible and smelly and Dick's mother was very funny, we all had a very good delightful day. and everyone's company was nice, I liked the the cat she was very feisty and great. Robin thought the pantomime was very good and had a lot of comic scenes, his favourite thing was where they sailed from London to Las Vegas. His favourite character was the cat because she always looked after Dick and fought out the horrible rats. Ruth says- the main things was the small cast, gave the impression of the being a lot of people in the play, Ruth's favourite thing was the pantomime Dame she thought she was good, Suzie liked the king rat he was intelligent. Lara says- I liked the slapstick scene in the tea shop when the cheese monger sat in the cream cheese. Clemma and Robin also liked the bit where Dick's mum came up in the lift from the basement because the music sounded like the Paul O'Grady show that was hilarious. 

Old Friends Meet Up exhibition by Robin

12th November 2013 saw the opening of an amazing exhibition at the Black Swan Arts Centre in Frome. You may remember that this was a collection of memories, pictures, films,exhibits from residents and staff from long stay institutions for people with learning disabilities. Members of Openstorytellers were very much involved in the research, preparation and setting up the exhibition.

I loved drawing the pictures of people's memories, and setting them up on the morning of the exhibition. I really enjoyed getting involved in setting up the exhibition and was excited to see my pictures up at at last and helping to put Howard's video on the screen. 












The Black Swan staff were very helpful and produced lovely food for the evening.

Great speeches were given by Brian, Blanche, Penny and Nicola at the official opening. 

There were lovely pictures on display of Brian and Christine, former residents, and of Jean, a former member of staff. They and Vince and Ronnie and a nurse called Paul had contributed lots of memories and stories for this exhibition.















Lots of people came to the exhibition; they were interested and often deeply moved. The Mayor of Frome came too. Due to popular demand, we are hoping that the exhibition will return in January and that there will be  special event around this time.

If you'd like to visit our web site, info@openstorytellers.org.uk, you can watch the film from this exhibition for yourselves.

Hate and Mate crime information event 24 10 13

We went to a hate and mate event at Flouirsh home in wells. we saw lots of stalls run by the police it was to make us more aware of their support and we saw a film about a man with learning disability.   It a was very interesting day.

Living memories - Old Friends Meet Up by Robin and Ruth.

Next Tuesday 12.11.13 will be the opening of a fascinating new exhibition in the Black Swan Art Centre in Frome and this will run for 2 weeks.
This exhibition will bring together people and their memories of their earlier lives in residential care for people with learning disabilities. I have been doing drawings and Brian's been giving me ideas.